As a prospective student looking to pursue a teaching career at the University of South Africa (UNISA), you’re likely wondering what Admission Point Score (APS) is required to secure a spot.
In this article, we’ll delve into the APS score requirements for teaching programs at UNISA, as well as other essential information to help you on your academic journey.
APS Score Requirements for Teaching Programs at UNISA
The APS score is a standardized measure used by universities in South Africa to assess a student’s academic performance in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The APS score is calculated based on the student’s performance in six subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Life Orientation.
To be eligible for teaching programs at UNISA, you’ll need to meet the minimum APS score requirements. The APS score requirements for teaching programs at UNISA vary depending on the specific program you’re applying for. Here are some general guidelines:
- For the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree, the minimum APS score required is 24.
- For the Bachelor of Education Honours (BEdHons) degree, the minimum APS score required is 27.
- For the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), the minimum APS score required is 27.
It’s essential to note that meeting the minimum APS score requirements doesn’t guarantee admission to UNISA.
The university uses a comprehensive selection process that takes into account various factors, including your academic performance, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
Calculating your APS score is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate your APS score:
- Take your NSC examination results and identify your six best subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Life Orientation.
- Assign a percentage score to each subject based on your NSC examination results.
- Use the following conversion table to convert your percentage scores to APS scores:
| Percentage Score | APS Score |
| 90-100% | 7 |
| 80-89% | 6 |
| 70-79% | 5 |
| 60-69% | 4 |
| 50-59% | 3 |
| 40-49% | 2 |
| 30-39% | 1 |
| 0-29% | 0 |
Add up your APS scores for each subject to get your total APS score.
For example, let’s say your NSC examination results are as follows:
- English: 85% (APS score: 6)
- Mathematics: 78% (APS score: 5)
- Life Orientation: 92% (APS score: 7)
- Physical Science: 88% (APS score: 6)
- Geography: 76% (APS score: 5)
- Afrikaans: 90% (APS score: 7)
Your total APS score would be:
6 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 7 = 36
Additional Admission Requirements for Teaching Programs at UNISA
In addition to meeting the minimum APS score requirements, you’ll also need to meet other admission requirements for teaching programs at UNISA. These requirements may include:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 50% in the language of teaching and learning.
- A minimum of 50% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- A minimum of 50% in the subject you wish to specialize in.
- A valid South African identity document or passport.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if English is not your first language).
It’s essential to check the specific admission requirements for the teaching program you’re interested in, as these requirements may vary.
The Importance of APS Scores in the Admission Process
APS scores play a significant role in the admission process at UNISA.
The university uses APS scores as a way to measure a student’s academic ability and potential for success in their chosen program.
While meeting the minimum APS score requirements is essential, it’s not the only factor considered in the admission process.
UNISA also takes into account other factors, such as your academic performance, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria.
How to Improve Your APS Score
If you’re concerned about your APS score, there are several ways to improve it:
- Focus on achieving high grades in your NSC examinations, particularly in the subjects required for your chosen program.
- Consider taking additional subjects or repeating certain subjects to improve your APS score.
- Seek guidance from your school counselor or an education consultant to help you improve your APS score.