UNISA is the largest distance learning university in Africa, and it is one of the most common places South African students look when planning their studies. Whether you could not get into a contact university, want to study while working, or are returning to education after a gap, UNISA is usually on the list.
But before you apply, you need to know your APS. And the way UNISA works it out is slightly different from most other universities in South Africa.
This guide explains the UNISA APS formula from start to end, with a conversion table, a worked example, and the minimum scores you need for different types of programmes.
How UNISA Calculates APS
Most South African universities calculate APS using your best six NSC subjects and leave Life Orientation out completely. UNISA does not do that.
UNISA uses the standard 7-point scale and includes all seven subjects, including Life Orientation. The maximum possible APS score at UNISA is 49.
That is a meaningful difference. At a university like Wits or UP, your LO mark is ignored entirely. At UNISA, it counts at full value the same as every other subject. If you scored well in Life Orientation, your UNISA APS will be higher than your APS at most other institutions. If you scored poorly in LO, it pulls your total down slightly.
The fact that UNISA includes all seven subjects is why you should never assume your APS from one university applies to another. Always calculate specifically for the institution you are applying to.
The UNISA APS Conversion Table
UNISA uses the standard NSC achievement level to APS points conversion. Here it is:
NSC Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|
Level 7 | 80 - 100% | 7 |
Level 6 | 70 - 79% | 6 |
Level 5 | 60 - 69% | 5 |
Level 4 | 50 - 59% | 4 |
Level 3 | 40 - 49% | 3 |
Level 2 | 30 - 39% | 2 |
Level 1 | 0 - 29% | 1 |
You apply this table to all seven of your NSC subjects, including Life Orientation, and add up the points. That total is your UNISA APS.
A Worked Example
Say your matric results look like this:
English Home Language: 65% = Level 5 = 5 points
Mathematics: 52% = Level 4 = 4 points
Life Sciences: 70% = Level 6 = 6 points
History: 58% = Level 4 = 4 points
Geography: 63% = Level 5 = 5 points
Business Studies: 47% = Level 3 = 3 points
Life Orientation: 72% = Level 6 = 6 points
Add them all up: 5 + 4 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 6 = 33 points
That is your UNISA APS. And because LO is included at full value, that 72% in Life Orientation contributed 6 points to your total, the same as a 72% in any of your academic subjects.
What APS Do You Need at UNISA?
UNISA does not use a single APS requirement for all programmes. Each qualification has its own minimum, and they vary more than students expect.
A score of 21 or above qualifies you for most bachelor's degrees at UNISA. But that is the general minimum, not the competitive score. Some programmes fill up quickly and require higher scores in practice.
Here is a general breakdown by qualification type:
Qualification Type | Approximate Minimum APS |
|---|
Higher Certificate | 15 - 18 |
Diploma | 18 - 20 |
Bachelor's Degree (general) | 21 - 23 |
BEd (Teaching degree) | 23 |
LLB (Law) | 23 - 27 |
BCom | 23 - 27 |
BSc | 24 - 30 |
These are general ranges. The specific APS for your chosen programme is listed on the UNISA prospectus. Always check the exact requirement for your programme before submitting an application.
One thing worth noting is that meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission to UNISA. Students are accommodated based on available spaces for each qualification, so even if you meet the minimum, you are not automatically in. Submitting your application early gives you a better chance of securing a space before they fill up.
English Is Not Optional at UNISA
Regardless of the programme you choose, English is a requirement. English is mandatory for all UNISA programmes. You need at least a Level 4 in English Home Language or First Additional Language, which is 50% or above, for most programmes. Some programmes require Level 5. Check the specific requirement for your chosen qualification.
If your English mark is below the required level, it does not matter what the rest of your APS looks like. You will not meet the admission requirements until that subject is at the right level.
UNISA vs Other Universities: What the Difference Means
Because UNISA includes Life Orientation and other universities do not, your UNISA APS will almost always be higher than your APS at those institutions.
For example, a student with an APS of 28 at Wits (which excludes LO) might have an APS of 32 or 33 at UNISA once LO is added at full value. Those are two different numbers describing the same matric results.
This is one of the reasons why using a university-specific APS calculator matters. You can read more about how different universities treat LO in this article: Which South African Universities Include Life Orientation in APS.
What If You Do Not Meet the UNISA APS Requirement?
UNISA actually has more entry flexibility than most contact universities. If your APS falls below the requirement for a bachelor's degree, you can apply for a Higher Certificate in a related field first.
Once you complete the Higher Certificate, you can apply for the degree the following year. It is a longer path, but it is a genuine one. UNISA also accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for applicants who are 23 or older with relevant work experience. If you do not meet the requirements, UNISA may consider alternative qualifications or RPL as a way forward.
If you have already applied elsewhere and been rejected while you figure out your options, this is worth reading: How to Handle University Rejection and Keep Going.
And if you are still deciding between a diploma, a certificate, or a full degree, this article covers the practical differences: Differences Between a Diploma and a Certificate Course.