Question 1

How does UP calculate my APS?

Accepted Answer

UP uses the standard APS method. It takes your best 6 subjects, excludes Life Orientation, converts each result to a 1 to 7 point value, and adds the total. The maximum is 42. This is the same broad system used by universities like UJ, NWU, UFS, and UKZN.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Indicative minimums at UP are around 35+ for Medicine, 35+ for Engineering, 35 for BCom Accounting, about 32 for Law, 30+ for many BSc routes, around 28 for Education, and about 26 for BA Humanities. Subject requirements like Maths and Physical Sciences still matter just as much as the APS total.

Question 3

Does UP require the NBT?

Accepted Answer

No, UP generally does not require National Benchmark Tests for standard undergraduate admission. Your application is usually judged on APS and subject-specific minimums. That makes UP simpler than UCT or Wits from a testing point of view.

Question 4

Does Life Orientation count at UP?

Accepted Answer

No. UP excludes Life Orientation from APS. Only your best 6 other subjects count toward the standard 42-point total. A strong LO result can still help your school report, but it does not increase your UP APS.

Question 5

Does UP accept Mathematical Literacy?

Accepted Answer

UP accepts Mathematical Literacy for some programmes, including certain Humanities, Social Work, and Education options. It does not work for Medicine, Engineering, BSc, IT, or BCom Accounting. You should check the specific faculty minimum before assuming your APS is enough.

Question 6

Does UP offer foundation or extended programmes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UP offers extended options in areas like Engineering, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Economic and Management Sciences. These programmes add an extra support year and can be a good option if you are close to the mainstream requirement but not quite there.

Question 7

When do UP applications open and close?

Accepted Answer

UP applications usually open in April and close on 30 June for most programmes, with some Health Sciences deadlines arriving earlier. The application fee is usually R300, which is higher than many other universities. UP lets you apply for up to two programme choices online.

Question 8

How do I check my UP application status?

Accepted Answer

You can track your application through the UP Student Self-Service portal. UP also communicates by email and SMS. If you received a conditional offer based on Grade 11 results, the university will confirm or withdraw it once final matric results are available.

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University of Pretoria

Calculate your APS score

University of Pretoria APS questions, answered.

Need help with University of Pretoria?

How does UP calculate my APS?-

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

Does UP require the NBT?+

Does Life Orientation count at UP?+

Does UP accept Mathematical Literacy?+

Does UP offer foundation or extended programmes?+

When do UP applications open and close?+

How do I check my UP application status?+

Important Disclaimer