Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Admission Requirements
Requirements / APS
How to calculate your Admission Point Score (APS)
- The APS system allocates point values to the levels of achievement obtained for your matric subjects.
- Write down your relevant NSC subjects and the levels obtained.
- Allocate points according to the table below.
- Add up the number of points you have to calculate your APS.
Table A: School Performance Score (SPS)
| NSC | NSC % | APS | APS Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 90 -100 % | ||
| 7 | 80 -100 % | 7 | 80 -89 % |
| 6 | 70 -79 % | 6 | 70 -79 % |
| 5 | 60 -69 % | 5 | 60 -69 % |
| 4 | 50 -59 % | 4 | 50 -59 % |
| 3 | 40 -49 % | 3 | 40 -49 % |
| 2 | 30 -39 % | 2 | 30 -39 % |
| 1 | 0 -29 % | 0 | 0 -29 % |
Example 1
To enrol for the National Diploma: Journalism you need an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 32, as well as a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass in English on at least level 4 (50 59 %).
| NSC Subject | NSC % | Level | APS Points allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 65 % | 5 | 5 |
| Xhosa | 60 % | 5 | 5 |
| Mathematics | 70 % | 6 | 6 |
| Geography | 55 % | 4 | 4 |
| History | 80 % | 7 | 7 |
| Life Orientation | 74 % | 6 | 6 |
| Accounting | 71 % | 6 | 6 |
| Admission Point Score | 39 |
This student has met the minimum requirements for admission to the National Diploma (Journalism).
Example 2
To enrol for the BCom (Accounting for Chartered Accountants) you need an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 38, as well as four subjects from the designated list and a pass in Mathematics on at least level 5 (60 – 69 %).
| Matric Subject | NSC % | Level | APS Points Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 70 % | 6 | 6 |
| Afrikaans | 80 % | 7 | 7 |
| Mathematics | 69 % | 5 | 5 |
| Accounting | 65 % | 5 | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 60 % | 5 | 5 |
| Physical Science | 74 % | 6 | 6 |
| Life Sciences | 81 % | 7 | 7 |
| Admission Point Score | 41 |
This student has met the minimum admission requirements for the BCom (Accounting for Chartered Accountants) programme.
Additional requirements
In addition to the minimum APS requirement, additional subject requirements have been set. These include:
- Mathematics: This is required for certain programmes. Only performance in the core Mathematics topics (papers 1 and 2) will be used when making admission decisions. However, school learners are encouraged to also take the optional Mathematics topics. In certain programmes, applicants who have Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics may be admitted to a programme where a Mathematics entry requirement has been set. In this instance, additional modules may be added to the programme, which may extend the length of the programme.
- Mathematical Literacy: A minimum of a 3 (40-49%) for Mathematical Literacy is preferred for likely admission to National Higher Certificate and National Diploma programmes and a 4 (50-59%) for likely admission to degree programmes where Mathematics is not a requirement, unless otherwise indicated.