North West UniversityAPS Calculator
#8
In South Africa
#801-1000
In the world
NWU is a practical choice if you want options across three campuses and solid programs. For some BCom degrees, you need at least 24 APS with Maths.
Ranking source: THE 2026
www.nwu.ac.za is the official North West University site. Always confirm programme cutoffs in the current prospectus before you apply.
How does NWU calculate APS?
NWU uses standard best 6. Your best 6 NSC subjects are converted to APS points using the standard bands: 90 to 100% = 8, 80 to 89% = 7, 70 to 79% = 6, 60 to 69% = 5, 50 to 59% = 4, 40 to 49% = 3, 30 to 39% = 2, and 0 to 29% = 1. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total. NWU is one of the more accessible universities on this ladder, but faculty cut-offs and required subjects still change by programme.
Does NWU include Life Orientation in APS?
No. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total.
What's the NWU APS system at a glance?
- Method
- Standard best 6
- Max APS
- 48
- LO rule
- No
- Basis
- Best 6 on an 8 point ladder (LO excluded)
How to calculate your NWU APS step by step
- Convert each eligible subject into APS points using the 1 to 7 bands.
- Keep English and the course required subjects in the mix where a faculty asks for them.
- Add the best eligible subjects on that university's calculator method and compare the total with the programme cut-off.
Before you apply, know what you want to study and check that you qualify. Use the calculator below to see your APS score and how it stacks up against NWU's requirements.
Calculate your APS score
Enter your matric marks below. We'll convert them into your APS for every university or pick a specific one.
What APS do you need for NWU?
Programmes at NWU range from about APS 18 for the lowest-entry courses up to APS 36 for the most competitive. The minimum APS and required subjects for each programme are below, grouped by faculty. NWU scores APS using Best 6 on an 8 point ladder (LO excluded) (max 48).
Popular programme cut-offs at NWU
The minimum APS for the programmes people ask about most. Aim higher than the minimum for competitive courses.
- Law (LLB)
- Bachelor of Arts in Law with Industrial Psychology
- Teaching (BEd)
- Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
- Engineering
- Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Engineering Graphics and Design
- Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations with Logistics Management Extended Programme
- Science (BSc)
- Extended Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
Bachelor of Administration in Human Resource Management
APS 23
Bachelor of Administration in Human Resource Management Extended Programme
APS 21
Bachelor of Administration in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
APS 23
Bachelor of Administration in Industrial and Organisational Psychology Extended Programme
APS 21
Bachelor of Arts with Industrial and Organisational Psychology and Labour Relations Management
APS 26
Bachelor of Arts with Tourism Management
APS 22
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations with Logistics Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations with Logistics Management Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations with Transport Economics
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations with Transport Economics Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy
APS 32
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy Extended Programme
APS 28
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Agricultural Economics and Risk Management
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Econometrics
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Econometrics Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Informatics
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Information Systems
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Information Systems Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with International Trade
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with International Trade Extended Programme
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Risk Management
APS 26
Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences with Risk Management Extended Programme
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accountancy
APS 28
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accountancy Extended Programme
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Forensic Accountancy
APS 36
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
APS 30
Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology
APS 30
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Accountancy
APS 30
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Communication Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Marketing Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Marketing Management Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Marketing and Tourism Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Safety Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Sport Business Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Tourism Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences with Tourism and Recreation Skills
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Research
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Statistics
APS 24
Bachelor of Commerce in Statistics Extended Programme
APS 20
Bachelor of Human Resource Development
APS 22
Faculty of Education
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Grade R-3
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Grade 4-6 with Life Skills and Social Sciences
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Grade 4-6 with Mathematics, Science and Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Accounting
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Afrikaans
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Business Studies
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Civil Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Computer Application Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Economics
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Electrical Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Engineering Graphics and Design
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with English
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Geography
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with History
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Information Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Life Orientation
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Life Sciences
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Mathematical Literacy
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Mechanical Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Physical Sciences
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Sesotho
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Setswana
APS 26
Bachelor of Education in Senior and Further Education and Training with Tourism
APS 26
Faculty of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Electronic Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Electromechanical Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
APS 34
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering
APS 34
Faculty of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Sciences with Psychology and Labour Relations Management
APS 26
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences with Fashion Retail Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Consumer Sciences with Food Product Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Consumer Studies
APS 24
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics
APS 32
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene
APS 27
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Biochemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Physiology and Psychology
APS 26
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Recreation Science and Tourism Management
APS 24
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Sport Coaching and Human Movement Sciences
APS 24
Bachelor of Health Sciences with Sport and Recreation Administration
APS 24
Bachelor of Nursing
APS 25
Bachelor of Pharmacy
APS 32
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
APS 30
Bachelor of Social Science with Psychology
APS 26
Bachelor of Social Work
APS 28
Diploma in Coaching Science with Sport Coaching
APS 18
Faculty of Humanities
Baccalaureus Musicae
APS 24
Bachelor of Administration in Development and Management with Local Government Management
APS 21
Bachelor of Arts Humanities with Afrikaans and Dutch
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts Humanities with English
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts Humanities with Sesotho
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts Humanities with Setswana
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioural Sciences with Sociology and Psychology
APS 22
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with Communication
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Language Technology
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Language and Literary Studies
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Music and Society
APS 21
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Municipal Management and Leadership
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Policing Practice
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Politics and Public Administration
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Public Administration and Geography
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Public Administration and Labour Relations Management
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts in Public Governance with Public Administration and Social Development
APS 25
Bachelor of Arts with Sociology and Geography with Social and Labour Relations Management
APS 22
Bachelor of Philosophy with Philosophy, Politics and Economics
APS 26
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Development Studies
APS 22
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Economics
APS 22
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Political Studies and International Relations
APS 24
Diploma in Music
APS 18
Extended Bachelor of Administration in Development and Management with Local Government Management
APS 20
Faculty of Law
Bachelor of Arts in Law with Industrial Psychology
APS 28
Bachelor of Arts in Law with Politics
APS 28
Bachelor of Arts in Law with Psychology
APS 28
Bachelor of Commerce in Law
APS 30
Bachelor of Laws
APS 30
Extended Bachelor of Laws
APS 28
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Sciences
APS 32
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Agricultural Economics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Agronomy and Agricultural Economics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Agronomy and Horticulture
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Agronomy and Soil Science
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Animal Health
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Animal Science
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Botany and Biochemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Botany
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Zoology and Biochemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
APS 32
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics
APS 32
Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Knowledge Systems
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences with Applied Mathematics and Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences with Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences with Statistics and Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Risk Management
APS 32
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
APS 28
Bachelor of Science with Applied Mathematics and Chemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Applied Mathematics and Electronics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Biochemistry and Chemistry
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Chemistry and Computer Science
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Chemistry and Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Chemistry and Physics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Economics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Electronics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Statistics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Electronics and Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Electronics and Physics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Geography and Applied Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Mathematics and Economy
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Physics and Applied Mathematics
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Physics and Computer Science
APS 26
Bachelor of Science with Physics and Mathematics
APS 26
Diploma in Animal Health
APS 22
Diploma in Animal Science
APS 22
Diploma in Plant Science
APS 22
Extended Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
APS 28
Extended Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics
APS 28
Extended Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
APS 24
Extended Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Risk Management
APS 28
Extended Bachelor of Science with Applied Mathematics and Chemistry
APS 24
Faculty of Theology
Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Languages
APS 24
Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Psychology
APS 26
Bachelor of Divinity
APS 24
Bachelor of Theology in Christian Ministry
APS 24
Bachelor of Theology with Bible Languages and Bible Translation
APS 24
Bachelor of Theology with Pastoral Counselling and Psychology
APS 26
APS is the first gate. You also need the right subjects at the right level, and competitive programmes fill up, so they take the top students first and may add a test (like the NBT) or an interview. Always confirm the current cut-off in the official NWU prospectus before you apply.
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Popular programmes at NWU
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
24
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy (CA)
32
Bachelor of Commerce in Chartered Accountancy (CA) Extended Programme
28
Bachelor of Commerce in Forensic Accountancy
36
Diploma in Animal Health
22
About NWU
NWU sits across three campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark. It’s known for making quality degrees accessible, especially if you’re not sitting on a crazy-high APS. You’ll find solid accounting, engineering, science, and education programs.
Campus and residence
Each campus has its own res options and you can apply when you fill in your main application. Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, and Vanderbijlpark all have on-campus residences. Res fees range from R33,920 to R55,080 depending on campus.
How does North West University calculate APS? Common questions
These are the calculator questions that matter most before you apply.
Need help with North West University?
If you are stuck between programmes, deadlines, or subject requirements, send us a message and we'll help.
Get help on WhatsAppNWU takes your best 6 subjects and excludes Life Orientation, but it uses an 8 point ladder rather than the 1 to 7 one: 90% or more scores 8. The maximum is 48, not 42, so your NWU number is directly comparable with UKZN, WSU, UniZulu and VUT, and not with UP or UJ.
Important Disclaimer
This APS calculator is for information only. We aim to be accurate based on public university requirements, but admission decisions are made by each university and may consider factors beyond APS scores.
We do not guarantee admission based on our calculations. Requirements may change, and universities may consider additional criteria such as:
- Portfolio submissions, interviews, or entrance tests
- Specific subject requirements and combinations
- Language proficiency requirements
- Availability of spaces in programs
Always verify admission requirements directly with the universities you're applying to. Use this tool as a starting point, not a definitive guide for applications.
Where we show how your APS compares to other students, those marks are typed in by students themselves and are not verified. The comparison covers people who used this calculator, not every matric learner in South Africa, so it shows you what is normal here rather than a national ranking.
More on NWU admissions
Three quick links most people open after calculating their NWU APS.
Read the full breakdown
How NWU fits into the SA APS landscape, with worked examples and the full calculation method.
APS guideHow to apply to NWU
Step by step NWU application guide: documents, deadlines and the portal.
Application stepsCourses by APS score
See what you can study with your APS, from Higher Certificates through Medicine and Actuarial Science.
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