21 APS Score Courses: What You Can Study in South Africa

If your APS score is 21, don’t worry you still have opportunities to study further in South Africa. Many universities, TVET colleges, and private institutions offer courses designed for students with lower APS scores. In this guide, we’ll explore what a 21 APS score means, what you can study, and how to build your way up to higher qualifications.

Whether you’re finishing school or planning your next step, this list of 21 APS score courses will help you make informed choices about your future. to calculate your APS, use this APS score calculator.

A 21 APS score means you passed matric but may not meet the minimum entry requirement for most bachelor’s degrees. However, this does not close your options. With a 21 APS, you can still study certificate programs, bridging courses, NATED programs, or diplomas at universities of technology and TVET colleges.

In many cases, students who start with these courses later move on to degrees after improving their results.

Even though a 21 APS score may limit some options, you can still choose from a wide variety of study fields. Below are examples of courses you can study with 21 APS at South African institutions:

Higher Certificate Courses

• Higher Certificate in Business Management
• Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
• Higher Certificate in Information Technology
• Higher Certificate in Marketing
• Higher Certificate in Office Administration
• Higher Certificate in Public Relations

Diploma and NATED Courses

• NATED N4–N6 Diploma in Electrical Engineering
• NATED Diploma in Financial Management
• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Tourism
• Diploma in Safety Management
• Diploma in Public Management

Vocational and TVET Programs

• National Certificate (Vocational) in Engineering and Related Design
• NCV in Hospitality
• NCV in Office Administration
• NCV in Marketing or Finance

These programs help you gain practical skills and work experience, which can later open pathways to degree-level studies or direct employment.

Not all institutions require high APS scores. Some universities and TVET colleges are flexible and provide access programs or bridging opportunities for students with lower scores. Here are a few examples:

• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Offers foundation and access programs for applicants with lower APS scores.
• University of South Africa (UNISA) – Accepts students with 21 APS for certain Higher Certificate programs. After completing the certificate, you can apply for a diploma or degree.
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT) – Some diplomas and NATED programs accept 21 APS, depending on subject combinations.
• TVET Colleges – These colleges (like Ekurhuleni East, False Bay, and Central Johannesburg College) welcome students with APS scores from 18 to 23 for NATED or NCV courses.
• Private Institutions – Colleges such as Boston City Campus, Damelin, and Oxbridge Academy also accept 21 APS for certificate or diploma programs.

Always check the latest prospectus for each institution to confirm APS and subject-specific requirements.

If your APS is 21 or slightly below, here are some smart steps you can take to improve your study opportunities:

1. Upgrade your matric subjects – You can rewrite specific subjects to increase your APS.
2. Start with a Higher Certificate – After completing it successfully, you can progress to a diploma or degree.
3. Apply to a TVET college – They offer affordable, practical courses that lead to recognized qualifications.
4. Take bridging or access programs – These courses are designed to prepare you for higher-level studies.
5. Use an APS calculator – This will help you track your current score and plan improvements.

Remember: many successful professionals started with certificates or diplomas and later advanced to degrees. Your APS score is only the starting point, not the final destination.

A 21 APS score may feel limiting, but it still opens real opportunities in South Africa’s education system. From Higher Certificate programs at UNISA to NATED diplomas at TVET colleges, there are multiple pathways to achieving your career goals.

Use your time wisely to gain qualifications, improve your APS, and plan your next step toward your dream course. The key is to start every qualification you earn brings you closer to your future success.

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