Dlamini BlessingIf your Admission Point Score (APS) is on the lower side, you still have options at the University of Pretoria (UP). While many programmes require APS scores of 30 or above, there are specific courses—particularly in Health Sciences, Theology, and extended programmes—that accept APS scores as low as 25 or 26. This guide lists all undergraduate courses at UP with APS requirements below 30 for the academic year.
Low APS Score Courses at UP (2026)
Quick Reference Summary
| APS Range | Programme Types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| APS 25 | Health Sciences | Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) |
| APS 26 | Extended Programmes | BCom Extended, BSc Extended (Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematical Sciences) |
| APS 28 | Humanities & Education | BAdmin Public Administration, Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, BEd Foundation Phase |
| APS 30 | Humanities & Commerce | BA (General), BCom Information Systems, BRad Radiography |
APS Calculation at UP
APS is based on your six best 20-credit subjects. Life Orientation is excluded. Maximum APS = 42.
| NSC % | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 |
Courses with APS 25–29
Faculty of Health Sciences
- BOH – Bachelor of Oral Hygiene: APS 25, Maths Level 3 required. Lowest APS in Health Sciences.
- BRad Radiography: APS 30, Maths Level 4 required.
- BPhysT Physiotherapy: APS 30, Maths Level 4 required.
- BOccTher Occupational Therapy: APS 30, Maths Level 4 required.
Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
- BAdmin Public Administration: APS 28, Maths Level 3.
- BCom Extended Programme: APS 26, Maths Level 3, four-year degree.
Faculty of Humanities
- BA (General): APS 30, English Level 5.
- BA Law: APS 34, English Level 5.
- BA Speech-Language Pathology: APS 32, English Level 5, Life Sciences recommended.
- BA Audiology: APS 32, English Level 5, Life Sciences recommended.
Faculty of Education
- BEd Foundation Phase Teaching: APS 28, English Level 4. Prepares teachers for Grades R–3.
Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Diploma in Veterinary Nursing: APS 28, Maths Level 3, Life Sciences recommended.
- BVSc Veterinary Science: APS 35, Maths Level 5, Physical Sciences + Life Sciences required.
Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences
- BSc Extended – Physical Sciences: APS 26, Maths Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4.
- BSc Extended – Biological & Agricultural Sciences: APS 26, Maths Level 4, Life Sciences Level 4.
- BSc Extended – Mathematical Sciences: APS 26, Maths Level 4.
Extended programmes add a year of foundational study, then merge into the standard BSc track.
Faculty of Theology & Religion
- DipTh – Diploma in Theology: APS flexible, contact faculty.
- BDiv – Bachelor of Divinity: APS flexible, contact faculty.
- BTh – Bachelor of Theology: APS flexible, contact faculty.
Extended Programmes: Best Option for Lower APS
| Programme | Faculty | APS | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCom Extended | EMS | 26 | Maths Level 3 |
| BSc Extended – Physical Sciences | NAS | 26 | Maths Level 4, Physical Sciences Level 4 |
| BSc Extended – Biological Sciences | NAS | 26 | Maths Level 4, Life Sciences Level 4 |
| BSc Extended – Mathematical Sciences | NAS | 26 | Maths Level 4 |
Extended programmes run over four years, providing academic support and bridging opportunities.
Summary Table: APS Below 30
| Programme | Faculty | APS | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOH Oral Hygiene | Health Sciences | 25 | Degree |
| BCom Extended | EMS | 26 | Extended |
| BSc Extended (Physical, Biological, Mathematical Sciences) | NAS | 26 | Extended |
| BAdmin Public Administration | EMS | 28 | Degree |
| Diploma in Veterinary Nursing | Vet Science | 28 | Diploma |
| BEd Foundation Phase | Education | 28 | Degree |
| BRad Radiography | Health Sciences | 30 | Degree |
| BA General | Humanities | 30 | Degree |
| BCom Information Systems | EMS | 30 | Degree |
| BCom Business Management | EMS | 30 | Degree |
| DipTh Theology | Theology | Flexible | Diploma |
Application Information (2026)
- Open: 1 April 2025
- Close: 31 May 2025 (Vet Science), 30 June 2025 (all others)
- Extended programmes: Apply before 30 September
Fee: R300, non-refundable.
Apply via UP Online Portal. Upload Grade 11 results, ID, and required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest APS accepted at UP?
The lowest APS accepted for a degree programme at UP is 25 (Bachelor of Oral Hygiene). For diploma programmes, APS requirements may be lower—contact the Faculty of Theology for details .
Can I study at UP with an APS of 24?
UP generally does not accept APS scores below 25 for degree programmes. However, the Faculty of Theology may have more flexible requirements. Contact them directly to explore your options .
Do extended programmes have lower APS requirements?
Yes. Extended programmes have APS requirements of 26 compared to 30-34 for their standard counterparts. They are designed for students who meet subject requirements but need additional academic support .
Is Life Orientation included in APS calculation?
No. Life Orientation is a 10-credit subject and is excluded from the APS calculation. Your APS is based on your six best 20-credit subjects .
What if I meet the APS but not the subject requirements?
You must meet both the APS and specific subject requirements for your chosen programme. For example, the BSc Extended programmes require Mathematics and Physical Sciences/Life Sciences at specific levels in addition to the APS .
Can I switch from an extended programme to a standard degree?
Yes. After completing the BSc Extended programme successfully, students join the second year of the normal BSc programme. Switching to other faculties (like Engineering or Health Sciences) may be possible after one or two years, subject to selection rules .
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria offers several pathways for students with lower APS scores. The most accessible options are:
-
Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) – APS 25, the lowest APS requirement for a standard degree
-
Extended Programmes (BCom Extended, BSc Extended) – APS 26, designed for students needing foundational support
-
BAdmin in Public Administration – APS 28, a standard degree in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
-
BEd Foundation Phase Teaching – APS 28, a four-year teaching degree
-
Diploma in Veterinary Nursing – APS 28, a diploma programme in the Faculty of Veterinary Science
If your APS is below 25, consider contacting the Faculty of Theology to explore their programmes, which may have more flexible requirements .
Key Actions for Applicants:
-
Submit your application before 30 June 2025 (31 May for Veterinary Science)
-
Apply for extended programmes if your APS is 26 or meets the subject requirements
-
Use your final Grade 11 results to apply for conditional admission
-
Check your application status regularly on the UP Student Portal
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, download the official UP Undergraduate Prospectus from the university website at www.up.ac.za .
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Note: All information is current as at time of publishing. Admission requirements are subject to change. Please verify details on the official University of Pretoria website or in the latest prospectus before applying.