UNISA APS Requirements for 2027 Teaching & Nursing

Knowing the Admission Point Score (APS) requirements at UNISA is essential before you apply for teaching or nursing programmes for the 2027 academic year. 

The APS is a score based on your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and is used to determine whether you qualify for a specific qualification. 

UNISA uses your best six subjects to calculate your APS, and Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation. 

How UNISA Calculates APS

UNISA calculates your APS by converting the percentage you achieved in your best six NSC subjects into points. 

Each percentage range corresponds to a specific achievement level and points value. 

UNISA excludes Life Orientation when calculating APS for most undergraduate qualifications, including teaching and nursing.

Step-by-Step APS Calculation for UNISA

• Step 1: List Your Final NSC Percentages

Start with your official final matric results. List all subject percentages except Life Orientation.

• Step 2: Convert Each Subject to APS Points

Use the standard UNISA APS table below to assign points to each subject result.

• Step 3: Select Your Best Six Subjects

Choose the six subjects that give you the highest total points. English is always included in the calculation because it is the language of teaching.

• Step 4: Add the Points Together

Add the points from your six best subjects to get your total APS score. This score is compared with the minimum required APS for your chosen qualification.

UNISA APS Points Table (2027)

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

This table is the standard scale used by UNISA to convert subject percentages into APS points.

Does Life Orientation Count for UNISA APS?

No. Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculator at UNISA for most undergraduate qualifications. 

Only your six best other subjects contribute toward your APS total. 

This means even if you scored high in Life Orientation, it would not increase your APS.

UNISA APS Requirements for 2027 Teaching

Admission criteria for UNISA teaching qualifications vary depending on the pathway you choose. 

Below are the main qualification categories:

Higher Certificate in Education

1. Minimum APS of about 15 to 18 points.
2. NSC with at least 30% in the language of teaching and learning and 40% in Mathematics is recommended.
3. This qualification helps applicants gain entry into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) programme by satisfying basic academic requirements.

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

1. Typically requires a minimum APS of about 20 to 24 points or higher, depending on the competitiveness of the specific teaching phase (e.g., Foundation, Intermediate).
2. English (the language of instruction) is compulsory with at least a 50% pass.
3. For specialisations like Mathematics or Science teaching, a higher percentage in those subjects may be required.

Subject Requirements for Teaching

Apart from APS, you must meet specific subject minimums:

1. A strong pass in English (home language or equivalent).
2. A pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, depending on the programme stream.
3. Some teaching streams require Mathematics at a higher level if you will teach Maths subjects.

Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee acceptance; limited spaces and competition often require a higher APS for successful admission.

UNISA APS Requirements for 2027 Nursing

Nursing at UNISA is treated as a specialised qualification with distinct requirements. 

The nursing qualification is often listed as a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science or similar Health Sciences degree. 

Although UNISA entry criteria may update yearly, the following reflects typical requirements based on the most recent guidance:

Nursing Bachelor’s Degree

1. The minimum APS required is around 20 points for entry into nursing science programmes.
2. You must have NSC with a degree endorsement and a strong language pass, typically at least 50% in English.
3. Subjects like Life Sciences and Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy) are highly recommended, and performance in these subjects strengthens your application.

Additional Requirements for Nursing

Some nursing qualifications require a professional registration process with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) at later stages of your studies, but this is after admission, not part of APS.

General APS Benchmarks at UNISA

UNISA’s APS thresholds are broader for undergraduate qualifications:

1. Higher Certificates: APS ~15
2. Diplomas: APS ~18–22
3. Bachelor’s Degrees (Teaching, Nursing, etc.): APS ~20–24 or higher

These thresholds may vary by qualification and applicant competition.

Always check UNISA’s official prospectus or admission notification for the exact 2027 requirements before applying.

UNISA will assess your APS along with subject minimums, endorsements, and available spaces.

Meeting the minimum APS is a necessary condition but not a guarantee of admission.

English is the language of instruction at UNISA, and a minimum language proficiency is compulsory.