APS 20 Score Overview
An APS of 20 points is classified as Entry Level in South Africa's NSC system. You qualify for TVET college programmes and some Higher Certificate programmes. Consider a bridging programme to improve access to university degrees. Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to verify your exact score across all 26 SA universities.
⚙️ Engineering & Technology (8)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Infrastructure Construction N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
FBTC | 18 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Electrician, Electrical Contractor |
| Information Technology NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
EEC | 18 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | IT Support Technician, Network Administrator |
| Welding Applications NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
FBTC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Welder, Fabricator |
| Automotive Repair and Maintenance NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
EEC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Motor Mechanic, Service Advisor |
| Electrical Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
SWGC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Electrician, Electrical Technician |
| Mechanical Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
SWGC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Fitter, Turner |
| Civil Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
CKZN | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Construction Worker, Site Supervisor |
| Fitting and Turning (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
CCT | 16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Fitter and Turner, Millwright |
📊 Accounting & Finance (1)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Management (N4-N6) N4-N6 Certificate · 18 months |
CKZN | 15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk |
👩🏫 Education & Teaching (1)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (BEd) BEd · 4 years |
UNISA | 20 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R135 | Teacher, Education Administrator |
💼 Commerce & Business (5)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Hospitality Management Diploma · 3 years |
UMP | 20 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R150 | Hotel Manager, Tourism Operator |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management Diploma · 3 years |
VUT | 20 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R150 | Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager |
| Diploma in Public Administration Diploma · 3 years |
MUT | 20 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R150 | Public Administrator, Government Officer |
| Management (N4-N6) N4-N6 Certificate · 18 months |
SWGC | 15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | Office Manager, Human Resources Clerk |
| Human Resource Management (N4-N6) N4-N6 Certificate · 18 months |
CCT | 15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | HR Assistant, Recruitment Coordinator |
🌍 Hospitality, Tourism & Other (2)
📋 Other Programmes (1)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Administration NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
FBTC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | Office Administrator, Receptionist |
Frequently Asked Questions — APS 20
What can I study with an APS of 20 in South Africa?
With an APS of 20 (Entry Level), you qualify for 18 programmes across 9 South African institutions. These include 1 degree programmes and 17 diploma or certificate programmes. Top options include: Bachelor of Education (BEd) at UNISA.
Is APS 20 good enough for university in South Africa?
An APS of 20 primarily qualifies you for TVET colleges, certain Higher Certificate programmes, and some diploma programmes. TVET colleges offer excellent practical training funded by NSFAS. You can also explore upgrading your matric marks to improve your APS.
What APS do I need for a university degree in South Africa?
Most universities require a minimum APS of 26-30 for bachelor's degree admission. Specific requirements vary: BCom and BA degrees often require 28-34 APS; Engineering and Medicine require 36-42 APS; TVET diplomas require 18-26 APS. Career Helper's free APS calculator shows your exact options for all 26 SA universities simultaneously.
Can I improve my APS score after matric?
Yes. You can improve your APS by: (1) Rewriting NSC subjects through SACAI or the Department of Education. (2) Completing a bridging course or Higher Certificate. (3) Applying to UNISA (distance learning) which has lower entry requirements. (4) Enrolling at a TVET college for a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) which provides an alternative higher education pathway.
Does NSFAS fund students with APS 20?
NSFAS funding is based on financial need (household income under R350,000/year), not your APS score. If you qualify for a programme at a public university or TVET college with your APS of 20 AND meet the NSFAS means test, you can apply for NSFAS funding. Apply at nsfas.org.za from September/October each year.