Choosing a university course in South Africa isn’t only about what you want to study—it’s also about what your Matric results and APS score can qualify you for. Universities use subject requirements and admission-point systems to decide eligibility for specific degree programmes.
In this guide, you’ll learn which courses you can apply for with your Matric, how APS works, and what course entry requirements to check before you submit your university application. You’ll also find practical next steps if your results don’t meet your first-choice course.
Understanding Matric Results and University Entry in South Africa
South African universities typically consider two things:
- Your Matric (NSC) results: especially your subject marks and the subjects you took (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences).
- Your APS (Admission Points Score): a points-based system used to determine whether you meet a programme’s minimum admission requirements.
Even if your APS looks strong, you may still be rejected if you didn’t take required Matric subject combinations. This is why checking “course entry requirements” is crucial early in the application process.
If you want a deeper explanation, read: Matric Results Needed for South African University Admission.
What Are APS Scores, and Why Do They Matter?
An APS score is calculated from your Matric subject marks using a defined conversion table. Most universities require a minimum APS for degree programmes, and sometimes different faculties use different APS cut-offs.
To understand how to compute your score (and avoid mistakes), use: How APS Scores Work for University Applications in South Africa and How to Calculate Your APS for South African Universities.
Key APS-related takeaways
- Your APS is not the only requirement—subject prerequisites matter.
- Some programmes require specific subjects, such as:
- Mathematics for BCom (Accounting/Finance pathways)
- Mathematics and/or Physical Sciences for Engineering and some IT programmes
- Life Sciences for health-related degrees
- Universities may also consider minimum symbols (a minimum pass level) for certain subjects.
Course Entry Requirements: What Your Matric Subjects Must Include
Many applicants miss this: course entry requirements often depend on the subjects you passed, not only your overall average or APS. Some degrees are “subject-restricted,” meaning you must have done particular combinations at school.
For example, programmes in these areas usually require specific subjects:
- Engineering/Architecture: commonly Mathematics + Physical Sciences
- Medical/Health Sciences: commonly Life Sciences + sometimes Mathematics
- Natural Sciences: commonly Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences (depending on the major)
- Business/Commerce: often benefits from Mathematics (especially quantitative fields)
- Law/Social Sciences/Humanities: may require fewer science subjects, but you must still meet Matric and APS thresholds
Use this helpful reference to confirm subject prerequisites: Course Entry Requirements in South Africa: What Your Matric Subjects Must Include and How Subject Combinations Affect University Applications in South Africa.
Matric Results vs Admission Points: Why You Must Check Both
A common misconception is that your final Matric results alone automatically decide your admission. In reality, universities evaluate both:
- Your final Matric results (NSC marks and symbols)
- Your admission points (APS conversion)
This can create situations where your marks look acceptable, but your APS falls short—or your APS meets the requirement but you didn’t take a required subject.
To understand how the two interact, see: Understanding Admission Points vs Final Matric Results in South Africa.
Which University Courses Can You Study With Your Matric Results?
Because admission requirements differ by university, the most useful way to answer this question is by looking at course type and the Matric subject combinations they typically require. Below are common South African university options and what they usually need from Matric students.
Important: Always verify the exact requirements for the year you apply (because APS cut-offs and subject rules may change).
1) Commerce, Business, and Management Degrees
Common Matric subject expectations
- Often includes Mathematics (especially for accounting, actuarial science, finance-related programmes)
- Sometimes allows Business Studies/Economics as supporting subjects
- English is commonly required for language competence
Courses you may qualify for
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Management / Business Administration-type degrees (varies by university)
- Economic-related degrees (often prefer Mathematics)
What to check in your offer
- Minimum APS requirement for the faculty
- Whether Mathematics is required for your specific major (e.g., Accounting vs Management)
If you want to compare cut-offs across popular degrees, read: Minimum Admission Points for Popular South African Degrees.
2) Education Degrees
Education can be more flexible regarding subject choices, but universities still look for:
- Competitive APS
- Relevant Matric subjects aligned to the teaching phase (and sometimes the teaching subject you want)
Courses you may qualify for
- BEd (Foundation/Intermediate/Senior Phase options may differ)
- PGCE pathways (after completing another qualification, depending on the university)
What to check
- Whether you need specific subjects linked to teaching specialisation
- English language entry requirements
3) Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication Studies
Many humanities programmes accept a broader range of subject combinations, which can make them a strong option if your Matric doesn’t include heavy science prerequisites.
Courses you may qualify for
- BA (Humanities/Social Sciences)
- Psychology (often requires a specific APS and sometimes specific subjects depending on how the programme is structured)
- Media/Communication-related degrees (usually require strong English competence)
- Public Administration / Political Studies (subject requirements can vary)
What to check
- Minimum APS
- Whether any modules or majors require prior subjects (e.g., Mathematics for certain economics or quantitative social science tracks)
4) Law Degrees
Law is competitive and often subject-sensitive. Some universities accept a range of subjects, but many require:
- A strong APS
- English (or language competency as specified)
- Good performance in specific academic subjects
Courses you may qualify for
- LLB (direct entry programmes)
What to check
- Minimum APS
- Your school subject profile (some universities prefer certain academic subjects)
For guidance on matching your qualifications, this is useful: Course Matching Guide for South African University Applicants Based on Matric Results.
5) Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, and Software-related Degrees
IT programmes are usually more flexible than engineering, but they often require at least Mathematics and/or a strong quantitative background—especially for Computer Science and more technical majors.
Courses you may qualify for
- BSc Computer Science
- BCom Information Systems
- IT and related degrees (names vary by university)
What to check
- Whether Mathematics is required
- Minimum APS
- Any specific school subjects linked to technical training
6) Science, Health, and Life Sciences Degrees
Science and health are where subject prerequisites become most important.
Courses you may qualify for (depending on subjects)
- BSc (Biological Sciences/Environmental Sciences/Physical Sciences—varies)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (typically requires strict subject choices and strong marks)
- Medical-related degrees (highly competitive)
- Nursing (entry rules vary widely by university and may include additional requirements)
Common subject expectations
- Life Sciences for many biological and health-related pathways
- Physical Sciences for many physical science pathways
- Sometimes Mathematics is required for health/science programmes
What to check
- Strict subject minimums (and sometimes minimum symbols)
- Minimum APS cut-offs
- Additional selection criteria (some health programmes may consider more than APS)
7) Engineering, Built Environment, and Architecture
Engineering and architecture programmes usually have the most structured subject requirements.
Common subject expectations
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Sometimes additional requirements (depending on the programme)
Courses you may qualify for
- BEng / BSc Engineering
- BTech Engineering (if applying through a route that accepts your profile)
- Architecture and built environment degrees (often strict prerequisites)
What to check
- Minimum APS
- Mathematics + Physical Sciences requirement
- Any portfolio or additional assessment requirements (for architecture, in particular)
8) Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Studies
These programmes can be a strong fit for students with science subjects but also sometimes accept a wider profile depending on the university.
Courses you may qualify for
- BSc Agriculture / BSc Animal Sciences
- Environmental Science / Conservation-related programmes
- Forestry and natural resource studies (varies)
What to check
- Whether Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences are required
- Minimum APS
Minimum Admission Points: How to Judge Your Chances
Admission cut-offs differ by university, campus, and sometimes by programme option. The best way to estimate your eligibility is:
- Calculate your APS accurately
- Check the minimum APS for your target course
- Confirm your subject combination matches the entry requirements
To see how admission points often compare across popular degrees, review: Minimum Admission Points for Popular South African Degrees.
What to Do If Your APS Is Too Low for Your Preferred Course
If your APS is below the minimum, you still have options. Universities may provide alternative routes, such as:
- Applying to a related programme first (same faculty/department) and progressing later
- Choosing a broader degree that accepts your subject profile
- Using bridging or extended programmes where offered (varies by institution)
Practical next steps:
- Recalculate your APS using the correct method
- Double-check whether you meet the subject prerequisites (not just APS)
- Apply strategically to multiple programmes as backups
For specific guidance, use: What to Do If Your APS Is Too Low for Your Preferred Course.
Practical Course Matching Tips (So You Don’t Apply Blind)
Before you submit applications, do a quick “requirements audit” using your Matric subject list and calculated APS.
A simple checklist
- Match your Matric subjects to the course prerequisites
- Verify English/language requirements (if applicable)
- Confirm APS meets the minimum for the exact programme option
- Check if the university requires specific subject marks, not just passes
- Compare multiple programmes in the same field to keep your options open
If you want structured help, follow: Course Matching Guide for South African University Applicants Based on Matric Results.
Final Thoughts: Best Next Step for Your University Applications
The reality is that “what courses can I study with my Matric?” depends on both your subject choices and your APS score. The fastest path to success is to calculate your APS correctly, then confirm each programme’s subject-entry requirements.
If you’re unsure where you stand, start with:
- APS calculation and conversion
- Subject combination matching
- Applying with a realistic first choice and strong backup options
When you’re ready, revisit How APS Scores Work for University Applications in South Africa and Course Matching Guide for South African University Applicants Based on Matric Results to build a shortlist that fits your profile.