Verified against university prospectuses 2027
Published by NavyBlue Editorial Team
What can I study with an APS score of 38?
APS 38 is competitive enough for BCom Chartered Accountancy at top tier, advanced engineering streams and BSc programmes with Honours-track intent.
How an APS of 38 compares
of students scored lower than 38
is the middle score, so 38 sits above it
programmes the typical student with APS 38 qualified for
Based on 20 096 students who used the NavyBlue APS calculator between June 2026 to October 2026, including 239 with an APS of exactly 38. Marks are entered by students and are not verified. This shows how you compare to other people using this calculator, not to all South African matrics: students who look up an APS calculator are more likely to be unsure whether they qualify.
Wondering how 38 compares generally? What counts as a good APS score in South Africa explains why the same number means different things at different universities.
Courses typically available at APS 38
| Course / Degree | Typical universities |
|---|---|
| BCom Chartered Accountancy | UP, UJ, Wits, Stellenbosch |
| BEng (competitive streams) | Wits, UCT, UP |
| BSc Actuarial Sciences | UP, NWU |
APS alone is not enough. Subject requirements (Maths, English, Physical Sciences) still gate specific programmes. Always verify on each university's prospectus.
Universities to consider with APS 38
Next steps
- For CA(SA) track, Accounting (or Maths strong) at Level 6+ is often required.
- Check the specific faculty APS. Some are higher than the published minimum.
- Apply early. Competitive streams close before general deadlines.
Other APS brackets
Questions students ask about this score
Is 38 a good APS score?
An APS of 38 is higher than about 95% of students who used the NavyBlue APS calculator, where the middle score is 25. APS 38 is competitive enough for BCom Chartered Accountancy at top tier, advanced engineering streams and BSc programmes with Honours-track intent.
Is 38 APS a Bachelor pass?
No, these are two different things. A Bachelor pass is decided by your subject results against the NSC pass rules, while your APS is a points total universities use to rank applicants. You can earn a Bachelor pass and still fall short of a programme's APS cutoff, and a good APS does not by itself give you a Bachelor pass.
What can I study with 38 APS points?
Students with an APS of 38 qualified for a median of 77 programmes when they checked on NavyBlue. APS 38 is competitive enough for BCom Chartered Accountancy at top tier, advanced engineering streams and BSc programmes with Honours-track intent.
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