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The APS (Admission Point Score) is one of the most important requirements when applying to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). It is a numerical score that converts your Grade 12 subject results into points used for admission screening. Each programme at Wits has a minimum APS requirement, and meeting it is the first step before your application is considered for selection.
Wits uses a specific APS method based on National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. The calculation includes your best seven subjects, and it also follows a fixed points system set by the university. According to official Wits admission guidelines, English and Mathematics play an important role in APS calculation, and Life Orientation is included but weighted differently.
Wits APS
The Wits APS is a scoring system used to measure your academic performance in Grade 12. It helps the university decide if you qualify for a specific course.
Each subject mark is converted into points using a Wits-approved scale. These points are then added together to form your total APS score.
Wits uses APS to:
- Compare applicants fairly
- Set minimum entry requirements
- Filter applications for competitive programmes
- Ensure academic readiness for university study
Your APS does not guarantee admission. It only shows whether you meet the minimum academic threshold for a programme.
What Subjects Are Used in Wits APS Calculation?
Wits calculates APS using your best seven subjects, including Life Orientation.
The general rules include:
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language) is compulsory
- Mathematics is required for most Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Health Sciences programmes
- Life Orientation is included but has lower weighting
- The best seven subjects are selected automatically
Wits also includes faculty specific subjects depending on your chosen degree.
This means your APS may differ depending on the course you apply for.
How Does the Wits APS Points System Work?
Each subject percentage is converted into a point value. The higher your marks, the higher your APS points.
Typical Wits APS conversion works like this:
- 90–100% = 8 points
- 80–89% = 7 points
- 70–79% = 6 points
- 60–69% = 5 points
- 50–59% = 4 points
- 40–49% = 3 points
- Below 40% = 0 points
Life Orientation uses a lower scoring scale compared to other subjects, so it contributes fewer points to the total APS.
English and Mathematics may also receive additional weighting in some cases depending on performance bands used by Wits.
How to Calculate Your Wits APS Step by Step
Calculating your APS is simple once you understand the system.
Follow these steps:
- Take your final Grade 12 marks for all subjects
- Convert each percentage into APS points using the Wits table
- Identify your best seven subjects
- Include Life Orientation in the calculation
- Ensure required subjects like Mathematics and English are included
- Add all seven APS values together
The final number is your total APS score.
Example:
If your subjects convert into points like this:
- English = 7
- Mathematics = 6
- Physical Science = 6
- Life Orientation = 2
- Other best subjects = 5, 5, 4
Total APS = 35
What is the Minimum APS for Wits Courses?
Each programme at Wits has its own APS requirement.
Examples include:
- Commerce degrees: often 38–43 APS range
- Engineering programmes: usually 42+ APS range
- Health Sciences: often 45+ APS range or higher
- Humanities degrees: lower APS ranges depending on subject
Even if you meet the APS requirement, you may still need specific subject marks such as Mathematics or Physical Science.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Calculating APS?
Many applicants calculate APS incorrectly. Common mistakes include:
- Using only six subjects instead of seven
- Forgetting Life Orientation
- Excluding compulsory subjects like English
- Mixing up percentage marks with APS points
- Using incorrect conversion tables
Wits uses its own official calculation method, so unofficial calculators may give slightly different results.
Why Your Wits APS Might Still Not Be Enough
Even with a good APS score, admission is not guaranteed.
This is because Wits also considers:
- Programme capacity
- Subject requirements
- Competition from other applicants
- Faculty selection criteria
Highly competitive courses may require much higher APS scores than the minimum listed.
Final Note on Using the Wits APS Calculator
The Wits APS calculator is a simple but important tool for understanding your chances of admission. Once you know your score, you can compare it with programme requirements and decide which courses you qualify for.
Always check your APS early before applying so you can adjust your subject choices or programme selection if needed.