Verified against university prospectuses 2027
Published by NavyBlue Editorial Team
What can I study with an APS score of 42?
APS 42 is the 6 subject maximum on the standard scale. Medicine (MBChB), Actuarial Sciences and every competitive degree is technically in reach, although subject marks and NBT still gate the top programmes.
How an APS of 42 compares
of students scored lower than 42
is the middle score, so 42 sits above it
programmes the typical student with APS 42 qualified for
Based on 20 096 students who used the NavyBlue APS calculator between June 2026 to October 2026, including 277 with an APS of exactly 42. 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 42 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 42
| Course / Degree | Typical universities |
|---|---|
| MBChB (Medicine) | UP, UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, SMU, UFS |
| BSc Actuarial Sciences | Wits, UCT, UP, Stellenbosch |
| LLB (top tier) | UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch |
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 42
Next steps
- Medicine still screens on NBT, subject levels (Life Sciences / Phys Sci / Maths) and selection interviews.
- For UCT, your Faculty Points Score (FPS) matters more than APS.
- Apply early. Competitive programmes have separate earlier deadlines.
Other APS brackets
Questions students ask about this score
Is 42 a good APS score?
An APS of 42 is higher than about 99% of students who used the NavyBlue APS calculator, where the middle score is 25. APS 42 is the 6 subject maximum on the standard scale. Medicine (MBChB), Actuarial Sciences and every competitive degree is technically in reach, although subject marks and NBT still gate the top programmes.
Is 42 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 42 APS points?
Students with an APS of 42 qualified for a median of 91 programmes when they checked on NavyBlue. APS 42 is the 6 subject maximum on the standard scale. Medicine (MBChB), Actuarial Sciences and every competitive degree is technically in reach, although subject marks and NBT still gate the top programmes.
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