Unisa APS: How to Calculate Unisa Admission Point Score 2026/2027

This is an article that contains a guide to calculating your UNISA APS (Admission Point Score) for the 2026 academic year. We have adopted the selection criteria for various courses for the coming admission year.

HOW TO CALCULATE THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA, UNISA ADMISSION POINT SCORE

The formula used in calculating the UNISA admission point score is a summation of all six (6) best high school subjects (excluding Life Orientation); the total points you get is your admission point score. Kindly check below for an illustration and an example of the APS.

Please note: Meeting the minimum APS for a qualification does not guarantee admission. Unisa operates on a limited intake basis for most undergraduate programmes. Where demand is high, the actual score needed to be accepted may be well above the stated minimum. Applicants should also ensure they meet all subject-specific requirements in addition to the overall APS.

College of Accounting Sciences

Extended Bachelor Degrees (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 50% in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the mathematics requirement of the 3-year programme but who have achieved 50% or more but less than 60% will be placed in this extended programme. The programme will require students to complete the following modules before they can commence with the 3-year programme: ENG1513: Foundations in English for University Study FAC1500: Basic Accounting FBN1501: Business Numerical Skills A FBN1502: Business Numerical Skills B FEC1501: Understanding the Economy
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the mathematics requirement of the 3-year programme but who have achieved 50% or more but less than 60% will be placed in this extended programme. The programme will require students to complete the following modules before they can commence with the 3-year programme: ENG1513: Foundations in English for University Study FAC1500: Basic Accounting FBN1501: Business Numerical Skills A FBN1502: Business Numerical Skills B FEC1501: Understanding the Economy
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements for admission to the extended bachelor degree curriculum should consider applying for the Diploma in Accounting Sciences, the Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences, or the Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences.

Bachelor Degrees (3-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 60% in Mathematics Applicants who do not meet this requirement but who have achieved 50% or more but less than 60% will be placed in the extended programme (see above).	None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	At least a C symbol on HG or a B symbol on SG in Mathematics	None
An appropriate Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences
An appropriate Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences
An appropriate Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
An appropriate Diploma in Accounting or Accounting Sciences
Applicants who do not meet the minimum mathematics requirement indicated above but who have a mark of 50% or more but less than 60% (the D symbol on HG) should still apply for this bachelor degree. Once you have applied, you will be redirected through the selection process to the extended bachelor degree programme (4 years) listed above.

Diplomas

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 40% in Mathematics	None
A Senior Certificate (SC)	At least a D symbol in the language of teaching and learning	At least an E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics	None
A Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
A Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences
An Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC)	At least 30% in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
A Senior Certificate (SC)	At least an F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4	At least 40% in the language of teaching and learning	None	None

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Science degree (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Physical Science requirement
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	50% in Mathematics	50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualifying for exemption from the Matriculation Board	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics, and 50% in Physical Science will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following: To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F) To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511) To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q) All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies.

Bachelor of Science degree (3-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Physical Science requirement
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	50% in Mathematics	50% in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualifying for exemption from the Matriculation Board	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science if any Chemistry or Physics modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification
Applicants who have not obtained at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics, and 50% in Physical Science will be limited to 48 credits at NQF level 5 in their first period of study and must register for the following: To meet the language requirements: two language proficiency modules (ENG1511 and ENN103F) To meet the Mathematics requirement: a Mathematics module (MAT0511) To meet the Physical Science requirement: a Science module (SMI181Q) All 48 credits must be passed before the student may continue with degree studies.

Extended Bachelor of Consumer Sciences degree (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	40% in Mathematics	None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualifying for exemption from the Matriculation Board	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics	None
To enter a degree programme, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Bachelor of Consumer Science degree (3-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	40% in Mathematics	None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualifying for matriculation exemption from the Matriculation Board	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics	None
An appropriate higher certificate in agriculture and environmental sciences or a related field
To enter a degree programme, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 20, and must be eligible for admission to degree studies. Applicants with an APS score of between 20 and 24 will be considered for the extended 4-year degree curriculum, where applicable. Applicants with an APS score of 25 or higher will be considered for the 3-year degree curriculum. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Bachelor of Arts degree

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualifying for exemption from the Matriculation Board	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
An appropriate higher certificate
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Diplomas

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement	50% in the language of teaching and learning	50% in Mathematics	40% in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
A Senior Certificate (SC)	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	A D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics	An E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Physical Science, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences
To meet diploma qualifications, applicants have to comply with all the admission requirements, including a minimum APS score of 18, and must be eligible for admission to diploma studies. Applicants with an APS score of 18 to 20 will be considered for the extended 4-year diploma curriculum, where applicable. Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower-level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Higher Certificates

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC)	30% in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
A Senior Certificate (SC)	An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	An F symbol on HG or an E symbol on SG in Mathematics	None
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)	30% in the language of teaching and learning in terms of the NSC	40% in Mathematics in terms of the NSC	None

College of Economic and Management Sciences

Extended Bachelor Degrees (4-year programme)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 40% in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the mathematics requirement of the 3-year programme but who have achieved between 40% and 49% will be placed in this extended 4-year programme. The programme will require students to complete the following modules before they can commence with a 3-year programme: ENG1513: Foundations in English for University Study FAC1500: Basic Accounting FBN1501: Business Numerical Skills A FBN1502: Business Numerical Skills B FEC1501: Understanding the Economy
A Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption or who qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board	At least a D symbol on HG or C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	At least an E symbol on HG or a D symbol on SG in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the mathematics requirement of the 3-year programme but who have achieved between 40% and 49% will be placed in this extended 4-year programme. The programme will require students to complete the following modules before they can commence with a 3-year programme: ENG1513: Foundations in English for University Study FAC1500: Basic Accounting FBN1501: Business Numerical Skills A FBN1502: Business Numerical Skills B FEC1501: Understanding the Economy
An appropriate diploma offered by the College of Economic and Management Sciences
An appropriate higher certificate offered by the College of Economic and Management Sciences
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements for admission to the 4-year bachelor degree curriculum should consider applying for a lower-level qualification, such as a higher certificate or diploma, for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Bachelor Degrees (3-year programme)

(360-credit curriculum that can be completed in 3 years)

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 50% in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the Mathematics requirement but who have achieved between 40% and 49% for Mathematics will be placed in the extended 4-year programme (see above)
A Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption or who qualify for exemption from the Matriculation Board	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics	Applicants who do not meet the Mathematics requirement but who have achieved between 40% and 49% for Mathematics will be placed in the extended 4-year programme (see above)
An appropriate diploma offered by the College of Economic and Management Sciences
An appropriate higher certificate offered by the College of Economic and Management Sciences
Applicants who do not meet the minimum mathematics requirement indicated above but who have a mark of between 40% and 49% (the E symbol on HG) should still apply for this bachelor degree. Once you have applied, you will be redirected through the selection process to the extended bachelor degree curriculum (4 years) listed above.

Diplomas

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	At least 40% in Mathematics	Or at least 70% in Maths Literacy
A Senior Certificate (SC)	At least a D symbol in the language of teaching and learning	At least an E symbol in Mathematics
An appropriate higher certificate
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements for admission to the diploma should consider applying for any of the higher certificates offered by the college.

Diploma in Tourism Management

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma endorsement	At least 50% in the language of teaching and learning	None	None
A Senior Certificate (SC)	At least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, or the equivalent of 50%	None	None
An appropriate higher certificate
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements for admission to the diploma should consider applying for any of the higher certificates offered by the college.

Higher Certificates in Economic and Management Sciences, Banking, Marketing, Insurance, Retailing & Tourism Management

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC)	At least 30% in the language of teaching and learning	None	Selection for higher certificate studies will be limited and aligned to vocational subject choices obtained in the NCV Level 4
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV)	At least an F symbol in the language of teaching and learning	None	Selection for higher certificate studies will be limited and aligned to vocational subject choices obtained in the NCV Level 4

Higher Certificate in Supervisory Management

Minimum requirements	Language requirement	Mathematics requirement	Additional requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC)	At least 30% in the language of teaching and learning	30% in Mathematics	Or at least 70% in Maths Literacy
A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4	At least an F symbol in the language of teaching and learning	An F symbol in Mathematics	Or at least 70% in Maths Literacy

Disclaimer: In order to be considered for selection for a programme, an applicant is required to comply with the programme’s minimum admission criteria in respect of the total APS as well as subject-specific requirements (as determined per programme).

Further Readings: University of South Africa, Unisa List of Courses

You can also check out Unisa admission requirements to learn the specific requirements of the course of interest and how to apply.

Further Readings:

• University of South Africa, Unisa Full Tuition & Fees
• University of South Africa, Unisa Term and Registration Dates
• View University of South Africa, Unisa 2026 Admission Prospectus

• Click here to Check South African Study Visa Application Procedures and Requirements

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