20
Study with a 20 APS Score in South Africa
A 20 APS score does not close the door to higher education. Many accredited institutions accept 20 APS — especially for higher certificates, extended programmes, and diplomas that can lead to a full degree.
Below bachelor's minimum at most universities
Certificates & diplomas available
Extended pathways to degrees
Most SA universities require a minimum APS of 23–26 for a bachelor's degree. With 20 APS, your best options are higher certificates, extended curriculum programmes (ECP), and TVET college diplomas — many of which articulate into degree studies after your first year.
Universities of Technology
Higher Certificates (APS 15–20)
TUT
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria · APS from 15
Higher Cert: Business
Higher Cert: IT
Higher Cert: Marketing
Higher certificates articulate into diplomas. 300+ programmes across 7 faculties.
CPUT
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town · APS from 16
Higher Cert: Tourism
Higher Cert: Hospitality
Higher Cert: Business
Application fee R110. Online applications available.
VUT
Vaal University of Technology
Vanderbijlpark · APS from 16
Higher Cert: Commerce
Higher Cert: Applied Sciences
Application fee R110. Strong industry partnerships.
MUT
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Durban · APS from 15
Higher Cert: Engineering
Higher Cert: Management
Apply via CAO (R250). Strong focus on engineering sciences.
CUT
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein & Welkom · Free to apply
Higher Cert: IT
Higher Cert: Management
Diploma: Engineering
Free application. Certificates lead to 3-year diploma.
DUT
Durban University of Technology
Durban · Apply via CAO R250
Higher Cert: Accounting
Higher Cert: Public Admin
Higher Cert: Journalism
Apply through CAO. Most higher certificates open at 15–20 APS.
Traditional Universities
Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP)
UL
University of Limpopo
Polokwane · APS from 18 (extended)
BSc Extended: Health Sciences
BCom Extended
Higher Cert programmes
Extended programmes add a foundation year. Application fee R200.
UFH
University of Fort Hare
Alice & East London · APS from 18
Extended Curriculum: Arts
Extended Curriculum: Science
Extended Curriculum: Commerce
Application fee R120. Extended programmes take an extra year but award a full degree.
WSU
Walter Sisulu University
Eastern Cape · Free to apply
Higher Cert: Commerce
Diploma: Education
Extended: Health Sciences
Free application. Accepts lower APS for extended and certificate programmes.
UniZ
University of Zululand
KwaDlangezwa · Apply via CAO
Extended: Arts & Humanities
Extended: Commerce
Higher Certificates
Apply through CAO (R250). Several extended programmes open at 20 APS.
SPU
Sol Plaatje University
Kimberley · APS from 18 · Fee R100
Extended: Economic & Management
Extended: Education
Higher Cert programmes
Smaller, newer university with accessible entry requirements.
SMU
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences Uni
Pretoria · APS from 20 · Fee R300
Higher Cert: Health Sciences
Extended: Pharmacy
Specialist health sciences institution. Check programme-specific requirements carefully.
Distance Learning
UNISA – Open to Most APS Levels
UNISA
University of South Africa
Distance Learning (nationwide) · Fee R140
Higher Cert: Business Management
Higher Cert: Financial Management
Higher Cert: Public Admin
Diploma: Policing
World's largest open distance university. Higher certificates generally accessible with 20 APS. Study at your own pace.
Strategy
How to Improve Your Options
Rewrite Matric
Improve 1–2 subjects through supplementary or upgrade exams to push your APS above 23. Even moving from 20 to 23 unlocks far more options.
Higher Cert First
Complete a Higher Certificate (1 year), then articulate directly into a second-year diploma or degree. Many students use this as their pathway in.
TVET College
N4–N6 National Certificate at a TVET college leads to a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and can open doors to further studies.
Calculate Your Exact APS Score
Enter your matric subjects and results to get your APS instantly and see all universities you qualify for.