Your Admission Points Score (APS) is a numerical value assigned to your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. CUT uses your APS score to determine your eligibility for various academic programmes. To be considered for admission, candidates generally need a minimum APS score of 27, though specific programmes require higher scores.
Calculate my APS
Enter your National Senior Certificate marks to work out your Admission Points Score.
Launch APS Calculator →Matric Pass Levels Explained
Understanding your matric pass level is the first step in determining which higher education pathways are open to you.
Higher Certificate Pass
Requires a 40% pass in your home language, 2 subjects above 40%, 4 subjects above 30%, and you may fail 1 subject. This pass allows you to study for a Higher Certificate.
View Higher Certificate Programmes →Diploma Pass
Requires passing 6 of 7 subjects, including Home Language at 40% (excluding Life Orientation) and 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT). Four subjects must be at least 40% (Level 3), and three at 30%. You may fail one subject.
This allows enrolment for a diploma course at a university of technology or a bridging course at a TVET college.
View Diploma Programmes →Bachelor’s Degree Pass
Requires passing 6 of 7 subjects, including Home Language at 40% (excluding Life Orientation) and 30% in the LOLT. Four subjects must be at least 50% (Level 4).
This is the minimum requirement to apply for a degree course at a university or university of technology, as well as higher certificates and diplomas.
View Degree Programmes →How Your AP Score is Calculated (NSC 2008 and thereafter)
Key Admission Rules
- Minimum Score: A candidate must score at least 27 points on the CUT scoring scale for general admission, though specific programmes may require higher scores.
- Life Orientation: Forms part of the final score, but has a maximum value of 1 point, regardless of the percentage achieved.
- English Proficiency: A minimum of 50% in English (Home Language or First Additional Language) is generally required, as it is the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) at CUT.
- Selection Tests: Candidates scoring between 22 and 26 points may be required to undergo a selection test or potential assessment, subject to programme vacancies.
CUT Academic Weighting Scale
Note: Candidates scoring 21 points or less will not be admitted. Candidates scoring 22–26 points may be subject to a selection test. Foreign qualifications are considered provided they are deemed equivalent by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Do Not Meet These Requirements?
If you do not meet the traditional matric or NSC requirements, you still have viable options to achieve your academic goals at CUT.
