Is 14 APS Score Good?

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Is 14 APS Score Good?

Is 14 APS Score Good?

Understanding the 14 APS Score: What It Means for Your Future

If you have a 14 APS score, you might wonder what it means for your studies and career choices. The APS, or Admission Point Score, is used by South African schools and colleges to see if you qualify for certain courses. A score of 14 is on the lower side, but it does not mean you have no options. There are still many ways you can continue learning and prepare for a good career.

With a 14 APS, you can take short courses that teach practical skills. These courses are often shorter and help you get ready for work faster. Another option is to study ICB courses, which stand for Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. These courses focus on business, bookkeeping, and administration. They are well-known and respected by employers.

You can also look into NATED courses, which are called National Technical Education courses. These are offered at technical and vocational colleges and cover subjects like engineering, business, and finance. NATED courses mix classroom learning with hands-on training, which helps you gain useful skills. TVET colleges (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) are a good place to start with a 14 APS score. They have many practical courses and lower entry requirements than universities. This means you can study something useful and get ready for a career.

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Is 14 APS Score Good?

A 14 APS score is usually seen as a low to average result, with most subject marks falling between 40% and 50%. While this score is not likely to meet the entry requirements for highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, or Engineering, it may still qualify you for certain certificate or diploma programs. Some universities and colleges offer courses with lower APS requirements, especially in vocational or skills-based fields.

If your score is 14, you still have options. You could consider applying for a course with more flexible entry criteria or look into bridging programs that help you improve your results. Although it may limit your choices, a 14 APS does not mean the end of your academic journey. With the right planning and a positive attitude, you can still find opportunities for further study and career growth.

Courses For APS 14 And Below

Courses you can study with an APS of 14 or less are as follows:

  • NATED courses (requires APS 14, as NATED courses require Matric or Matric Equivalent)
  • ICB courses
  • Short courses
  • Rewrite Matric
  • Upgrade Matric

How the APS Is Calculated

The APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated by converting your matric subject marks into points. Here’s how it works:

Your final percentage in each subject is matched to a point value from 1 to 7.
 The higher your percentage, the higher the points you earn for that subject.
 For example, a mark of:

  • 80% to 100% earns 7 points
  • 70% to 79% earns 6 points
  • 60% to 69% earns 5 points
  • 50% to 59% earns 4 points
  • 40% to 49% earns 3 points
  • 30% to 39% earns 2 points
  • 0% to 29% earns 1 point

You calculate your total APS by adding up the points of your best six subjects (or five, depending on the institution).
 Life Orientation is sometimes not included in the calculation, depending on the university’s policy.

What Courses Can I Study with a 14 APS?

If you have a 14 APS, you still have several options to continue your education, especially through TVET colleges and private institutions. While a score of 14 may not meet the requirements for most university degrees, it can still open doors to practical and skills-based programmes that can lead to good job opportunities or further studies later on. Below are some courses you could consider:

  • Hospitality Studies
  • Office Administration
  • Tourism
  • Safety in Society
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Engineering Studies (N1–N3)
  • Business Management (N4–N6)
  • Information Technology (End User Computing)
  • Haircare and Beauty Therapy
  • Plumbing or Welding

Study Programmes With APS 15

A 15-point APS can be used to study short courses. Students who want to acquire a variety of skills that can be used to launch enterprises and find employment might consider taking these courses. The greatest courses are those that focus on teaching certain skills, are condensed, and lack assessments. There are openings for the following quick courses:

  • Salon Management Course 
  • Nail Care Courses 
  • Make-up Courses 
  • Facial Skincare Courses 
  • Beauty Therapy Courses 
  • First Aid Course Courses 
  • Crèche Management Courses
  • Child Day Care Courses
  • Child Psychology Courses
  • Tourism Management Courses 
  • Guest House Management Courses 
  • Events Management Courses 
  • Wedding Planning Courses 

 APS Scores and Levels In South Africa

Universities use the APS method to assess your ability to study there. Your APS is based on your final Matric grades. The following are the lowest possible APS scores:

  • 14 – National Senior Certificate / Senior Certificate Pass
  • 15 – Higher Certificate Pass
  • 17 – Diploma Pass
  • 21 – Bachelor’s Pass

ALSO READ: How Can I Pass My Matric

National Senior Certificate Pass

With this Matric Pass Level, you can study for any qualification that needs a general Matric pass. To achieve this Matric pass Level, here is what you need:

Senior Certificate Amended (SC (A))

  • You need at least three subjects with a minimum of 40% each. One of these subjects must be an official Home Language.
  • You are allowed to fail one subject, but the minimum score for this subject must be 20%.
  • The Admission Point Score (APS) required is 12.

National Senior Certificate (NSC)

  • You must achieve at least 40% in your Home Language.
  • You need at least 40% in two other subjects.
  • You must get at least 30% in three other subjects.
  • It is possible to fail one subject, including your First Additional Language, as long as you achieve 30% or more in the remaining subjects.
  • The Admission Point Score (APS) required is 14.

How Can I Improve My APS Score?

If your APS is below the required level for your desired course, there are several ways to improve it. Increasing your APS can open doors to more study options and help you meet the entry criteria for universities or colleges. Below are some effective strategies to consider:

  • Rewrite your matric subjects:

You can apply to rewrite subjects where your marks were low by taking supplementary exams. Even a small increase in one or two subjects can raise your overall APS significantly.

  • Upgrade your matric results:

Many institutions offer programmes that allow you to retake specific subjects with extra support and guidance to help you improve your scores.

  • Enroll in bridging or foundation courses:

Some colleges and universities provide these courses to help students strengthen their academic skills and qualify for further study, even if their APS is initially low.

  • Consider studying at a TVET college:

Starting with a certificate or diploma programme at a TVET college can be a practical route. These qualifications are often recognised and can lead to further study opportunities.

  • Enhance your study habits:

If you plan to rewrite your exams, it’s important to develop a solid study plan, seek help from tutors, and practise with past exam papers to boost your performance.

Receiving 14 points on your matriculation tests is a fantastic accomplishment that sets the stage for your future academic and professional success. If you’re interested in formal education, professional development, the creative arts, or business, there are numerous possibilities to think about. Kindly submit a comment below. Click here to read more.

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