What Is The APS Score For Law 2026

What Is The APS Score For Law 2026

The Admission Point Score (APS) is the essential part of the South African education system used by universities and colleges to assess whether a student qualifies for a particular course or program. It is a points-based system that translates your National Senior Certificate (matric) exam results into a standardized score. This score helps universities fairly compare students from different schools and backgrounds when deciding who to admit. Your APS is calculated by adding up points from your best six subjects, usually excluding Life Orientation. Each subject is assigned a certain number of points based on the percentage mark you achieved. For example, if you score between 80% and 100% in a subject, you typically earn 7 points for that subject. A mark between 70% and 79% might earn 6 points, 60% to 69% earns 5 points, and so on. Lower percentages receive fewer points, with anything below 30% usually earning zero points.

When you add the points from your six best subjects, you get your total APS score, which can range from 0 to 42 points. Universities set minimum APS requirements for each course or program, and these requirements vary depending on the field of study. For competitive programs like law, the APS requirement is usually higher, often between 28 and 32 points. In addition to the overall APS, universities may require you to have specific marks in certain subjects, such as a minimum of 60% in English, since strong language skills are essential for law studies. Some institutions also require a pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

The APS system was introduced to create a fair and transparent way for universities to evaluate students’ academic readiness for higher education. It helps students understand what they need to achieve in their matric exams to qualify for their desired courses and plan their studies accordingly. Knowing your APS score early on can help you make informed decisions about which courses to apply for and which universities to consider. If your APS is below the required level for your chosen course, you may need to improve your marks

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Required APS Score for Law School| What Is The APS Score For Law 2026

Minimum APS 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, English 5 (60%), Additional Language 4 (50%), Mathematics 3 (40%), Mathematical Literacy 4 (50%). A suitable APS rating for law:

A minimum APS score of 31 in Mathematics or 32 in Mathematical Literacy:

• English 5 (60%)
• Additional Language 4 (50%)
• Mathematics 3 (40%)
• Mathematical Literacy 4 (50%)

What Qualifications Are Required to Study Law in South Africa?

If you’re planning to study law in South Africa, it’s important to know the qualifications and requirements needed to get accepted into a law program. Admission standards can vary between institutions, but there are some common requirements you should be aware of before applying. Here’s a detailed overview of the qualifications needed to study law in South Africa for 2026 and beyond.

Minimum Academic Qualification

• The basic requirement to study law is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) at NQF level 4. This is the standard high school completion certificate in South Africa.
• Most universities require applicants to have an Admissions Point Score (APS) of at least 21 points, but competitive law programs often ask for a higher APS, sometimes 33 points or more.
• The APS is calculated from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, with points awarded based on your percentage marks.

Subject Requirements

• English is a compulsory subject, and you usually need a minimum pass of 40% to 60% depending on the institution. English proficiency is critical because law involves a lot of reading, writing, and communication.
• Some universities require a pass in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, often at a minimum level of 40% to 50%.
• Other subjects like History, Economics, or Business Studies can be beneficial, but are not always mandatory.

Alternative Entry Qualifications

If you don’t meet the NSC requirements, some institutions accept other qualifications such as:

• A Higher Certificate or Diploma in Law or related fields at NQF levels 5 or 6.
• A 360-credit Diploma in Law or a related diploma at NQF level 6.
• Previous degrees like B Juris, B Proc, B Com in Law, or BA Law may allow you to apply for advanced law programs.

Additional Admission Criteria

• Some universities require applicants to write entrance exams or law admission tests.
• You may also need to submit a personal statement or attend an interview.
• Relevant work experience in the legal field can sometimes strengthen your application.

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Programs Needed To Study BA Law

Below are some of the programs needed to study BA Law:

• Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
• English
• Additional Language
• Life Orientation is not needed

Law Courses

Listed below are some of the courses in Law:

• AFL1501 – Language Through an African Lens
• FAC1503 – Financial Accounting Principles for Law Practitioners
• HFL1501 – Historical Foundations of South African Law
• ILW1501 – Introduction to Law
• IRM1501 – Introduction to Research Methodology for Law and Criminal Justice
• PLS1502 – Introduction to African Philosophy
• PVL1501 – Law of Persons
• SCL1501 – Skills Course for Law Students
• SJD1501 – Social Dimensions of Justice
• Group B: Choose ONE of the following non-law modules at NQF level 5
• CMY1501 – Introduction to Criminology: Crime, Offenders and Criminal Behaviour
• CMY1502 – Introduction to Criminology: Victims and Reduction of Crime
• LIN1502 – Multilingualism: The Role of Language in the South African Context

Always keep in mind that persistence and perseverance can frequently overcome early obstacles. You can make substantial progress towards completing your goal of studying law and realising your objectives in the legal field by staying informed and considering different possibilities.  Kindly share your thoughts and questions in the space provided below. I hope this post is useful and efficient for easy understanding. Visit this website for more information and other inquiries.

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