Are you interested in studying at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in South Africa? If so, you may be wondering how to calculate your Applicant Score (APS), The new method that replaced the Admission Point Score (APS) method which is used by South African universities to assess your eligibility for admission. In this article, we will explain how to calculate your AS for NMU.
What is an AS?
The Applicant Score (AS) is a system used by NWU to determine a student’s eligibility for admission. It is calculated using six NSC 20-credit subjects. Please note that Life Orientation (LO) is excluded as it is only a 10-credit NSC subject.
How to Calculate APS for NMU?
Calculating your APS for NMU is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to calculate your APS:
- First look up the Applicant Score (AS) for the qualification you are applying for – also note any required subjects.
- Your Applicant Score (AS) will be different if you took Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics at school.
- Your Applicant Score (AS) is calculated using six subjects. Please note that Life Orientation (LO) is excluded.
- Write down your Grade 12 subjects and the most recent percentage (%) obtained in each subject (NO Gr 12 March results).
- You MUST include the results for the following three compulsory subjects: 1) Home language; 2) 1st Add. Language; and 3) Maths; or Maths Lit; or Technical Maths.
- For applicants with seven Grade 12 NSC subjects, your AS is calculated by adding the percentages for your six 20-credit subjects (Note that the Life Orientation percentage is not included as it is a 10-credit subject). This gives a score out of 600.
- For those applicants taking eight or more subjects your AS is calculated as follows: add the percentages obtained for the three compulsory subjects (the two languages and Mathematics, Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy), plus the percentage(s) for any subject(s) required by the programme, together with the percentage(s) for the next best / highest subject(s), to a maximum of six subjects.
- In addition, for those applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools who attain 50% or higher for Life Orientation, 7 additional points are added to their score out of 600 to arrive at their final AS.
- Compare your AS & subject requirements to the minimum needed for the qualification you want to apply for.
- If your Applicant Score (AS) & subject requirements are below the minimum required, you will need to consider another qualification for which you do qualify.
The table below provides an example of how to calculate the AS for:
- An applicant who has 7 NSC/IEB Grade 12 subjects:
| NSC Subjects | % obtained | % used to calculate the AS |
| isiXhosa (Home Language) | 78 | 78 |
| English (1st Add. Language) | 60 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 58 | 58 |
| Life Sciences | 65 | 65 |
| Life Orientation | 85 | – |
| History | 74 | 74 |
| Business Studies | 85 | 85 |
| Applicant Score (AS): | – | 420 |
Why is calculating your AS important?
Calculating your APS is important because it determines whether you meet the minimum admission requirements for your desired degree program at NMU. If your APS is below the minimum requirement, your application will not be considered for admission. Additionally, calculating your APS can help you determine how competitive your application is for your desired program.
Calculating your APS for NMU is a simple process that involves converting your NSC or IEB subject percentages to NSC or IEB points and adding them up to determine your APS. By knowing your APS, you can determine whether you meet the minimum admission requirements for your desired degree program at NMU and assess your application’s competitiveness. If you’re interested in studying at NMU, make sure to calculate your APS and meet the minimum requirements to increase your chances of admission.
We have a tool that can help, ApplicationSA APS Calculator (beta), the method of calculation is the same with AS.
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