Vylex Nexys APS Calculator

The Academic Performance Score (APS) is a point system used by many South African universities to assess whether prospective students meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to specific programs. It's calculated based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) subject results.

Each NSC subject percentage is converted to a point on a scale (typically 1-7 or 1-8, this calculator uses the standard 7-point scale). The points for a specified number of subjects (often 6 or 7, potentially excluding or partially counting Life Orientation, depending on the institution) are summed up to get the total APS. This calculator sums the points for all subjects you enter based on the 7-point scale. **Always verify the specific method used by your target university.**

This varies significantly between universities and even faculties. Some include it fully, some exclude it, some assign it a lower maximum point value (e.g., max 3 points regardless of mark), and some only count it if it benefits the applicant. This calculator includes Life Orientation with its full points according to the standard 7-point scale *by default*. **Crucially, you must check the specific calculation rules of the universities you are applying to.** You can manually adjust the points or percentage for LO in the calculator if needed to reflect a specific university's policy.

Core Mathematics is generally required for degrees in Science, Engineering, most Commerce fields (like Accounting, Actuarial Science), IT, and Health Sciences requiring quantitative skills. Mathematical Literacy is often accepted for some Diploma programs, Humanities, Arts, some Education degrees, and certain other fields, but typically *not* for highly mathematical or scientific degrees. Requirements vary greatly – always check the specific program details.

You generally will not be admitted to that specific program. Meeting the minimum APS is only one part of the admission criteria. Programs almost always have requirements for specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English) and minimum percentage levels (e.g., Level 5 / 60% in Maths). Both the overall APS and the specific subject requirements must usually be met.

No. Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible *for consideration*, but admission, especially to competitive programs, often depends on the number of available places and the strength of the applicant pool. Higher scores significantly improve your chances. Some programs also use additional selection criteria like portfolios, interviews, admission tests (e.g., NBTs), or consider disadvantaged backgrounds.