Calculate your Wits APS 2027: The Bonus Points Guide
When applying to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for undergraduate study in 2027, one of the first things you must understand is how the university calculates the Admission Points Score (APS).
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The APS is a points-based system that translates your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results into a numerical score.
Wits uses this score to determine whether you meet the minimum academic requirements for entry into its programmes.
Unlike some other South African universities, Wits uses your best seven subjects, including Life Orientation, and awards bonus points for strong performance in English and Mathematics.
Knowing how to calculate your APS correctly will help you estimate your chances of admission before you apply.
How Wits Calculates APS
Wits calculates your APS based on your seven best recognised NSC subjects, and you must include:
- English (either Home Language or First Additional Language)
- Mathematics (or Mathematics Literacy, depending on the programme)
- Life Orientation
- Five other subjects from your NSC results.
Wits uses a points table that assigns a score for each subject based on your final matric percentage.
English and Mathematics receive bonus points, which means you get extra points for stronger performance in these subjects.
Step-by-Step APS Calculation
- List your NSC subject percentages. Make sure you include English and Mathematics (or Mathematics Literacy if applicable).
- Match each subject mark to the Wits APS points table.
- Apply bonus points for English and Mathematics where applicable.
- Include Life Orientation using its specific scoring scale.
- Choose your best seven subjects.
- Add the points to get your total Wits APS.
Wits APS Points Table With Bonus Points
The table below shows how Wits assigns points based on your NSC percentage for English, Mathematics, Life Orientation, and other subjects.
English and Mathematics receive a bonus of +2 points for higher achievement. Life Orientation has a separate maximum score.
| NSC Percentage | Other Subjects APS | English & Maths APS | Life Orientation APS |
| 90 – 100% | 8 | 10 (8 + 2 bonus) | 4 |
| 80 – 89% | 7 | 9 (7 + 2 bonus) | 3 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 | 8 (6 + 2 bonus) | 2 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 | 7 (5 + 2 bonus) | 1 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 40 – 49% | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 30 – 39% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 – 29% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
How Bonus Points Work
- English: You get up to 2 extra points on top of your base APS score if your mark is high enough.
- Mathematics: You also get up to 2 extra points for Mathematics, making a maximum of 10 points possible for Mathematics and English each.
- Life Orientation: Has a separate scoring scale with a maximum of 4 points.
This means a strong performance in English and Mathematics can significantly boost your APS.
Example APS Calculation
Suppose you have the following NSC results:
- English Home Language: 85% → 9 points (7 + 2 bonus)
- Mathematics: 78% → 8 points (6 + 2 bonus)
- Life Orientation: 72% → 2 points
- Physical Science: 79% → 6 points
- Geography: 65% → 5 points
- History: 82% → 7 points
- Accounting: 74% → 6 points
Your Wits APS would be:
- English: 9
- Mathematics: 8
- Life Orientation: 2
- Physical Science: 6
- Geography: 5
- History: 7
- Accounting: 6
Total APS = 43 points.
Wits APS Requirements for Different Degrees
Different Wits faculties set minimum APS requirements.
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, as Wits also considers space availability and competition.
These benchmarks are included to help you understand what APS you might need for popular degrees:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): Highly competitive with expected APS often above 45. English and Mathematics at high levels help.
- Engineering and Built Environment: Requires strong Mathematics and Physical Science results. APS is typically above 40 for competitive majors.
- Commerce, Law, and Management: APS around 36 to 40, depending on the programme. English and Mathematics performance matters.
- Science Degrees: APS requirement varies by discipline, often above 36. Mathematics is compulsory for most.
- Humanities and Education: Mathematics Literacy may be accepted for some programmes. APS may start from 32 to 36.
Always check the official Wits Undergraduate Entry Requirements guide for the exact APS threshold for your intended programme before applying.
Points Comparison Table
To make comparison easier, here is a simple summary of how Wits assigns APS points for the most important categories:
| Subject Type | Max Points (90–100%) |
| English or Mathematics (with bonus) | 10 |
| Other subjects | 8 |
| Life Orientation | 4 |
This table shows the maximum potential points per subject based on your performance, including bonus points where applicable.
