Applying to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like a maze of percentages, subject codes, and terminology. The good news? You don’t need to be an admissions expert to get it right—you just need to understand two things: your APS score and your subject choices.
Whether you’re planning to study in English or Afrikaans, UJ’s requirements follow a clear, logical structure once you know what to look for. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how UJ calculates your Admission Point Score, which subjects count (and which don’t), and how to position yourself as a strong applicant in 2025 and beyond.
What Is the UJ APS Score and Why Does It Matter?
Your Admission Point Score (APS) is the number UJ uses to measure your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results. Think of it as a language that university admissions teams speak fluently—and you need to learn it too.
UJ calculates your APS by converting each of your six best recognised subjects into points on a 7-point scale. Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation at UJ, which surprises many learners. The higher your APS, the more programmes you qualify for, so every percentage point matters.
This system matters because it gives UJ a quick, fair way to compare thousands of applications. Your APS isn’t just a number—it’s your ticket into the faculty and degree you want, and in some competitive programmes, it can even determine whether you make the first cut or land on a waiting list.
How to Calculate Your UJ APS Score
Calculating your UJ APS is straightforward once you know the conversion table. UJ awards points based on your percentage achieved in each subject, using the official NSC achievement levels.
| NSC Percentage | Achievement Level | UJ APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100% | 7 (Outstanding) | 7 |
| 70–79% | 6 (Meritorious) | 6 |
| 60–69% | 5 (Substantial) | 5 |
| 50–59% | 4 (Moderate) | 4 |
| 40–49% | 3 (Adequate) | 3 |
| 30–39% | 2 (Elementary) | 2 |
| 0–29% | 1 (Not achieved) | 1 |
To get your APS, you add the points of your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The maximum possible UJ APS is therefore 42.
Worked example: How one learner scored 30
Let’s look at a real-world scenario. An applicant from Johannesburg writes her NSC with these results:
| Subject | Percentage | UJ APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 68% | 5 |
| Afrikaans First Additional Language | 74% | 6 |
| Mathematics | 55% | 4 |
| Physical Science | 61% | 5 |
| Life Sciences | 58% | 4 |
| Geography | 70% | 6 |
| Life Orientation | 65% | Not counted |
Her APS is 5 + 6 + 4 + 5 + 4 + 6 = 30. That gives her access to a wide range of UJ programmes across humanities, education, and even some science-based degrees—but she would still need to check whether she meets the subject-specific levels (for example, a 55% in Mathematics) required by her target faculty.
Key takeaway: Always calculate your APS using your six best eligible subjects, and never include Life Orientation when working out your UJ score.
UJ APS Score Requirements Per Faculty
UJ does not have a single “pass mark” for every degree. Each faculty sets its own minimum APS threshold, and some programmes are far more competitive than others. The table below gives you a broad, indicative picture based on UJ’s typical undergraduate admissions framework.
| Faculty | Typical Minimum APS | Commonly Required Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Art, Design & Architecture | 26–30 | English, plus portfolio for some courses |
| Economic & Financial Sciences | 27–32 | Mathematics (pure), English |
| Education | 26–30 | English, Mathematics or Maths Literacy |
| Engineering & the Built Environment | 28–33 | Mathematics, Physical Science |
| Health Sciences | 30–38 | Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences |
| Humanities | 26–31 | English, any two recognised subjects |
| Law | 29–33 | English at a strong level |
| Science | 30–36 | Mathematics, Physical Science |
Important: These figures are indicative and change from year to year. UJ publishes its official minimum APS requirements in the undergraduate prospectus, so always verify the exact score for your chosen qualification before applying. Competitive programmes, especially in Health Sciences, often require far higher APS scores than the stated minimum. Use these numbers to start conversations with your teachers and family about which programmes are genuinely realistic for you.
Subject Choices: What UJ Counts and What It Ignores
Your APS is only half the story. Subject choices are the second half, because UJ requires specific subjects for many degrees—not just any six subjects with a high point total.
Here’s what you need to know about how UJ evaluates your NSC subjects:
- Six recognised 20-credit subjects are used to calculate your APS.
- Life Orientation never counts, even if you score 90%.
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language) is a required subject for all UJ degrees.
- Pure Mathematics is compulsory for many programmes in Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Commerce.
- Physical Science is required for Engineering and most Science programmes, and strongly recommended for Health Sciences.
- Accounting is not always compulsory, but it helps if you’re aiming for a BCom in Accounting or Finance.
UJ also applies the concept of designated subjects—the list of formal NSC subjects that universities recognise for degree admission. Most standard academic subjects (Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Geography, History, Economics, Accounting, Languages) qualify. Subjects like Consumer Studies or Hospitality Studies may count for specific programmes but won’t open doors to engineering or medicine.
What about an eighth subject?
UJ allows you to include your best six subjects, so if you took an eighth subject (a common strategy for ambitious students), you can drop your weakest result. However, you cannot swap in Life Orientation to replace a failed subject—it simply doesn’t count.
English to Afrikaans: Language Requirements and UJ’s Dual-Medium Advantage
Here’s something that sets UJ apart: it is one of South Africa’s few genuinely dual-medium universities, offering instruction in both English and Afrikaans. For Afrikaans-speaking applicants, this is a real advantage, because you can often study in your first language while still enjoying all the benefits of a large, internationally connected university.
So how does this affect your UJ application requirements?
Language of instruction on your application form
When you apply to UJ, you’ll be asked to indicate your language of instruction preference—English, Afrikaans, or in some cases both (depending on the programme). This choice doesn’t change your APS calculation, but it does influence which class groups and administrative communications you’ll receive.
- If you choose English-medium instruction, you need a solid NSC pass in English.
- If you choose Afrikaans-medium instruction, some programmes may require Afrikaans Home Language or First Additional Language at a specific level, particularly if the subject material relies on Afrikaans terminology.
- Many UJ programmes are offered in parallel medium, meaning you can attend lectures in either language while using shared study materials.
A quick English-to-Afrikaans glossary for applicants
Understanding a few Afrikaans terms can help you feel more confident when you read UJ communications or speak to parents and teachers who studied in Afrikaans:
| English Term | Afrikaans Term |
|---|---|
| Application | Aansoek |
| Admission Point Score (APS) | Toelatingspunt-telling (APS) |
| Requirements | Vereistes |
| Subject choices | Vakkeuses |
| University of Johannesburg | Universiteit van Johannesburg (UJ) |
Key takeaway: You don’t need to be bilingual to succeed at UJ, but if you are an Afrikaans home-language speaker, you can leverage that strength by selecting Afrikaans-medium classes where available. Just confirm that your chosen programme offers that option.
Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy: A Critical Choice
Few subject decisions carry as much weight as pure Mathematics versus Mathematical Literacy. If you choose Maths Literacy in Grade 10, you are automatically closing the door to many UJ degrees. That’s not a scare tactic—it’s the practical reality of university requirements.
| Programme Type | Pure Mathematics Required? | Maths Literacy Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (all branches) | Yes, usually level 5 (60%+) | No |
| Health Sciences (Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy) | Yes, usually level 4–5 | No |
| BCom Accounting, Economics, Finance | Yes, usually level 4–5 | No |
| BSc (Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry) | Yes, usually level 4–5 | No |
| BA Humanities (Psychology, Communications) | No | Yes |
| Education (Foundation Phase) | No | Yes |
| Law (LLB) | No | Yes |
If you’re still early in high school and you’re even slightly considering engineering, health sciences, or a commercial degree, take pure Mathematics. Changing from Maths Literacy to pure Mathematics later is extremely difficult, and it can delay your NSC by a year or more.
Key takeaway: If you’re unsure about your career direction, choose the subject that keeps more doors open—and that is almost always pure Mathematics.
How to Check If Your Subject Choices Qualify for UJ
You don’t have to guess whether your subjects meet the requirements. UJ provides several pathways to confirm your eligibility, and you should use them all before you submit your application.
Step 1: Download the official UJ undergraduate prospectus
The prospectus lists every programme with its specific APS, subject requirements, and application notes. It’s the authoritative document you should trust above any third-party guide, including this one.
Step 2: Use the UJ APS calculator online
UJ’s official APS calculator lets you enter your results and instantly see your score. It’s a fantastic tool for comparing different subject combinations and planning your Grade 12 strategy.
Step 3: Check the subject codes carefully
Look for the subject level requirements (e.g., “Mathematics level 4”) not just the subject name. A 49% in Mathematics and a 50% in Mathematics are different universes when you’re applying to a BSc programme.
Step 4: Contact the UJ admissions office directly
If you have an unusual subject combination or your subjects were taken through a different examination authority (such as IEB, or an international board like Cambridge), reach out to UJ’s admissions team. They can give you a definitive answer before you spend money on an application fee.
Key takeaway: Nothing beats checking the official source. Always pair online calculators with the printed prospectus and, if in doubt, a direct query to UJ.
Does Your APS Guarantee Admission? The Real Picture
Here’s the honest truth: meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee you a place at UJ. Your APS is the first filter, but it’s rarely the only one.
UJ receives thousands of applications for programmes that have limited class sizes. When demand outstrips supply, UJ uses a selection process that may include:
- Higher APS cut-offs in practice than the published minimum
- National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) for certain programmes, which test academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics skills
- Subminimum requirements per subject, meaning you might meet the total APS but fail the Maths requirement
- Portfolios or auditions for programmes in Art, Design, and Architecture
- Selection interviews for some Health Sciences programmes
The best way to deal with this reality is to apply early and apply to more than one programme. A strong back-up option, such as an extended programme or a related diploma, keeps your options open if your first choice is oversubscribed.
How to Strengthen Your UJ Application in 2025 and Beyond
You can’t control how many other learners apply, but you can absolutely control the quality of your own application. Here are practical steps to put your best foot forward:
- Apply as early as possible. UJ applications typically open around April and close in the latter part of the year for the following academic year. Early applications are not guaranteed priority, but they give you a buffer if documents are missing.
- Double-check your subject levels. A “5” in Mathematics is not the same as a “4”—know exactly what your target programme demands.
- Choose your language of instruction carefully. English and Afrikaans both count, but you want the option where you’ll perform best academically.
- Certify and upload every document correctly. Your ID, final Grade 11 results, and (if applicable) your NSC results must be certified copies. Missing documents are the number-one reason applications get delayed.
- Pay your application fee on time. UJ charges a non-refundable application fee for some applicant categories, and unpaid applications are not processed.
- Prepare for NBTs if required. Find out whether your programme needs National Benchmark Tests, and book your test date months in advance.
Key takeaway: A polished, complete application submitted early is worth more than a last-minute application with a perfect APS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Your UJ APS
Even clever students slip up on the same APS mistakes every year. Here are the traps to avoid, so you don’t discover them when it’s too late:
- Counting Life Orientation in your APS. UJ excludes LO from your score, even though many other universities include it. This single mistake can inflate your APS by 3 to 7 points.
- Assuming 50% in Maths is enough for Engineering. Engineering programmes at UJ typically require level 5 (60%) or higher in both Mathematics and Physical Science, regardless of your total APS.
- Ignoring the English requirement. You need English at a certain level for every programme, and some faculties (like Law) expect a particularly strong English result.
- Choosing Maths Literacy without a backup plan. If you take Maths Literacy, you are locked out of many degrees. Know that trade-off before you make it.
- Using the wrong APS calculation. Some universities use a different 0–100 point scale or count different subjects. The UJ APS is specifically the 7-point method with six subjects, and it’s not interchangeable with other institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About UJ Application Requirements
What APS score does UJ require for admission?
Most UJ degree programmes require a minimum APS of 26, but many faculties demand far more. Engineering, Health Sciences, and Law typically require APS scores of 28 to 38, depending on the programme. You should always check the specific requirement for your chosen qualification in the official UJ prospectus.
Does UJ count Life Orientation in your APS?
No. UJ excludes Life Orientation from APS calculations and uses your six best recognised 20-credit subjects instead. Life Orientation also cannot be used to meet any subject-specific requirement for a UJ degree.
Can I get into UJ with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, but only into certain programmes. Humanities, Education (in some specialisations), and Law accept Mathematical Literacy, while Engineering, Health Sciences, BCom, and most Science degrees require pure Mathematics. Always verify your target programme’s policy before assuming Maths Literacy is acceptable.
Does UJ require Afrikaans or English for application?
UJ requires English as one of your six recognised subjects, either as Home Language or First Additional Language. Because UJ is a dual-medium university, you can also choose to study in Afrikaans, and some programmes may ask for Afrikaans at a specific level if you select Afrikaans-medium instruction.
What is the maximum APS score at UJ?
The maximum UJ APS is 42 points, calculated by scoring 7 points in each of your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation). In practice, very few applicants reach 42, but an APS above 35 makes you competitive for most programmes at UJ.
When should I apply to UJ for the next academic year?
UJ applications for the following year usually open around April and close between September and October. Because some programmes fill up early and selection processes take time, you should start preparing your documents in your Grade 11 year and aim to submit your application within the first month of the application window.
Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think
Figuring out your UJ APS score and subject choices doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand the 7-point system, know which subjects count, and account for the language medium that suits you best—whether English or Afrikaans—you’ll be well ahead of most applicants.
Your next step is simple: grab your most recent report card, calculate your APS using the table above, and compare it against the requirements for the degree you want. If you’re short, there’s still time to improve in your remaining exams. If you’re on target, start preparing your application documents today.
UJ is a world-class university right here in South Africa, and the door is open for learners who do their homework. Do yours, apply on time, and believe that you can do this—because you absolutely can.