Universities That Accept Students With 20-25 APS Scores

For many South African students, receiving their final matric results can be a mixture of relief and anxiety. The big question that lingers for thousands of learners each year is this:

“Can I get into university with a 20 to 25 APS score?”

The answer is a resounding yes, but your options may look a little different. While high-demand degrees like Medicine or Engineering may be out of reach with a lower APS, there are still many doors open to you.

This guide will show you:

• What does an APS of 20–25 mean?
• What types of qualifications do you qualify for?
• A full and expanded list of South African universities offering courses for your score range.
• Strategic advice to help you get accepted and succeed.

What Is APS and How Is It Calculated?

APS stands for Admission Point Score, a system used by most South African universities to determine if you qualify for a course.

You calculate your APS by adding the point values for your top 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation):

A total of 20–25 points usually means your subject marks range between 40% and 60%, which can still qualify you for many diplomas, higher certificates, and extended degree programmes.

What You Can Study With a 20–25 APS

While you might not meet the minimum requirements for degree-level courses, you can still gain entry into:

• Higher Certificate Programmes
• National Diplomas
• Extended Degree Programmes (foundation or bridging years)
• TVET College Qualifications with university articulation
• Private College Degrees (accredited).

These paths allow you to enter university, build your skills, and upgrade to full degree studies later.

Universities That Accept Students With 20-25 APS Scores

Below is a complete and updated list of public universities and universities of technology where you can apply with an APS between 20 and 25.

1. University of South Africa (UNISA)

Programmes for 20–25 APS:

• Higher Certificate in Education (APS 20)
• Higher Certificate in Law (APS 20)
• Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (APS 21)
• Diploma in Human Resource Management (APS 22)
• Diploma in Marketing (APS 22)
• Diploma in Safety Management (APS 23)

Why choose UNISA?

It’s ideal for students who want to study from home, work while studying, or need affordable tuition options.

2. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

Programmes:

• Higher Certificate in Community Development (APS 20)
• Higher Certificate in Financial Planning (APS 22)
• Diploma in Public Relations (APS 24)
• Diploma in Transportation Management (APS 23)
• Extended BCom (APS 25)

UJ offers extended degree options for students who narrowly miss standard requirements.

3. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Programmes:

• Diploma in Policing (APS 20)
• Diploma in Management Services (APS 22)
• Diploma in Hospitality Management (APS 24)
• Diploma in Office Management (APS 22)
• Diploma in Sport Management (APS 20)

TUT is practical and career-focused, perfect for students who want hands-on learning.

4. Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Programmes:

• Diploma in Business and Information Management (APS 23)
• Diploma in Public Relations (APS 24)
• Diploma in Marketing (APS 23)
• Higher Certificate in Business Administration (APS 20)

DUT is known for strong business, design, and tech programmes.

5. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

Programmes:

• Diploma in Public Management (APS 22)
• Diploma in Office Management (APS 24)
• Higher Certificate in Retail Management (APS 20)
• Diploma in Tourism Management (APS 24)

Located in Cape Town, CPUT offers industry-driven qualifications with real-world experience.

6. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

Programmes:

• Higher Certificate in Accountancy (APS 20)
• Diploma in Library and Information Science (APS 22)
• Diploma in Transport Management (APS 23)
• Diploma in Marketing Management (APS 24)

UNIZULU has a strong focus on community development and access.

7. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

Programmes:

• Higher Certificate in Business Studies (APS 20)
• Diploma in Journalism (APS 24)
• Diploma in Information Technology (APS 23)
• Extended BCom (APS 25)

WSU supports students from under-resourced schools with foundation programmes.

8. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

Programmes:

• Diploma in Human Resource Management (APS 23)
• Diploma in Public Management (APS 22)
• Diploma in Nature Conservation (APS 23)
• Higher Certificate in Accounting (APS 20)

MUT is known for practical training and smaller class sizes.

9. University of Venda (UNIVEN)

Programmes:

• Extended BCom in Business Sciences (APS 24)
• Extended BA in Development Studies (APS 25)
• Higher Certificate in Local Government (APS 20)

UNIVEN is rooted in empowering rural students and offers broad academic access.

10. North-West University (NWU)

Programmes:

• Extended BEd in Foundation Phase (APS 24–25)
• Extended BA in Social Sciences (APS 24)
• Diploma in Music or Education (case-by-case with APS 22+)

Note: NWU provides support-based learning for lower APS candidates, particularly in education and social development fields.

11. University of Limpopo (UL)

Programmes:

• Extended BCom (APS 24)
• Higher Certificate in Education (APS 20)
• Diploma in Agriculture (APS 23–25)

UL is especially suitable for rural learners seeking access to university through extended learning.

12. Central University of Technology (CUT)

Programmes:

• Higher Certificate in Information Technology (APS 20–22)
• Diploma in Design and Studio Art (APS 24)
• Extended Diplomas in Business or Health Sciences (APS 23–25)

CUT specialises in applied sciences and tech innovation.

13. University of Fort Hare (UFH)

Programmes:

• Extended BA in Social Work (APS 24)
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce (APS 25)
• Higher Certificate in Local Government (APS 20)

UFH is one of SA’s oldest institutions and offers progressive access routes.

14. Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

Programmes:

• Extended Bachelor of Arts (APS 24–25)
• Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies or ICT (APS 20–22)

SPU is a fast-growing university with a focus on digital skills and culture.

15. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Programmes:

• Extended Bachelor of Education (APS 25)
• Extended BA or BCom (APS 24–25)
• Diploma in Office Management (APS 23)

NMU supports lower APS students through its foundation programmes with academic mentoring.

16. University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

Programmes:

• Extended Bachelor of Development Studies (APS 24)
• Diploma in Nature Conservation (APS 23)
• Higher Certificate in Agriculture (APS 20)

UMP is a newer, student-focused institution with a reputation for personalised education.

17. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)

Programmes (limited):

• Foundation Year in Health Sciences (APS 25)
• Bridging Programmes (contact required)

Although competitive, SMU offers bridging options for lower APS students aiming for health science careers.

Tips for Getting Accepted With a 20–25 APS

• Focus on higher certificates or extended programmes. These are designed for students below standard entry requirements.
• Highlight your strong subjects. Some programmes value specific subject performance, even if the overall APS is low.
• Apply early! Lower APS programmes fill up quickly.
• Have multiple choices. Always apply to at least 2–3 institutions.
• Prepare a motivation letter (if required) explaining your determination, goals, and any challenges you overcame.
• Consider bridging or upgrading your results if you’re close to the cut-off.

Can I Upgrade Later?

Yes! Many students who start with a Higher Certificate or Diploma go on to complete:

• Full Bachelor’s degrees
• Postgraduate Diplomas
• Even Master’s degrees.

This path may take a little longer, but it’s just as valid and respected.

What You Should Do Next

• Visit each university’s official website
• Download their latest undergraduate prospectus
• Look for the admissions tab or the online application portal
• Contact the admissions office if unsure
• Prepare your certified documents, ID, and results.

If your APS score is between 20 and 25, your dream of going to university is still very much alive. Education in South Africa is changing, and universities are offering more inclusive entry routes than ever before.

So don’t count yourself out.

Your future is not defined by a number; it’s defined by your will to rise, your choice to apply, and your courage to begin anyway.

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