Published: Thu, 27 November 2025
A number of students in South Africa dream of medicine. At the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University the APS score needed is very high. Students must do well in maths, life sciences and physical sciences to qualify.
Engineering is also tough. Civil and electrical engineering at the University of Pretoria and Wits University ask for strong APS. Maths and science marks must be high. These courses are popular and spaces are few.
Law is another course with high demand. The University of Johannesburg and the University of the Free State want strong APS scores for law. Students must show good marks in English and other subjects.
Commerce courses like accounting and actuarial science are also competitive. At Wits and UCT the APS score is strict. These jobs pay well and many students apply. This makes entry harder.
Health sciences beyond medicine are also hard. Dentistry and pharmacy at universities such as Sefako Makgatho and Rhodes need high APS. Students must be ready for long study and practical work.
Computer science is growing fast. At UCT and Stellenbosch the APS score is rising. Tech jobs are in demand and many students want them. Strong maths marks are needed.
Education courses are less strict but teaching specialisations like maths education at UNISA or UJ can be competitive. Bursaries often target these areas so demand is high.
Why do APS scores matter so much for competitive courses in South Africa
APS scores matter because they show how well a student did in matric. Universities use them to select students when spaces are limited. High APS means better chance to get into medicine, engineering or law. It is a fair way to choose when many apply.