University of Cape Town APS Calculator

Use our free calculator to work out your Admission Point Score (APS) for UCT. Just enter your marks to see if you meet the requirements.

Please select your faculty before doing anything else. After that, enter all seven of your subjects and their scores. Life Orientation (LO) is compulsory but adds nothing to your APS.

Languages

Mathematics

Life Orientation

University of Cape Town (UCT) does not consider Life Orientation in their APS calculation.

Other Subjects (3 Required)

Target FPS (Band A)

Medicine (MBChB) 540+
Engineering 450+
Law (LLB) 470+
Commerce (BCom) 460+
Science (BSc) 420+
Humanities (BA) 380+
Minimum for Degree 350
*Scores are out of 600 (FPS). Band A (Open) applicants usually need these scores or higher.

UCT 2026/2027 Application

Applications generally close 31 July. Do not wait until the last minute!

View Prospectus Apply Now Portal

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UCT Calculation Methods (2026)

UCT uses the Faculty Points Score (FPS) system, which counts percentages rather than levels. Below are the specific formulas for each faculty.

Humanities, Commerce & Law

Uses the standard FPS calculation based on your best 6 subjects. Commerce requires Mathematics (Core).

Formula

English + Best 5 Subjects

Max: 600

Faculty of Science

Applies a "Double Weighting" to Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

Formula

FPS + Math + Physics

Max: 800

Health Sciences

Combines your matric results with your National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.

Formula

FPS + NBT(AL + QL + MAT)

Max: 900

Official UCT Points Table

UCT does not use the 1-7 Level system. They use your actual percentage.

NSC Percentage UCT Points Note
90% - 100% 90 - 100 Actual % is used
80% - 89% 80 - 89 Actual % is used
70% - 79% 70 - 79 Actual % is used
40% - 69% 40 - 69 Actual % is used
0% - 39% 0 UCT ignores marks below 40%

Important: Life Orientation (LO) is a mandatory subject to pass Matric, but UCT excludes it completely from the FPS calculation. It contributes 0 points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do UCT applications for 2026 open?
Applications for undergraduate study at UCT typically open in April 2026 for the 2027 academic year. They usually close in late July or early August. Check the official UCT admissions page for exact dates.
What is the difference between APS and FPS?
APS (Admission Points Score) is your raw score based on your matric results (Best 6 subjects excluding Life Orientation).

FPS (Faculty Points Score) is the score UCT actually uses to accept you. It might include "Bonus Points" (like double weighting for Maths/Science) or NBT scores, depending on the faculty you apply to.
Do I need to write the NBTs for UCT?
If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, the NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) are compulsory and form part of your admission score. For other faculties, NBTs may be used for placement but are often not required for the main score calculation.
How does UCT calculate percentages below 40%?
Unlike many other universities, UCT does not allocate any points for subjects where you achieved less than 40%. These subjects are counted as 0 points in your APS calculation.
What is the application fee for UCT?
For 2025/2026, the application fee for South African applicants is typically around R100 - R200. International applicants may have higher fees. Always check the current fee structure on the UCT Online Application portal.
How do I calculate points for IGCSE/AS/A Levels?
UCT has a specific table for international qualifications. For example, an "A" in AS Level is worth 8 points, while an "A" in A Level is worth 10 points.IGCSE/O-Levels are also scored (e.g., an "A" is 6 points).
Can I apply with my Grade 11 marks?
Yes. You use your final Grade 11 results to apply for provisional acceptance. However, your final unconditional offer will depend on your final Grade 12 NSC results meeting the faculty requirements.
What is the "Weighted Point Score" (WPS)?
UCT may apply a "Disadvantage Factor" to calculate a Weighted Point Score (WPS). This adjusts your score based on your school's background to ensure fair access. The formula is: WPS = FPS + Disadvantage Factor.
Does UCT accept Mathematical Literacy?
It depends on the faculty. Humanities and Law generally accept Mathematical Literacy. However, Commerce, Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences typically require Pure Mathematics (often 60%+).
What if my APS is slightly too low?
If you miss the main requirements but show potential, you might be considered for an Extended Degree Programme (EDP). These courses take one year longer but offer extra academic support.

Just a Quick Note Before You Go

We built this tool to help you navigate the admissions maze, but it's important to remember that your future is more than just a number on a screen. Think of this result as your personal admission compass, a great starting point for your admission journey, but not the final finish line.

Universities are dynamic, and while we strive for 100% accuracy, their selection criteria often involves factors a calculator can't see, such as:

  • Portfolios, interviews, or NBT results
  • Specific subject minimums and combos
  • Language proficiency requirements
  • Space availability for your desired course

Our Advice: Use this score to narrow your search, then verify the latest facts directly with the university's prospectus.