What Can I Study With 20 Points in South Africa in 2026?
This article seeks to answer the frequently asked question of ‘What Can I Study With 20 Points in South Africa?’. It gives full details on the various courses, higher certificates, bridging programmes, extended curriculum programmes, and TVET college opportunities available to students with 20 APS points in South Africa in 2026.
APS, which is an acronym for Admission Point Score, is the score used by universities and colleges in South Africa to determine whether students qualify for a specific course or programme. Your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are used to calculate your APS score.
As a student, your APS helps you understand the possible courses, higher certificates, diplomas, and TVET programmes you may qualify for. However, APS requirements vary from one institution to another because universities and colleges may use different calculation methods and admission policies.
You can calculate your APS score by adding the points of your best six subjects in high school. The percentage obtained for each subject determines the points awarded.
The APS point system is generally calculated as follows:
- 0% – 29% = 1 point
- 30% – 39% = 2 points
- 40% – 49% = 3 points
- 50% – 59% = 4 points
- 60% – 69% = 5 points
- 70% – 79% = 6 points
- 80% – 100% = 7 points
The highest possible APS score is generally 42 when six subjects are used in the calculation. However, some institutions such as the University of Pretoria may use different APS calculation systems.
For undergraduate qualifications, the general minimum APS requirements in South Africa are commonly as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Usually 21+ points depending on the institution and programme
- Diploma: Usually 18+ points
- Higher Certificate: Usually 15+ points
It is important to note that meeting the minimum APS requirement does not automatically guarantee admission because many institutions use competitive selection processes based on available space and programme demand.
With an APS of 20, students still have access to several opportunities including Higher Certificates, Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs), Bridging Programmes, Diplomas, and TVET College qualifications.
Here are courses and programmes you can study with 20 points in South Africa in 2026
- Higher Certificate in Education
- Higher Certificate in Marketing and Sales
- Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care
- Higher Certificate in Administrative Information Management
- Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management
- Higher Certificate in Music Performance
- Higher Certificate in ICT User Support
- Higher Certificate in Marketing Communication
- Higher Certificate in Visual Communication
- Higher Certificate in Construction
- Higher Certificate in Printing and Packaging Technology
- Diploma in Administrative Information Management
- Diploma in Law
- Diploma in Language Practice
- Diploma in Management Services
- Diploma in Public Affairs
- Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
- Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
- Diploma in Integrated Communication
- Diploma in Correctional and Rehabilitation Studies
- Diploma in Food Operations Management
- Diploma in Adventure Tourism Management
- Diploma in Ecotourism Management
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Operations Management
- Extended Bachelor of Administration
- Extended BCom with Logistics Management
- Bridging Programme in Commercial Accounting
- Extended Curriculum Programmes in Biological Sciences
- Extended Curriculum Programmes in Chemistry
- Extended Curriculum Programmes in Physics
- Bachelor of Administration
- Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Government, Administration and Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Leadership and Citizenship
- Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Economics
- History
- Business Studies
- Geography
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Mathematical Literacy
Universities That Offer Programmes for Students With 20 APS in 2026
Several South African universities and institutions offer programmes accessible to students with an APS of 20 or slightly above depending on subject combinations and selection criteria.
| Institution | Programme Example | APS Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | Higher Certificate in Education | 18+ |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics | 15+ |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | Bridging Programme in Commercial Accounting | 18–20 |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Higher Certificate in Administrative Information Management | 20 |
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management | 20 |
| University of the Free State (UFS) | Higher Certificate in Music Performance | 20 |
| University of Mpumalanga (UMP) | Higher Certificate in ICT User Support | 20 |
| North-West University (NWU) | Extended Bachelor of Administration | 20 |
| Walter Sisulu University (WSU) | Extended Curriculum Programmes | 20 |
| Vaal University of Technology (VUT) | Various Diplomas and Extended Programmes | 20 or lower |
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | Higher Certificate in Construction | 20+ |
| AAA School of Advertising | Higher Certificate in Marketing Communication | 20 |
TVET Colleges as an Alternative Pathway in 2026
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges remain one of the best and most accessible options for students with 20 APS points in South Africa.
TVET colleges offer both NCV (National Certificate Vocational) and NATED (Report 191) programmes in areas such as Engineering, Business Studies, Hospitality, Tourism, Information Technology, Construction, and Management.
Many TVET colleges accept students with APS scores of 20 and, in some cases, students without a complete NSC qualification may still qualify for NCV programmes from Grade 9 level.
Popular TVET colleges include:
- Tshwane North TVET College
- Central Johannesburg TVET College
- Majuba TVET College
- False Bay TVET College
- College of Cape Town TVET College
- Ehlanzeni TVET College
- Nkangala TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College
- Mopani South East TVET College
TVET qualifications may also articulate into university diplomas and degrees, especially through NATED programmes.
Important Things to Know Before Applying in 2026
- Different universities use different APS calculation methods.
- Meeting the minimum APS requirement does not guarantee admission because of competitive selection.
- Some programmes require specific subjects such as Mathematics instead of Mathematical Literacy.
- Many Engineering, Accounting, Science, and ICT programmes require Mathematics and Physical Science.
- Students should carefully check programme-specific admission requirements before applying.
- NSFAS funding may be available for qualifying students at universities and public TVET colleges.
- Higher Certificates and Extended Programmes can later lead to Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degrees.
Conclusion
Your APS score plays an important role in determining the courses and programmes you may qualify for in South Africa. However, an APS of 20 does not mean your academic journey ends. There are still many opportunities available through Higher Certificates, Bridging Programmes, Extended Curriculum Programmes, Diplomas, and TVET Colleges in 2026.
Different universities and colleges have different admission policies and subject requirements. Therefore, before applying to any institution, carefully verify the APS requirements and subject prerequisites for your preferred programme.
Students are also encouraged to apply to multiple institutions and programmes to improve their chances of admission.
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