UJ APS Calculator 2027: Does Life Orientation Count?
If you are applying to the University of Johannesburg for the 2027 academic year, one of the most important steps in your application is calculating your Admission Point Score (APS).
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The APS is a numerical score that helps UJ decide whether you qualify for your chosen programme.
It is based on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) final results.
Many students ask whether Life Orientation contributes to their APS score.
APS at UJ
The APS at UJ is the sum of achievement ratings from your NSC subjects.
Each subject result is converted into a point value based on your percentage mark.
UJ then adds the points from your best six subjects to get your total APS.
This score is compared to the minimum APS requirement for the degree you want to study.
UJ also requires that compulsory programme subjects, such as English or Mathematics, be included among the subjects used for APS calculation.
Does Life Orientation Count for UJ APS?
At the University of Johannesburg, Life Orientation does not count toward your APS score.
Although it is a compulsory matric subject, UJ excludes Life Orientation when calculating the APS.
This is clearly stated in the university’s official academic regulations and admissions prospectus.
You must instead use your six best recognised subjects, excluding Life Orientation, to calculate your APS.
This means:
- Life Orientation marks are not included in the APS total.
- You should focus on subjects that are relevant to your chosen programme.
- Only your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are counted for APS.
The reason Life Orientation is not included is that it does not reflect academic preparedness for most degree programmes.
UJ wants to ensure that the APS reflects strong performance in subjects directly related to your chosen field.
How to Calculate Your UJ APS
Step 1: Write Down Your Final NSC Percentages
Make a list of all your Grade 12 subject percentages from your NSC results. Do not include Life Orientation in this list.
Step 2: Use the APS Points Table
Match each subject percentage to an APS point value using the UJ achievement rating table below.
Step 3: Select Your Six Best Subjects
Only six subjects are counted for APS. These must include required programme subjects such as English Home Language or English First Additional Language and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (if required by the programme).
Step 4: Add the APS Points
Add the points from your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) to get your total APS.
UJ APS Points Table
The University of Johannesburg uses the national achievement levels for APS.
Each NSC percentage range corresponds to an achievement rating from 1 to 7.
| NSC Percentage | Achievement Level | APS Points |
| 80 to 100% | Level 7 | 7 |
| 70 to 79% | Level 6 | 6 |
| 60 to 69% | Level 5 | 5 |
| 50 to 59% | Level 4 | 4 |
| 40 to 49% | Level 3 | 3 |
| 30 to 39% | Level 2 | 2 |
| 0 to 29% | Level 1 | 1 |
This scale is standard for UJ and other South African universities that use APS. It rewards higher achievement levels with more points.
How to Calculate Your APS
Suppose your NSC results are:
- English Home Language: 78% → 6 points
- Mathematics: 65% → 5 points
- Physical Sciences: 72% → 6 points
- Accounting: 59% → 4 points
- Geography: 83% → 7 points
- Life Sciences: 61% → 5 points
- Life Orientation: 90% (excluded)
Choose the six best subjects excluding Life Orientation:
6 + 5 + 6 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 33 APS
Your APS for UJ would be 33 points.
Does Life Orientation Ever Count?
Official UJ rules state that Life Orientation is not counted in the calculation of your total APS score. This is consistent across most faculties and programmes.
However, UJ may list minimum subject achievement levels for specific programmes, and Life Orientation is not typically one of them.
Always refer to the official faculty requirements for your intended qualification.
APS Requirements at UJ for 2027
Admission requirements differ by faculty. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission because courses are competitive and space is limited.
Here are common benchmarks:
- Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
Engineering and related technical degrees often require an APS of around 30 to 36, with strong performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Faculty of Health Sciences
Health Sciences programmes usually require higher APS scores between 32 and 38 or more, depending on the course and subject requirements.
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Commerce and business degrees commonly require an APS between 28 and 35. Mathematics is often required for BCom degrees.
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
Humanities programmes may have lower APS requirements starting from around 25 and up, depending on the course.
- Faculty of Science
Science degrees typically require an APS between 26 and 34, with Mathematics compulsory for many programmes.
Always check the official UP prospectus or admissions page for the specific 2027 requirements. These figures represent typical entry points but may vary by programme.
UJ also considers subject prerequisites and minimum achievement levels for specific qualifications.
Some degrees have programme-specific requirements beyond APS.
Failing to meet the APS and subject prerequisites may result in your application being declined.
Accurate APS calculation helps you make informed decisions about which programmes you are eligible to apply for.
