Does Life Orientation count at UWC?

Yes. UWC is one of the few universities where Life Orientation can count in your APS total. If LO is one of your stronger subjects, it can give your UWC number a small boost. That is one reason your UWC APS can differ from your score at universities that exclude LO completely.

What APS do I need for popular courses at UWC?

Indicative UWC minimums are around 30 for BCom, about 30 for Law, roughly 28+ for BSc, around 33+ for Pharmacy, about 26 for Education, and around 27 for Nursing. Pharmacy and Health Sciences are usually more selective in practice than the minimum alone suggests.

Does UWC require the NBT?

UWC requires NBTs for Pharmacy and some Health Sciences programmes. Not every degree needs them, but you should still check the latest programme requirements before you apply. If you are aiming at a health related course, assume extra selection checks may apply.

What APS do I need for engineering at UWC?

Find the engineering programmes in the list above for the UWC minimum APS. Strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences are essential on top of the APS.

Does meeting the minimum APS get me into UWC?

Not on its own. The APS is the first gate at UWC. You also need the right subjects at the right level, and popular programmes fill up, so they take the top students first. Some programmes add a test like the NBT or an interview.

Bellville, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

University of the Western CapeAPS Calculator

In South Africa

#601-800

In the world

UWC in Bellville is known for welcoming first-generation students and charging no application fee, but you'll still need around 30 to 40 points depending on your course.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

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 UWC'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 marks are you using? *

Life Orientation

🧭 Life OrientationEveryone takes this

Numeracy

Home Language

First Additional Language

Subject 1

Subject 2

Subject 3

0 of 7 subjects filled in7 to go

What APS do you need for UWC?

Programmes at UWC range from about APS 30 for the lowest-entry courses up to APS 40 for the most competitive. The minimum APS and required subjects for each programme are below, grouped by faculty. UWC scores APS using Weighted best 7 (English + Maths heavier) (max 65).

Popular programme cut-offs at UWC

The minimum APS for the programmes people ask about most. Aim higher than the minimum for competitive courses.

Law (LLB): Bachelor of Commerce - Law · Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+
Teaching (BEd): Bachelor of Education - Accounting (FET), Economics and Management Sciences · Maths 30%+, Maths Lit 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Accounting 50%+, Business Studies 50%+, Economics 50%+
Commerce (BCom): Bachelor of Commerce - Law · Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+
Science (BSc): Bachelor of Science - Dietetics and Nutrition · Maths 50%+, Maths Lit 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Life Sciences 50%+

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Bachelor of Arts

Subjects: English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+

APS 35

Bachelor of Theology

APS 35

Faculty of Community and Health Sciences

Bachelor of Arts - Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Community Development

APS 30

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery

Subjects: Maths 50%+, Maths Lit 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 30

Bachelor of Science - Dietetics and Nutrition

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 60%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Physiotherapy

APS 39

Bachelor of Science - Sport and Exercise Science

APS 33

Bachelor of Social Work

APS 34

Faculty of Dentistry

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Subjects: Maths 50%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Physical Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+

APS 40

Bachelor of Oral Health

APS 33

Faculty of Education

Bachelor of Education - Accounting (FET), Economics and Management Sciences

Subjects: Maths 30%+, Maths Lit 70%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Accounting 50%+, Business Studies 50%+, Economics 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Foundation Phase Teaching

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 60%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Further Education and Training Teaching

Subjects: English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Languages (SP & FET) and Life Orientation

Subjects: English HL 60%+, English FAL 60%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Languages (SP & FET) and Mathematics

Subjects: Maths 50%+, Maths Lit 70%+, English HL 60%+, English FAL 60%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Languages (SP & FET) and Social Sciences

Subjects: Maths 40%+, Maths Lit 60%+, English HL 60%+, English FAL 60%+, Afrikaans HL 50%+, Afrikaans FAL 50%+, IsiNdebele HL 50%+, IsiNdebele FAL 50%+, IsiXhosa HL 50%+, IsiXhosa FAL 50%+, IsiZulu HL 50%+, IsiZulu FAL 50%+, Sepedi HL 50%+, Sepedi FAL 50%+, Sesotho HL 50%+, Sesotho FAL 50%+, Setswana HL 50%+, Setswana FAL 50%+, Siswati HL 50%+, Siswati FAL 50%+, Tshivenda HL 50%+, Tshivenda FAL 50%+, Xitsonga HL 50%+, Xitsonga FAL 50%+, History 50%+, Geography 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Education - Mathematics (SP), Mathematical Literacy (SP & FET) and Natural Science

APS 33

Faculty of Law

Bachelor of Arts in Law (3 Year Programme)

APS 37

Bachelor of Commerce - Law

APS 30

Bachelor of Laws (4 Year Programme)

APS 37

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Pharmacy

APS 38

Bachelor of Science - Applied Geology

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Chemical Sciences

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Subjects: Maths 65%+, English HL 50%+, English FAL 50%+, Afrikaans HL 40%+, Afrikaans FAL 40%+, IsiNdebele HL 40%+, IsiNdebele FAL 40%+, IsiXhosa HL 40%+, IsiXhosa FAL 40%+, IsiZulu HL 40%+, IsiZulu FAL 40%+, Sepedi HL 40%+, Sepedi FAL 40%+, Sesotho HL 40%+, Sesotho FAL 40%+, Setswana HL 40%+, Setswana FAL 40%+, Siswati HL 40%+, Siswati FAL 40%+, Tshivenda HL 40%+, Tshivenda FAL 40%+, Xitsonga HL 40%+, Xitsonga FAL 40%+, Physical Sciences 50%+, Life Sciences 50%+, Information Technology 50%+

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Environmental and Water Science

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Mathematical & Statistical Sciences

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Medical Bioscience

APS 33

Bachelor of Science - Physical Science

APS 33

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 UWC prospectus before you apply.

Calculate my UWC APS →

Verified against UWC South African APS Calculator

Published 16 Apr 2026 by NavyBlue Editorial Team

www.uwc.ac.za is the official University of the Western Cape site. Always confirm programme cutoffs in the current prospectus before you apply.

How does UWC calculate APS?

UWC uses all 7 subjects, weighted. UWC uses a weighted APS model where English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy can carry more points than your other subjects. Life Orientation is included, but at a lower capped value than the core academic subjects. This makes UWC friendlier to applicants whose strongest subjects match the university's weighted priorities.

Does UWC include Life Orientation in APS?

Partially. Life Orientation is included, but at a lower capped value than the core academic subjects.

Compare all 26 SA universities →

What's the UWC APS system at a glance?

Method: All 7 subjects, weighted
Max APS: 65
LO rule: Partial
Basis: Weighted best 7 (English + Maths heavier)

How to calculate your UWC APS step by step

Convert 7 eligible subjects into the UWC scale.
Apply the heavier weighting to English and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
Cap Life Orientation at the lower value UWC allows before comparing yourself with a course minimum.

Popular programmes at UWC

ProgrammeMin. APS

Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

40+

Bachelor of Science - Physiotherapy

39+

Bachelor of Pharmacy

38+

Bachelor of Arts in Law (3 Year Programme)

37+

About UWC

UWC sits in Bellville, part of Cape Town, and it's one of the most accessible universities in the Western Cape. You don't pay an application fee, and the whole process happens online.

Campus and residence

UWC's main campus is in Bellville, with a Tygerberg campus for Dentistry and health sciences, plus a Mitchells Plain campus for other health programmes. Check the official UWC page for exact details on residence fees and availability, since spots fill up fast.

View all 33+ programmes →

FAQ

How does University of the Western Cape calculate APS? Common questions

These are the calculator questions that matter most before you apply.

Need help with University of the Western Cape?

If you are stuck between programmes, deadlines, or subject requirements, send us a message and we'll help.

Get help on WhatsApp

UWC uses a standard style APS scale but includes Life Orientation, which already makes it different from many other universities. It works from your best 6 subjects and LO can be one of them. That means a strong LO mark can help your UWC score more than it would at UP or UCT.

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.

Three quick links most people open after calculating their UWC APS.

Compare APS requirements at other universities before you apply.

See all universities

APS Tool

UCT

See the APS UCT uses and which courses you qualify for.

Explore

Wits

See the APS Wits uses and which courses you qualify for.

Explore

University of the Western CapeAPS Calculator

Calculate your APS score

What APS do you need for UWC?

Popular programme cut-offs at UWC

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Faculty of Community and Health Sciences

Faculty of Dentistry

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Natural Sciences

How does UWC calculate APS?

Does UWC include Life Orientation in APS?

What's the UWC APS system at a glance?

How to calculate your UWC APS step by step

Popular programmes at UWC

About UWC

Campus and residence

How does University of the Western Cape calculate APS? Common questions

Need help with University of the Western Cape?

Important Disclaimer

Read the full breakdown

How to apply to UWC

Courses by APS score

Related

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

All 26 public universities

Career guides

UCT

Wits

University of the Western CapeAPS Calculator

Calculate your APS score

What APS do you need for UWC?

Popular programme cut-offs at UWC

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Faculty of Community and Health Sciences

Faculty of Dentistry

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Natural Sciences

How does UWC calculate APS?

Does UWC include Life Orientation in APS?

What's the UWC APS system at a glance?

How to calculate your UWC APS step by step

Popular programmes at UWC

About UWC

Campus and residence

How does University of the Western Cape calculate APS? Common questions

Need help with University of the Western Cape?

How does UWC calculate my APS?-

Does Life Orientation count at UWC?+

What APS do I need for popular courses at UWC?+

Does UWC require the NBT?+

What APS do I need for law (LLB) at UWC?+

What APS do I need for teaching (BEd) at UWC?+

What APS do I need for engineering at UWC?+

Does meeting the minimum APS get me into UWC?+

Important Disclaimer

More on UWC admissions

Read the full breakdown

How to apply to UWC

Courses by APS score

Related

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

All 26 public universities

Career guides

UCT

Wits