What Is the Lowest APS Score

By Klenam JU •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

There is always excitement around the matric results. While some may be positive, the negative also raised concerns among individuals. 

Whatever the outcome may be, there are consequences that follow after knowing your matric results. So what happens if your matric result is low? What comes next?

This and many other questions may hit your mind once you anticipate your matric results. There is always equal anticipation and joy surrounding this revealing. 

The Matriculation Exam results reflect academic achievement and open doors for future opportunities. These things show commitment, determination, and hard work. What if the results reveal an APS score that is lower than expected?

In all these aspects, the APS score interprets your performance into simple meaning. The admission point score is a real indicator that calculates and sums up your academic performance in all subjects and the various chances ahead of you.

Remember that the APS score is just a number and does not define your entire achievement.

What is an APS score?

An APS score which is also an admission point score, is a numerical valuation that assesses the eligibility of an individual’s performance.

 In South Africa, APS scores are used to check if a student qualifies for higher education, scholarship, or further tutoring. 

All educational institutions in South Africa use APS scores at the high school level to determine the academic achievement of an individual. 

The APS system plays a crucial role in creating a fair and inclusive admissions process. It helps ensure that everyone has an equal chance of getting admitted based on their merits while also addressing past inequalities.

In South Africa, the admission point score is really important because it helps to evaluate and compare the academic achievements of students who are applying for higher education. 

What Is The Lowest APS Score You Can Get?

When applying for tertiary education in South Africa, the minimum Admission Point Score plays a vital role. The APS is a scoring system that universities and colleges use to evaluate the academic achievements of potential students. The calculation is done based on the final result. In South Africa, students need to earn at least 14 points to successfully pass the Matriculation examination.

Although the APS score is used as a benchmark for eligibility, each university usually has its own set of entry requirements that students must fulfil to be considered for admission. 

The minimum APS score that is standardized is 14 points. There are cases where others could have below 14 points.

Considering the entry requirements into tertiary, the minimum APS score that is regarded as is 14; anything below will not grant you the chance to have tertiary education. 

However, there are cases where individuals could have as low as 6 points, meaning 1 point from each of the 6 subjects written.

What Is A Good APS Score?

Anything good can be considered acceptable, desired, approved, or has a high standard. But when we talk about a good APS score, can we redefine it to make it simpler?

A good APS score is considered to be a score that usually meets the high standards of most of the tertiaries in South Africa.

It is desired for many to have a good APS score, but what may be classified as good for university A may not be classified as good for University B. 

In all this, there is a classification and grouping for what is considered a good APS score. And these are done based on protection, history, and analysis. If your APS score is 36 points or above, it is generally regarded as a positive indicator of your academic abilities. If you have an APS score of more than 36 points, it can be termed as good.

But remember, some universities may have their own standards of APS scores being good. 

What APS Do You Need For University?

It is necessary for every individual to prepare and anticipate the best. While looking out for your results, the ultimate goal is to gain admission into the university. 

The educational system is so open to accommodate individuals who may have the tendency to be good but do not meet the required APS score. And these are special cases that do happen. This minor alteration occurs to motivate and give room to the vulnerable.

While you wait for your results, it is important to know what the university expects from you, the individual, in terms of APS score. It is possible to enter the university with an APS score of 16, but there is no guarantee to study a diploma or bachelor’s course. 

While a lower APS score can give you the chance to study a course at the university, it does not allow individuals to fully commit to a full program.

In South Africa, most universities consider an APS score of 19 and above. If you are looking to go to the university, you need to have an APS score of not less than 19 points. 

How Do You Calculate APS Score?

To calculate your APS score, you need to know the allocated points for the percentage of the subjects’ scores. The points that are accumulated for every subject are added up until all 6 subject points have been added up. With reference to the below percentages and points, you need to add the points gotten for each subject to calculate your total APS Score.

For example, if you wrote 6 subjects, all points scored for these subjects must be summed up to give you your APS score. 

80% – 100% = 7 points

70% – 79% = 6 points

60% – 69% = 5 points

50% – 59% = 4 points

40% – 49% = 3 points

30% – 39% = 2 points

0% – 29% = 1 point

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