What Can I Study with 20 APS in South Africa?

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Scoring 20 APS in South Africa can feel limiting—until you understand how universities and degree programmes actually work. APS is only one part of the entry picture: minimum admission points, subject requirements, faculty quotas, and space for applicants all matter. If you plan strategically, 20 APS can still open doors, especially through programmes with broader APS ranges, selection methods, or alternative pathways.

In this guide, you’ll get a deep, practical view of what you can study with 20 APS, which degrees are realistic, and how to choose courses based on your Matric subjects and your career fit. We’ll also cover how to improve your chances, what to do if your ideal course is just out of reach, and how to use your APS wisely in a South African university environment.

Understanding APS: What Your 20 APS Really Means

APS (Admission Point Score) is a points-based system universities use to rank applicants for degree programmes. Your APS is calculated from your Matric results (typically using your six best subjects), but universities also apply minimum requirements per subject for many qualifications.

With 20 APS, you’re usually not aiming at the most competitive fields (like certain medicine, some engineering pathways, and top-tier actuarial programmes), but you can absolutely consider:

  • Health sciences, where subject prerequisites may matter more than the raw APS
  • Commerce and management programmes with broader entry requirements
  • Education, humanities, and social sciences
  • Technology and some computing-related diplomas/bachelors, depending on your subject combination
  • Bridging/extended programmes and alternative pathways to your goal

Key idea: APS isn’t the whole story

To decide what you can study, you need to pair APS with:

  • Your Matric subject combination (especially Maths/Maths Literacy, Science, and English
  • Whether the qualification requires specific subjects (e.g., Maths or Physical Science)
  • Whether the programme uses selection beyond APS (sometimes interviews or additional criteria)

Where “20 APS” Typically Fits in South African University Courses

Universities publish minimum APS requirements, but actual admission can be impacted by:

  • Competition (some years fill early)
  • Quota systems (faculty-specific intake)
  • Subject availability (if a course requires a subject you don’t have, APS alone won’t help)
  • Selection methods for certain programmes

As a rule of thumb, 20 APS often places you in the “middle range” for many undergraduate degrees—enough for some bachelor degrees, higher certificate/diploma pathways, and programme options that require you to meet minimum subject criteria.

The Most Important Question: What Matric Subjects Did You Pass?

Before listing possible courses, here’s what you should confirm about your Matric:

  • Did you take Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
  • Did you pass Physical Science / Life Science?
  • Did you take English (Home Language or First Additional Language)?
  • Did you take Life Orientation (usually counted in APS, but subject treatment differs)?
  • Did you take Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, or Geography/History?

If you’re unsure how your subject choices unlock or restrict degrees, start by reading:

This helps you understand the “two-key system”: APS + subject prerequisites.

Courses for Specific Matric Results and APS Scores (20 APS Focus)

Below are realistic categories of study you can explore with 20 APS in South Africa—especially if your Matric subjects align with the typical entry requirements.

Note: Admission requirements can change year to year and vary between universities. Always check the latest faculty admissions rules for the exact programme and intake year.

1) Business, Commerce & Management Degrees (Often Among the Best Bets)

Many universities offer business-related degrees that may accept applicants around your APS range as long as you meet language and subject minimums. Commerce programmes often build strong career options for later specialisation.

Bachelor of Commerce (or similar Commerce degrees)

With 20 APS, you may be able to study:

  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Economics (as part of commerce)
  • Business Management
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Management (often through management/commerce routes)

Common subject drivers:

  • English (usually required)
  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (sometimes either is accepted)
  • Sometimes Accounting/Economics help—but may not be strictly required for admission into the wider commerce faculty.

Example pathways

If your APS is around 20, a common strategy is:

  • Apply for a general commerce degree first
  • After your first year, choose specialisation modules (where applicable)
  • If you want Accounting specifically, verify whether Accounting at Matric is required for the exact route

What to consider (expert insight)

Commerce programmes often have:

  • High demand, but the minimum APS thresholds can be achievable at your level
  • Different track structures across universities
  • Electives that allow you to align your degree with future jobs (marketing, HR, management, analytics)

Read more: If you’re deciding between different pass types and outcomes, you might also find this useful:

2) Education Degrees (A Strong Option with the Right Subjects)

Education can be a realistic route for learners with 20 APS—especially if you’re motivated to work with learners and communities. Education qualifications may still require specific subject passes depending on your chosen teaching specialisation (e.g., Foundation Phase vs Senior Phase and FET).

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and teaching pathways

Universities may offer different teaching routes. With your APS, you might aim for:

  • Foundation Phase teaching (usually more accessible)
  • Intermediate/Senior teaching depending on whether you meet subject requirements
  • Teaching specialisations aligned to your Matric subjects

Typical subject requirements may include:

  • English as a requirement for many education programmes
  • Subject relevance if applying for specific grades (e.g., teaching Maths/Science requires Maths and/or Science in Matric)

If you want to understand how Maths/Science subjects affect your education options, start here:

3) Humanities & Social Sciences (Often Practical for 20 APS)

Humanities degrees can be very accessible depending on subject choices. If you’re stronger in languages, history, geography, psychology-like subjects, or social sciences, you can build a strong academic foundation even without high APS.

Possible degree areas

With 20 APS, you may explore:

  • BA (Psychology-related modules depending on entry)
  • Sociology
  • Public Administration
  • Geography
  • History
  • Politics/Government-related programmes (depending on offerings)
  • Media studies / Communication (selection varies)

Key requirement patterns:

  • English proficiency is usually critical
  • Some programmes value certain subjects (like Geography/History), but many allow broader entry if you meet minimum marks and language requirements

Career outcomes (why this can be a smart move)

Humanities and social science degrees can lead to:

  • Government/NGO work
  • HR and training (if you combine with commerce/management subjects later)
  • Research assistant roles (and postgraduate pathways)
  • Communications, marketing coordination, and content work (depending on modules)

4) Law, Policing, and Related Pathways (Possible—But Watch Requirements)

Law as an undergraduate degree can be very competitive. However, not all law-related pathways are equally demanding.

With 20 APS, consider:

  • Applying to law-adjacent programmes (e.g., governance, administration, criminology, public policy, policing support tracks where applicable)
  • Using diploma/advanced diploma routes to build eligibility for later degrees

Because law requirements can change drastically and competition is high, you should first confirm if the programme requires:

  • Specific subjects (like English)
  • Higher APS cut-offs
  • Additional selection criteria

If you want a broader view of how different admission points and combinations affect what you qualify for, see:

5) Computing, IT & Technology (Depends Heavily on Maths/Science vs Maths Lit)

Computing and IT programmes are where many students get surprised—because entry isn’t just about APS. It’s often about whether you can handle programming and quantitative content.

If you passed Mathematics (not only Maths Lit)

Then your options usually expand. Many IT/computing degrees expect:

  • Mathematics (or at least very strong performance)
  • Sometimes Physical Science depending on the qualification level

If you passed Mathematical Literacy

Your options can still exist, but they may shift towards:

  • diplomas or foundations
  • more applied IT programmes
  • bridging options before a full degree

If your Matric subject included Maths Lit, this guide is essential:

6) Health & Allied Health (Possible, but subject-specific)

Health-related degrees can be both rewarding and competitive. With 20 APS, you might still qualify for some health-aligned qualifications depending on:

  • Whether the programme accepts your science subjects
  • Whether English and specific life science/physical science requirements are met
  • Whether the programme has additional selection or placement tests

Health-related reality check

Even if your APS looks “close”, health programmes often have:

  • Strong subject prerequisites (especially Life Science / Physical Science)
  • Selection methods that can reduce the impact of APS alone

If health is your dream, don’t guess—verify the exact Matric subject requirements first. If your Matric profile includes relevant science, you can explore options; if not, you may need a pathway such as:

  • a diploma in a related field
  • an academic foundation year
  • bridging programmes

7) Diploma and Advanced Diploma Pathways (Smart Alternatives for 20 APS)

If your dream bachelor’s programme is slightly above your APS, the most effective approach is often:

  • apply for a diploma/advanced diploma
  • then use university articulation or advanced standing (where allowed)
  • build results in year 1 to open up degree progression

This can be especially useful if you’re trying to reach competitive fields. Many South Africans do well by choosing a pathway first, then “ladder climbing” into the degree.

If your admission situation includes a diploma pass, here’s a helpful angle:

8) Options if You Failed One Subject (How It Affects Your Plan)

Some students scored 20 APS but also have a failed subject or a gap in subject requirements. This doesn’t always block you permanently—sometimes it affects only certain programmes.

The key is whether you can:

  • meet the programme’s minimum subject count
  • meet mandatory subject requirements
  • use alternative pathways (diplomas, extended programmes)

For a clear strategy on this situation, read:

How to Choose the Right Course with 20 APS (A Step-by-Step Decision Framework)

Here’s a decision process that works well for South African applicants.

Step 1: Create a “subject compatibility shortlist”

Write down:

  • Your Matric subjects (and whether you passed Maths, Maths Lit, Science, English)
  • The subject requirements for the programmes you’re considering

If you want the detailed strategy on matching APS to subjects, use:

Step 2: Apply to programmes with a realistic admissions chance

Your application should usually include:

  • 2–3 “reach” programmes (if you meet subject requirements)
  • 3–4 “probable” programmes (based on published APS minimums and your subject passes)
  • 1–2 “safety” options (diplomas or more accessible bachelor degrees)

Step 3: Consider whether the qualification is restrictive or flexible

Some degrees let you take electives later. Others are locked into a specific pathway from day one.

If you’re unsure about your exact career direction, consider:

  • general bachelor degrees in commerce/humanities
  • degrees with elective flexibility

Step 4: Use your first year to improve your options

Even if you start with a programme where you aren’t 100% sure, you can often:

  • perform strongly academically
  • move into specialisations
  • apply for articulation into a different degree (depending on university rules)

Step 5: Plan a backup pathway before you apply

Ask yourself:

  • If I don’t get in this year, what will I do next?
  • Can I apply again?
  • Can I do a diploma and progress?

Programmes You Should Research First with 20 APS (by Subject Profile)

Because your Matric subject combination can change everything, it’s useful to group “20 APS” by the subjects that typically define course eligibility.

Scenario A: You passed Mathematics (not only Maths Lit)

With Maths, your options usually expand in:

  • Commerce (often)
  • Economics-related modules
  • IT/computer science-related pathways
  • Some science/technology degrees (depending on science marks)

What to check on university sites

  • Whether Maths is a minimum for specific bachelor degrees
  • Whether a course expects certain Maths levels (e.g., standard vs higher)
  • Whether you need Physical Science for certain technology degrees

Scenario B: You passed Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit)

If you have Maths Lit, don’t assume you can’t study “numbers-based” fields. You can, but look for programmes designed for applied routes:

  • management and business (often)
  • communication and humanities (often)
  • certain applied IT pathways (depending on course structure)
  • bridging or extended programmes where you can build quantitative competence

Start with this subject-specific guide:

Scenario C: You passed Life Science or Physical Science

If you have science subjects, you should explore:

  • health sciences and related degrees
  • some environmental/science-adjacent humanities fields
  • certain technology or applied science qualifications

But still verify:

  • which science type is required
  • minimum performance thresholds
  • whether you need both Life and Physical Science

For a broader scan of science-aligned options, use:

Scenario D: Your strengths are English + Humanities subjects

Then BA/education/social science tracks can be strong:

  • communications
  • public administration
  • psychology-adjacent degrees (depending on admission rules)
  • history/geography/politics tracks
  • teaching pathways where your Matric subjects align

Deep-Dive Examples: Realistic Choices Based on 20 APS

Below are example “student profiles” and what typically makes sense. These are not guarantees, but they mirror how admission and prerequisites usually work.

Example 1: 20 APS with strong English + commerce subjects

Profile

  • English (passed well)
  • Business Studies / Economics / Accounting (passed)
  • Maths or Maths Lit (passed)
  • Other acceptable subjects

Most realistic degree directions

  • general Commerce/Management degrees
  • HR and business-related pathways
  • public administration tracks if you’re interested in government/NGOs

Why it works
Commerce programmes often accept students with applied business subject backgrounds and sufficient English.

Strategy

  • Apply widely across universities offering the closest match
  • If Accounting is a goal, check whether the degree requires Accounting at Matric or specific performance

Example 2: 20 APS with Humanities subjects + good language marks

Profile

  • English (strong)
  • History/Geography/Political studies types (passed)
  • Maths Lit (or no Maths—but sometimes still acceptable)
  • other humanities subjects

Most realistic directions

  • BA options
  • social sciences degrees
  • communications-related degrees (if offered through faculties)
  • education if you meet language and subject requirements

Strategy

  • Choose electives in year 1 to steer toward your career (media, research, HR support roles)

Example 3: 20 APS with Maths Lit + interest in tech

Profile

  • Maths Lit (passed)
  • English (passed)
  • maybe no Physical Science
  • some informatics-like electives or no electives

Most realistic directions

  • applied IT/diploma pathways
  • bridging or “foundation” style programmes
  • universities that specifically accept Maths Lit for certain computing-related modules

Strategy

  • Avoid assuming every computing degree will accept Maths Lit
  • Look for programmes that explicitly mention Maths Lit acceptance or offer entry through an extended route

What About Specific University Courses in South Africa?

This is where many students want a list of “exact” courses. The problem is that exact APS cut-offs vary by university and can change. Instead of guessing, focus on building a course shortlist that matches:

  • your Matric subjects
  • the faculty offering structure
  • the published minimum admission points

A helpful approach is to start from broader categories (commerce/education/BA-related/diplomas) and then drill down to specific course codes on the university admissions page.

For a more detailed mapping of how APS and subjects interact, revisit:

How Many Programmes Should You Apply For?

Most South African applicants apply across multiple options because:

  • universities may change cut-offs slightly
  • you might meet the published minimum but still not get selected due to competition
  • different universities value subject combinations differently

With 20 APS, a strong rule is:

  • apply to 5–8 degree options or pathways
  • include at least 1 diploma/extended programme
  • include at least 1 safety option you truly would accept if the top options don’t work

How to Improve Your Chances from Here (Practical Actions)

1) Improve your “application strength,” not just your APS

Universities may not consider additional documents for most degrees, but you can still strengthen your profile by:

  • ensuring your subject prerequisites are correct
  • providing accurate supporting information where required
  • applying within the deadlines with all required documents

2) Build a pathway plan that doesn’t trap you

A bad pathway is one that:

  • has no route into your target degree
  • doesn’t align with your long-term career
    A smart pathway is:
  • aligned to a broader field
  • offers articulation or progression

3) Consider repeat-year learning (if needed)

If you missed a subject or your subject marks limit you, sometimes improving your subject results through a planned route can be more powerful than changing your entire career goal.

Use this diagnostic approach if your results are uneven:

Choosing a Career Direction with 20 APS: Focus on Fit

APS determines eligibility, but your long-term success depends on fit. Choose a field where you can realistically:

  • pass your core modules
  • build motivation
  • use your degree for employment or further study

Ask yourself:

  • What subjects did you enjoy (not just what marks you got)?
  • What jobs can you see yourself doing daily?
  • Do you want people-facing work, office work, research work, or technical work?
  • Are you aiming to study full-time only, or are you open to part-time/blended options later?

Comparison Table: Strategies for Study with 20 APS (Quick Decisions)

Your situation Best strategy Why it works
You have the right subjects for a degree but APS is borderline Apply widely to similar degrees across universities Minimum APS can be close and varies by intake
You meet only some subject requirements Apply for diploma/extended pathways You build credits and later progress where allowed
You have Maths Lit (not Maths) Choose programmes that explicitly accept Maths Lit or applied routes Reduces rejection risk based on prerequisites
You’re unsure of your career direction Take a general bachelor degree with elective flexibility Helps you explore without locking too early
You failed one subject Find programmes that tolerate your subject profile or use a pathway Some degrees are flexible; others aren’t

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying with 20 APS in South Africa

1) Can I get into university with 20 APS?

Yes, it’s possible, especially for bachelor degrees with minimum requirements around your APS level, and for programmes where your subject combination meets the prerequisites. Competition matters, so apply strategically.

2) Does 20 APS guarantee admission?

No. Admission is not guaranteed because universities use both minimum requirements and competitive selection. Your subject combination (and sometimes your performance in key subjects) can be equally important.

3) What if my Matric subjects don’t meet the programme requirements?

Then you usually need a pathway:

  • diploma/advanced diploma
  • bridging programme
  • extended curriculum options
    Or you may need to improve the missing subject through an academic improvement route.

4) Is it better to choose a diploma or a bachelor degree with 20 APS?

It depends on your end goal. If you want a bachelor degree quickly and meet requirements, apply for bachelor. If you’re missing key subject criteria or the bachelor entry is too competitive, a diploma with clear progression can be the smarter move.

Next Steps: Build Your Shortlist (A Simple Checklist)

Use this checklist before you apply:

  • Confirm your APS calculation and the six subjects used
  • List your Matric subjects (Maths vs Maths Lit, Life/Physical Science, English)
  • Match those to each university programme’s minimum subject requirements
  • Create a shortlist:
    • 2–3 likely degree options
    • 1–2 safer diploma/extended options
    • 1–2 additional alternatives in nearby fields
  • Apply to multiple universities to increase your chance

If you want to compare options based on nearby APS levels and entry competition, use:

Final Answer: What Can You Study with 20 APS?

With 20 APS in South Africa, the best opportunities usually fall under:

  • Commerce/Management and business-related degrees (depending on subject requirements)
  • Education routes (depending on teaching specialisation and required subjects)
  • Humanities and social sciences (often strong for applicants with English and humanities subjects)
  • Applied technology/diploma pathways (especially if Maths Lit is part of your profile)
  • Health-related options only when your science subjects and prerequisites align

The most powerful approach is to treat your choice as a strategy, not a lottery:

  • match APS + subjects
  • use safe options and pathways
  • aim for a course that you can succeed in academically and enjoy long-term

If you tell me your Matric subjects (and whether you had Maths or Maths Lit, plus Life/Physical Science and your English mark level), I can suggest a more precise shortlist of course categories and pathway options that typically align with 20 APS.

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