Stellenbosch University 2027: Requirements and APS Scale

For South African students applying to Stellenbosch University (often called “Maties”) for the 2027 intake, understanding the admission requirements and APS (Admission Point Score) calculation is essential. 

Stellenbosch University uses your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results to assess eligibility for undergraduate degrees. 

Unlike some universities that use a points total, SU focuses on your NSC aggregate derived from your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). 

You must meet both minimum academic requirements and specific programme subject requirements. 

How Stellenbosch University Calculates APS

Stellenbosch University calculates your admission score using your six best NSC subjects, and it does not include Life Orientation in the calculation. 

Life Orientation is compulsory for matric, but it does not contribute to your SU APS or aggregate score.

NSC Aggregate Calculation

SU converts your six selected subject percentages into an aggregate average. 

You add the raw percentages of your top six subjects and divide the total by six to get a percentage average that is used for programme admission decisions. 

This aggregate is not a point score like some other universities, but your average percentage is effectively the APS measure for SU selection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Your APS for Stellenbosch

• Step 1: List Your Final NSC Percentages

Start with your official Grade 12 final marks in all NSC subjects.

• Step 2: Exclude Life Orientation

Life Orientation does not count toward your SU APS. You must exclude it before calculating your aggregate.

• Step 3: Choose Your Best Six Subjects

Select your six highest-scoring subjects, including required subjects for your degree (e.g., Mathematics for numerate degrees or a language of learning and teaching).

• Step 4: Add the Six Percentages

Add the six subject percentages together.

• Step 5: Divide by Six

Divide the total by six to get your NSC aggregate percentage. This percentage is used to compare against faculty entry requirements.

Percentage to APS Table (Standard NSC Scale)

Although Stellenbosch uses a raw average, it is still useful to understand how percentages correspond to achievement levels that many universities use in APS frameworks:

NSC Percentage	Achievement Level Equivalent
80–100%	Level 7
70–79%	Level 6
60–69%	Level 5
50–59%	Level 4
40–49%	Level 3
30–39%	Level 2
0–29%	Level 1

This conversion shows how strong your subject marks are relative to standard achievement ratings used in APS systems, even though SU uses raw percentages.

Basic Admission Requirements for Stellenbosch University

Before you calculate your APS, make sure you meet the basic NSC requirements mandated by SU:

1. You must have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent that qualifies you for bachelor’s study.
2. You must present at least seven subjects, including two South African languages, Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), three 20-credit subjects, and Life Orientation.
3. You must meet the minimum pass criteria in languages and other compulsory subjects.
4. Life Orientation is not included in your average. ʻ

Programme-Specific Requirements at Stellenbosch University

Meeting basic entry requirements does not guarantee admission. 

SU applies faculty-specific requirements that combine minimum aggregates and subject prerequisites. 

Below are typical 2027-relevant guidelines based on official and prospectus sources:

1. Agricultural Sciences

• Strong marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences are usually required.
• Aggregate requirements vary by specialisation.

2. Arts and Social Sciences

• A competitive NSC aggregate and strong language performance are essential for humanities and social science degrees.

3. Economic and Management Sciences

• Commerce degrees require good Mathematics and a competitive NSC aggregate for selection.

4. Engineering and Built Environment

• Engineering degrees are competitive and demand strong performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

5. Law (LLB)

• Law programmes require a high aggregate and excellent language results.

6. Medicine and Health Sciences

• These programmes require a very high aggregate and specific science subject marks.

7. Science Degrees

• Many science programmes require Mathematics and Physical Sciences with strong performance.

8. Education and Theology

• Education and theology degrees have specific subject requirements, and theology often involves strong language and humanities performance.

APS Thresholds at Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University does not publicly publish a single APS point score as some universities do, but approximate 2027 selection averages based on historical information and faculty guidelines include:

1. Medicine and Health Sciences: High aggregate typically well above 80%.
2. Engineering: Competitive aggregate often in the high 60s to 70s.
3. Commerce and Management Sciences: Aggregates generally in the 60s.
4. Law: Strong aggregate and language level.
5. Arts & Social Sciences: Moderately competitive averages.
6. Science: Aggregate depending on programme and subject strengths.

Note: Exact programmes may set different aggregates and subject requirements, and selection is competitive due to limited places.

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a place; SU selects applicants competitively based on their aggregate and specific programme criteria.

Some programmes have additional requirements such as portfolios, interviews, or auditions (e.g., visual arts or music).

Always check the official SU prospectus and faculty selection guidelines for the most accurate and current requirements for 2027.