University of Mpumalanga 2027: APS Points for Admission
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is a public university located in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
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UMP offers a variety of undergraduate programmes, including Bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates across faculties such as Agriculture, ICT, Education, Sciences, Social Sciences, Hospitality, and Commerce.
Admission for the 2027 academic year depends primarily on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and your Admission Point Score (APS).
The APS shows how your school performance compares to the minimum entry requirements for different programmes.
UMP uses the APS to evaluate whether your academic performance meets the thresholds set for specific courses.
Most programmes use your best six subjects, and Life Orientation is normally excluded when calculating APS at UMP.
The higher your APS score, the more likely you are to meet the admission criteria for competitive qualifications such as Bachelor’s degrees.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Calculate Your APS
Step 1: Obtain your NSC results
After completing Grade 12, list all your subject percentages from the NSC certificate.
Step 2: Choose subjects for APS
Select your best six subjects (usually excluding Life Orientation) that are recognised by UMP for APS calculations.
Step 3: Use the APS conversion table
Convert each subject’s NSC percentage into APS points using the official table below.
Step 4: Add the APS points
Add points for your six best subjects to find your total APS score.
Step 5: Compare with programme requirements
Different programmes at UMP set different minimum APS thresholds and subject requirements. Compare your total APS with these to determine eligibility.
UMP APS Conversion Table (NSC % to Points)
Here is the standard APS points conversion used at UMP for National Senior Certificate subjects.
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
| 80 – 100% | 7 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 |
| 40 – 49% | 3 |
| 30 – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 29% | 1 |
This scale is based on NSC achievement levels and reflects how UMP converts percentage scores into APS points.
Life Orientation is normally excluded from the APS total unless otherwise stated in specific programme rules.
Example APS Calculation
Suppose your six best NSC results (excluding Life Orientation) are:
- English: 65% → 5 points
- Mathematics: 58% → 4 points
- Life Sciences: 60% → 5 points
- Geography: 62% → 5 points
- Business Studies: 55% → 4 points
- Agriculture: 53% → 4 points
Your APS total would be: 5 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 27 APS points.
This total APS score is then compared with the minimum APS required for your chosen programme at UMP.
Minimum APS Requirements at UMP for 2027
Each programme at UMP sets a minimum APS and specific subject conditions that applicants must meet.
Below are the common entry requirements for qualifications for 2027 based on the latest admissions information.
Diploma Entry Requirements
| Qualification | Minimum APS | Subject Requirements |
| Diploma in ICT (Applications Development) | 26 | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 4 |
| Diploma in Agriculture – Plant Production | 25 (Maths) / 26 (Maths Lit) | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 3 / Math Lit: Level 4; Agriculture: Level 4 |
| Diploma in Nature Conservation | 29 (Maths) / 30 (Math Lit) | English: Level 4; Maths: Level 2 / Math Lit: Level 3; One of Life Sciences or Geography: Level 4 |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management | 26 (Maths) / 27 (Math Lit) | English: Level 4; Maths: Level 3 / Math Lit: Level 4 |
Diplomas typically require a lower APS than degrees, but subject minimums in English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy are critical for eligibility.
Bachelor’s Degree APS Requirements
| Degree | Minimum APS | Subject Requirements |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | 30 | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 2; Math Lit: Level 3 |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) | 32 | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 4; Math Lit: Level 6 (if Math Lit) |
| Bachelor of Agriculture – Agricultural Extension & Rural Resource Management | 28 (Maths) / 30 (Math Lit) | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 4; Math Lit: Level 6; One of Agriculture, Life Science, Physical Science: Level 4 |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture | 30 (Maths) / 32 (Math Lit) | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 4; Math Lit: Level 6; Life Sciences: Level 4 |
| Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching) | 28 (Maths) / 29 (Math Lit) | English: Level 4; Second Language: Level 4; Maths: Level 3; Math Lit: Level 4 |
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | 32 (Maths required) | English: Level 4; Mathematics: Level 4; Math Lit not acceptable |
These APS ranges show typical expectations for degree applicants. Competitive programmes like BSc or Agriculture often require stronger results in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and other key subjects.
Subject Requirements
- English proficiency is mandatory for almost all programmes, usually at a minimum NSC Level 4 in English (Home or First Additional Language).
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is required for many qualifications, and the level required depends on the course.
- Some programmes require additional subject passes, such as Agriculture, Life Sciences, Physical Science, or Geography.
- Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission because selection is competitive, especially for popular degrees.
Apply and Confirm
Once you calculate your APS and check that you meet the subject conditions for your chosen programme, apply online through the official University of Mpumalanga application portal before the closing date.
Ensure you submit all required documents and evidence of NSC results.
Admission offers are made monthly as places become available for students who meet or exceed the requirements.
