Here's How to Calculate TUT APS for 2026
If you are planning to apply to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for the 2026 academic year, one of the most important things you need to understand is your Admission Point Score (APS). This score plays a major role in determining whether or not you qualify for your chosen course.
On this page, we will walk you through exactly what APS is, how to calculate it for TUT, and why it’s important.
What is APS?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. South African universities use this system to evaluate applicants based on their Grade 12 (Matric) results. Each subject you write in your final exams is assigned a point value depending on the percentage you score.
The total of these points gives you your APS, which is then compared to the minimum APS required for the course you want to study.
TUT, like most universities in South Africa, uses this scoring system to filter and select qualifying students. If your APS is too low, your application for that course might not be considered.
Why is APS Important?
Your APS determines whether you qualify for admission into a particular qualification (diploma, degree, or certificate). Different courses have different APS requirements depending on the level of competition, the academic demands of the programme, and other institutional standards.
For example:
A course like Engineering may require a higher APS than a course in Public Management.
Highly competitive courses may also have additional requirements such as specific subjects passed or a higher level of proficiency in Mathematics or English.
That’s why it’s crucial to calculate your APS before applying to TUT — it helps you identify which courses you’re eligible for and increases your chances of gaining admission.
Here's How to Calculate TUT APS for 2026
TUT uses a simple APS calculation based on your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation in the final NSC (National Senior Certificate) or IEB (Independent Examinations Board) Matric results.
Subjects considered include:
Home Language
First Additional Language
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Other core subjects (like Physical Science, Accounting, History, etc.)
- To calculate your aps you need to add the levels of your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation.
For example
Let’s say a learner gets the following marks:
English HL: 70% → 6 points
Afrikaans FAL: 65% → 5 points
Mathematics: 58% → 4 points
Physical Sciences: 62% → 5 points
Life Sciences: 72% → 6 points
Geography: 80% → 7 points
Life Orientation: 85% (not used in calculation)
Total APS = 6 + 5 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 33
In this case, the learner’s APS is 33.
Here are 5 helpful tips for calculating your APS for TUT:
- Use Only Your Best Six Subjects even if you did more than 7 subjects
- Level 1 is not counted when adding levels of your best six subjects. If you have level 1 in mathematics it simply means you wont add Maths. You will only add 5 subjects
- Don’t Count Life Orientation even if you scored well in Life Orientation. Remember TUT does not include it in APS calculations.
What If Your APS Is Too Low?
If your APS does not meet the minimum requirement for your chosen course, here are a few options:
- Consider a Different Program: Apply for a similar programme with a lower APS requirement such as a Higher Certificate Course.
- Do a Bridging Course: TUT offers extended programmes and foundation courses that prepare students for full admission.
- Upgrade Your Matric Results: You can rewrite some subjects to improve your APS.
- Apply for a Learnership or TVET Course: These can be stepping stones to university-level programs later.
Conclusion
Knowing how to calculate your TUT APS is very important when applying to university. If you know your APS early, you can choose the right courses, work on improving your marks if needed, and plan your application properly.
If you’re applying to TUT for the 2026 academic year, start by calculating your APS, checking the requirements for your desired program, and making sure you meet or exceed them.
Good luck with your application!
