22

Study with a 22 APS Score in South Africa

A 22 APS score is below the bachelor's minimum at most large universities, but it unlocks a solid range of higher certificates, diplomas, and extended programmes — including at some traditional universities.

Below average for bachelor's degrees Diplomas & certificates accessible Extended degrees available
15–19
Higher Certs only
20–22
Your score range
23–25
Diplomas & some degrees
26–30
Most bachelor's degrees
31+
Competitive programmes

With 22 APS you can access all institutions listed for 20 APS, plus additional institutions and programmes below. Most traditional universities require 23–26 for bachelor's entry, but extended curriculum programmes (ECP) and higher certificates are widely available at 22 APS.

Traditional Universities

Extended & Certificate Programmes

UJ
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg · Free to apply
Higher Cert: Marketing (APS 20) Higher Cert: IT (APS 20) Higher Cert: Management (APS 22)

UJ's Higher Certificates open at 20–23 APS. Strong reputation. Free online application. Articulates into degree after 1 year.

NWU
North-West University
Potchefstroom / Mafikeng / Vanderbijlpark
Extended: BCom (APS 22) Extended: BA (APS 20) Higher Cert: Commerce

Free application. Extended programmes available across faculties. One of the largest universities in SA.

UNIVEN
University of Venda
Thohoyandou · Fee R100
BA: Arts & Social Sciences BCom: Accounting (check APS) Higher Certificates

Several degree programmes accessible at 20–22 APS. Strong rural focus and community development programmes.

UFH
University of Fort Hare
Alice & East London · Fee R120
Extended: BSocSci Extended: BCom Extended: BSc

Historic institution. Extended curriculum programmes give access to a full degree via an additional foundation year.

NMU
Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha · Free to apply
Higher Cert: Business Higher Cert: IT Extended programmes (selected)

Free application. Widely accessible higher certificates. Check programme-specific APS on their official website.

UWC
University of the Western Cape
Bellville · Free online application
Extended: BA Humanities Extended: BCom Higher Certificates

Free application. Known for accessibility and social justice mission. Extended programmes available in most faculties.

UFS
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein · Free to apply
Extended: BA Extended: BCom Higher Certificates (selected)

Free application. Extended curriculum programmes available. Meeting minimum APS does not guarantee admission — space is limited.

RU
Rhodes University
Makhanda · Fee R100
Extended: BA Humanities Extended: Commerce

Small, high-quality institution. Extended programmes available for qualifying students. Strong academic support.

Universities of Technology

Diplomas & Higher Certificates

TUT
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria · Fee R240
Diploma: IT & Computer Science Diploma: Business Administration Higher Cert programmes

300+ programmes. Diploma programmes often open at 22–24 APS. Strong industry links.

CPUT
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town · Fee R110
Diploma: Marketing Diploma: Tourism Management Diploma: Graphic Design

Many diploma programmes start at 20–22 APS. Check programme-specific subject requirements.

CUT
Central University of Technology
Bloemfontein · Free to apply
Diploma: Engineering Technology Diploma: Information Technology Diploma: Hospitality

Free application. 22 APS opens more diploma options than at 20.

VUT
Vaal University of Technology
Vanderbijlpark · Fee R110
Diploma: Logistics Diploma: Public Relations Diploma: Human Resources

22 APS unlocks diploma entry in most faculties. Check subject prerequisites.

Distance Learning

UNISA – Flexible Study at 22 APS

UNISA
University of South Africa
Nationwide · Fee R140
Diploma: Policing (APS 22) Diploma: Commerce Higher Cert: Business Management Higher Cert: Financial Management

World's largest open distance university. 22 APS unlocks diploma programmes. Study at your own pace from anywhere in SA.

Next Steps

Improve Your Options from 22 APS

Moving from 22 to 25 APS is the most impactful improvement you can make — it unlocks bachelor's degree access at NWU, UFS, UWC, UFH, WSU, and UniZulu. That's just 3 more points. Improving one subject by one level (e.g., 50% to 60%) adds 1 APS point.

Rewrite 1–2 Subjects

Target your weakest subject. Moving one subject from 50% to 70% adds 2 APS points and could take you from 22 to 24 — opening far more bachelor's options.

Start with a Diploma

Complete a 3-year diploma at a university of technology. Many diploma graduates then qualify for a one-year Advanced Diploma which is equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

Extended Programme

Apply for an extended curriculum programme — you take an extra year but graduate with a full bachelor's degree from a traditional university.

Not Sure of Your APS? Calculate It Now

Enter your subjects and results — get your exact APS and see every university you qualify for.