Understanding the APS (Admission Point Score) and NSC Pass Requirements
What is the APS?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a crucial tool used by universities in South Africa to determine a student’s eligibility for admission to their various programs. The APS is calculated based on the percentage marks obtained in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. Each percentage range corresponds to a specific APS point value, as outlined below:
APS Weightings
| Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 0%-29% | 1 |
| 30%-39% | 2 |
| 40%-49% | 3 |
| 50%-59% | 4 |
| 60%-69% | 5 |
| 70%-79% | 6 |
| 80%-100% | 7 |
NSC Pass Requirements
The NSC pass requirements are divided into four levels, each determining the type of post-secondary education a student can pursue. These levels are:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Higher Certificate Pass
- Special Needs Education Pass (SNE)
1. Bachelor’s Degree Pass Requirements
To achieve a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain at least 40% in Home Language.
- Obtain at least 50% in four subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Obtain at least 30% in one other subject.
- Pass at least six out of seven subjects.
With this pass, students can apply to study for a bachelor’s degree at a university.
2. Diploma Pass Requirements
To achieve a Diploma Pass, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain at least 40% in Home Language.
- Obtain at least 40% in three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Pass at least six out of seven subjects.
With this pass, students can apply to study for a diploma at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or university of technology.
3. Higher Certificate Pass Requirements
To achieve a Higher Certificate Pass, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain at least 40% in Home Language.
- Obtain at least 40% in three subjects.
- Obtain at least 30% in three other subjects.
- Pass at least six out of seven subjects.
With this pass, students can apply to study for a higher certificate program.
4. Special Needs Education Pass (SNE)
To achieve an NSC with an endorsement in Special Needs Education (SNE), a student must meet the following criteria:
- Obtain at least 30% in the required official language at either Home Language or First Additional Language level.
- Obtain at least 30% in four other subjects.
Candidates who offer a minimum of five subjects must achieve at least 30% in all five subjects to obtain the NSC SNE endorsed certificate.
Importance of APS and NSC Pass Requirements
Understanding the APS and the NSC pass requirements is essential for students as they prepare for their future academic and career paths. By knowing the points associated with their exam scores and the specific requirements for different types of post-secondary education, students can better plan their studies and ensure they meet the necessary criteria for their desired programs.
Additionally, these requirements highlight the importance of consistent performance across all subjects, as failing to meet the criteria in even one subject can impact a student’s eligibility for higher education opportunities. Therefore, students are encouraged to focus on all subjects and strive to achieve the highest possible marks to maximize their APS and expand their post-secondary options.