APS 42 Score Overview
An APS of 42 points is classified as Exceptional in South Africa's NSC system. You qualify for bachelor's degrees at multiple universities, including popular BCom, BA, and Education programmes. Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to verify your exact score across all 26 SA universities.
🏥 Medicine & Health Sciences (18)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 6 years |
UCT | 42 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 6, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Doctor, Surgeon |
| Medicine (MBBCh) MBBCh · 6 years |
Wits | 42 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 6, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Doctor, Medical Researcher |
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 6 years |
UKZN | 40 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R250 | Doctor, Surgeon |
| Pharmacy BPharm · 4 years |
Wits | 36 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher |
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 5 years |
UFS | 36 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Free | Doctor, Medical Officer |
| Nursing BSc Nursing · 4 years |
UCT | 34 | Math Lit OK (L4+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
R100 | Registered Nurse, Nursing Manager |
| BChD Dentistry BChD · 5 years |
UWC | 34 | Maths L4+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Dentist, Oral Surgeon |
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 6 years |
UL | 34 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R200 | Doctor, Medical Officer |
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 6 years |
SMU | 34 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R200 | Doctor, Medical Officer |
| BSc Pharmacy BPharm · 4 years |
UWC | 32 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher |
| Medicine (MBChB) MBChB · 6 years |
WSU | 32 | Maths L4+ Life Sciences Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Doctor, Medical Officer |
| BDS Dentistry BDS · 5 years |
SMU | 32 | Maths L4+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R200 | Dentist, Oral Hygienist |
| Nursing BNursing · 4 years |
UKZN | 30 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
R250 | Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse |
| BSc Pharmacy BPharm · 4 years |
NWU | 30 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist |
| BSc Pharmacy BPharm · 4 years |
UL | 30 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R200 | Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist |
| Diploma in Nursing Diploma · 3 years |
TUT | 28 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
R240 | Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse |
| BSc Nursing BSc · 4 years |
NMU | 28 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse |
| BSc Nursing BSc · 4 years |
Univen | 26 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
R100 | Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse |
⚙️ Engineering & Technology (25)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
UCT | 42 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
R100 | Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer |
| Computer Science BSc · 3 years |
UCT | 40 | Maths L6+ | R100 | Software Developer, Data Scientist |
| Electrical Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
Wits | 40 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
R100 | Electrical Engineer, Electronics Designer |
| Mining Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
Wits | 38 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Mining Engineer, Mine Manager |
| Industrial Engineering BEng · 4 years |
SU | 38 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Industrial Engineer, Operations Manager |
| Mechatronic Engineering BEng · 4 years |
SU | 38 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
R100 | Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer |
| BSc Engineering (Chemical) BSc Engineering · 4 years |
UKZN | 36 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R250 | Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer |
| Mechanical Engineering BEng · 4 years |
UP | 35 | Maths L6+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
R300 | Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer |
| Information Technology BIT · 4 years |
UP | 32 | Maths L5+ | R300 | IT Specialist, Software Developer |
| BEng Mechatronics BEng · 4 years |
NMU | 32 | Maths L5+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Free | Mechatronics Engineer, Automation Specialist |
| BEng Electrical & Electronic BEng · 4 years |
NWU | 30 | Maths L5+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Free | Electrical Engineer, Electronic Engineer |
| BEng Technology (Civil) BEng Tech · 4 years |
CUT | 26 | Maths L4+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Civil Technologist, Construction Manager |
| Diploma in Civil Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
DUT | 24 | Maths L4+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R200 | Civil Engineering Technician, Construction Supervisor |
| Diploma in Electrical Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
VUT | 24 | Maths L4+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R150 | Electrical Technician, Electrician |
| Diploma in Chemical Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
MUT | 24 | Maths L4+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R150 | Chemical Engineering Technician, Process Technician |
| Diploma in ICT Diploma · 3 years |
WSU | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | IT Support, Network Technician |
| Diploma in IT Diploma · 3 years |
CUT | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | IT Support Technician, Web Developer |
| 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 |
💊 Nursing & Allied Health (2)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Radiography Diploma · 3 years |
CUT | 26 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 or Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Free | Radiographer, Diagnostic Imaging Specialist |
| Diploma in Nursing Diploma · 3 years |
DUT | 26 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 4 |
R200 | Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse |
⚖️ Law & Legal Studies (10)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law (LLB) LLB · 4 years |
Wits | 38 | Math Lit OK (L4+) | R100 | Advocate, Attorney |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
UKZN | 32 | Maths L5+ | R250 | Chartered Accountant, Financial Manager |
| LLB Law LLB · 4 years |
UKZN | 32 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R250 | Attorney, Advocate |
| LLB LLB · 4 years |
UFS | 30 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Attorney, Advocate |
| LLB LLB · 4 years |
UWC | 30 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Attorney, Advocate |
| LLB LLB · 4 years |
UFH | 28 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Attorney, Advocate |
| LLB LLB · 4 years |
UniZulu | 28 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Attorney, Advocate |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
UL | 26 | Maths L4+ | R200 | Chartered Accountant, Accountant |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
UniZulu | 26 | Maths L4+ | R100 | Accountant, Financial Officer |
| LLB (Law) LLB · 4 years |
UNISA | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R135 | Attorney, Advocate |
📊 Accounting & Finance (8)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting BCom · 3 years |
UCT | 38 | Maths L5+ | R100 | Chartered Accountant, Financial Manager |
| BCom Accounting Sciences BCom · 3 years |
UP | 34 | Maths L5+ | R300 | Chartered Accountant, Financial Analyst |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
RU | 34 | Maths L5+ | R100 | Chartered Accountant, Financial Manager |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
NMU | 30 | Maths L5+ | Free | Chartered Accountant, Financial Manager |
| BCom Accounting BCom · 3 years |
UJ | 28 | Maths L4+ | Free | Chartered Accountant, Financial Manager |
| Diploma in Accountancy Diploma · 3 years |
UJ | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk |
| Diploma in ICT Diploma · 3 years |
DUT | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R200 | IT Specialist, Software Developer |
| Financial Management (N4-N6) N4-N6 Certificate · 18 months |
CKZN | 15 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | Bookkeeper, Accounts Clerk |
💻 Computer Science & ICT (4)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science BSc · 3 years |
RU | 30 | Maths L5+ | R100 | Software Developer, Data Scientist |
| BSc Data Science BSc · 3 years |
SPU | 28 | Maths L5+ | Free | Data Scientist, Data Analyst |
| Diploma in ICT (App Development) Diploma · 3 years |
TUT | 26 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R240 | App Developer, Software Developer |
| BSc Computer Science BSc · 3 years |
Univen | 24 | Maths L4+ | R100 | Software Developer, IT Specialist |
👩🏫 Education & Teaching (6)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Foundation Phase BEd · 4 years |
NWU | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Foundation Phase Teacher, Education Specialist |
| BEd (Senior & FET Phase) BEd · 4 years |
WSU | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | High School Teacher, Education Specialist |
| BEd Foundation Phase BEd · 4 years |
UniZulu | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Primary School Teacher, Education Specialist |
| BEd Intermediate Phase BEd · 4 years |
SPU | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Primary School Teacher, Education Specialist |
| BEd Foundation Phase BEd · 4 years |
UMP | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R150 | Foundation Phase Teacher, Education Specialist |
| Bachelor of Education (BEd) BEd · 4 years |
UNISA | 20 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R135 | Teacher, Education Administrator |
💼 Commerce & Business (8)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Science BBusSc · 4 years |
UCT | 40 | Maths L6+ | R100 | Business Analyst, Management Consultant |
| BCom Economics BCom · 3 years |
UP | 32 | Maths L5+ | R300 | Economist, Policy Analyst |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management Diploma · 3 years |
CPUT | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | Free | Hotel Manager, Restaurant Manager |
| 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 |
🔬 Science & Agriculture (10)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Science BVSc · 6 years |
UP | 36 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 5 |
R300 | Veterinarian, Animal Researcher |
| Food Science BScFoodSc · 4 years |
SU | 32 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5 |
R100 | Food Technologist, Quality Controller |
| Agricultural Sciences BScAgric · 4 years |
SU | 30 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 4 or Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R100 | Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager |
| BSc Agriculture BSc · 4 years |
UFS | 26 | Maths L4+ | Free | Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager |
| BSc Agriculture BSc · 4 years |
UFH | 24 | Maths L4+ | R100 | Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager |
| BA Social Work BA · 4 years |
UFH | 24 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Social Worker, Community Development Worker |
| BSc Agriculture BSc · 4 years |
UMP | 24 | Maths L4+ | R150 | Agricultural Scientist, Conservation Specialist |
| BSc Agriculture BSc · 4 years |
Univen | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager |
| Diploma in IT Diploma · 3 years |
VUT | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R150 | IT Support, Web Developer |
| Diploma in Environmental Health Diploma · 3 years |
MUT | 22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) Life Sciences Level 3 |
R150 | Environmental Health Practitioner, Health Inspector |
📚 Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (1)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Journalism & Media Studies BA · 3 years |
RU | 30 | Math Lit OK (L3+) | R100 | Journalist, Media Producer |
🌍 Hospitality, Tourism & Other (2)
📋 Other Programmes (2)
| Programme | Institution | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Application Fee | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPharm BPharm · 4 years |
SMU | 30 | Maths L5+ Life Sciences Level 5, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
R200 | Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist |
| Office Administration NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
FBTC | 16 | Math Lit OK (L2+) | Free | Office Administrator, Receptionist |
Frequently Asked Questions — APS 42
What can I study with an APS of 42 in South Africa?
With an APS of 42 (Exceptional), you qualify for 96 programmes across 31 South African institutions. These include 65 degree programmes and 31 diploma or certificate programmes. Top options include: Civil Engineering at UCT, Medicine (MBChB) at UCT, Medicine (MBBCh) at Wits.
Is APS 42 good enough for university in South Africa?
Yes — an APS of 42 qualifies you for bachelor's degree programmes at multiple South African universities. You have 65 degree options available. Focus on applying to programmes where your APS is at or above the minimum requirement.
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 42?
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 42 AND meet the NSFAS means test, you can apply for NSFAS funding. Apply at nsfas.org.za from September/October each year.
Disclaimer: APS requirements shown are based on recent admission data and may change annually. Always verify current entry requirements directly with the institution. Specific subject requirements (e.g. Mathematics Level 5) may apply in addition to the APS total.