Question 1

How does UCT calculate APS?

Accepted Answer

UCT does not use the standard 42-point APS system. It adds the actual percentages from your best 6 subjects, excluding Life Orientation, to create a Faculty Points Score out of 600. If a subject is below 40%, it contributes zero. English and any required programme subjects must still be part of the 6 subjects UCT considers.

Question 2

What is the difference between FPS and APS at UCT?

Accepted Answer

At UCT, APS usually refers to the Faculty Points Score, or FPS. That is the total of your 6 best subject percentages out of 600. Some faculties also use a Weighted Points Score for selection. So when UCT talks about 450 points, it is not the same kind of APS number used at standard 42-point universities.

Question 3

What APS do I need for the most popular courses at UCT?

Accepted Answer

Indicative minimums on UCT's 600-point scale are around 450+ for Medicine, about 480+ for Business Science and Actuarial routes, around 400+ for BCom, roughly 400+ for Engineering, around 350+ for BA Humanities, and close to 400+ for LLB. Real offers usually go to applicants above those floor numbers.

Question 4

Does UCT require the NBT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UCT requires National Benchmark Tests for all South African undergraduate applicants, and some international applicants too. The AQL and MAT papers matter most in faculties like Commerce, Engineering, and Health Sciences. If you are applying to UCT, you should plan your NBT date early enough for results to be ready before the deadline.

Question 5

Does Life Orientation count at UCT?

Accepted Answer

No. UCT excludes Life Orientation completely from its APS or FPS calculation. Your score comes from your best 6 other subjects, including English and any subjects required for the degree you want. A strong LO result will not increase your UCT total.

Question 6

Does UCT accept Mathematical Literacy?

Accepted Answer

UCT accepts Mathematical Literacy for very few programmes, mainly in some Humanities routes. It is not accepted for Commerce, Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Law. If you take Maths Literacy, your UCT options are much narrower even before APS is considered.

Question 7

How competitive is UCT admission?

Accepted Answer

UCT is one of the most competitive universities in South Africa. Programmes like Medicine and Business Science attract far more qualified applicants than available places. Your score, NBT performance, school context, and programme demand all matter, so meeting the minimum threshold is only the first step.

Question 8

When do UCT applications open and close?

Accepted Answer

UCT applications usually open on 1 April and close on 31 July. That makes UCT one of the earliest deadlines in the country. You should not wait until September. Competitive faculties can also have extra document or test requirements, so finishing early is the safer move.

Question 9

What is a conditional offer from UCT?

Accepted Answer

A conditional offer means UCT has provisionally accepted you based on your Grade 11 or trial results, but your place is still subject to your final matric marks and NBT results. If your final performance drops below the offer conditions, UCT can withdraw the offer.

University of Cape Town

Calculate your APS score

University of Cape Town APS questions, answered.

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University of Cape Town

Calculate your APS score

University of Cape Town APS questions, answered.

Need help with University of Cape Town?

How does UCT calculate APS?-

What is the difference between FPS and APS at UCT?+

What APS do I need for the most popular courses at UCT?+

Does UCT require the NBT?+

Does Life Orientation count at UCT?+

Does UCT accept Mathematical Literacy?+

How competitive is UCT admission?+

When do UCT applications open and close?+

What is a conditional offer from UCT?+

Important Disclaimer