If you’re considering pursuing higher education at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in South Africa, understanding the Admission Point Score (APS) is essential. The APS is a key metric used by UMP—and other universities in South Africa—to determine whether prospective students meet the academic requirements for their chosen program.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what the APS is, how it’s calculated, and provide a breakdown of the minimum APS requirements for some popular programs at UMP.
What is the APS?
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a numerical score calculated based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results. It helps universities gauge your academic readiness for a specific course of study.
The APS is calculated by converting your final Grade 12 results for your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation) into points. These points are assigned using a 1–7 scale:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
For example, if you achieve 70% in a subject, you score 6 points for that subject. Add the points from your six best subjects to calculate your APS.
Minimum APS Requirements at UMP
The University of Mpumalanga offers a variety of undergraduate programs, each with its own APS threshold and subject-specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum APS requirements for some of UMP’s programs:
1. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Minimum APS: 30
- NSC Requirements: A Bachelor pass with:
- English (level 4)
- Mathematics (level 4)
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Geography (level 4)
2. Bachelor of Science Degree
- Minimum APS: 30
- NSC Requirements: A Bachelor pass with:
- English (level 4)
- Mathematics (level 4)
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Geography (level 4)
3. Bachelor of Commerce
- Minimum APS: 30
- NSC Requirements: A Bachelor pass with:
- English (level 4)
- Mathematics (level 4)
4. Bachelor of Arts (General)
- Minimum APS: 28
- NSC Requirements: A Bachelor pass with:
- English (level 4)
5. Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Minimum APS:
- 26 (with Mathematics)
- 27 (with Mathematical Literacy)
- NSC Requirements: A Diploma pass with:
- English (level 4)
- Mathematics (level 3) or Mathematical Literacy (level 5)
6. Bachelor of Administration
- Minimum APS: 32
- NSC Requirements: A Bachelor pass with:
- English (level 4)
- Mathematics (level 4) or Mathematical Literacy (level 6)
How to Calculate Your APS for UMP
Here’s a step-by-step example of how to calculate your APS:
- Collect your final NSC percentages for your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
- Convert each percentage to APS points using the table above.
- Add the APS points for all six subjects.
For instance:
| Subject | NSC Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75% | 6 |
| Mathematics | 68% | 5 |
| Physical Science | 80% | 7 |
| Life Sciences | 72% | 6 |
| Geography | 65% | 5 |
| History | 62% | 5 |
Total APS: 6 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 5 = 34
This score would qualify for most UMP programs, but always check the specific requirements for your chosen field of study.
Other Considerations for UMP Admissions
In addition to meeting the minimum APS requirements, applicants must have:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the appropriate pass level (Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate).
- Subject-specific requirements, which vary depending on the program.
Why Your APS Matters
Your APS is a critical factor in determining your eligibility for admission. A higher APS improves your chances of acceptance, especially for competitive programs. If your APS is slightly below the minimum, consider contacting UMP for advice or exploring alternative pathways, such as bridging programs.