Low APS Score Courses: What to Study with a Low APS in South Africa

If your APS score turned out lower than expected don’t panic. A low APS score doesn’t mean the end of your academic journey. In fact, South Africa offers many low APS score courses and study pathways designed to help you progress, upgrade, and still achieve your career goals.

Whether you want to study a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or gain entry through a TVET College, there are plenty of opportunities to move forward confidently. to calculate your APS, use this APS score calculator.

A low APS score simply means you didn’t meet the full admission requirements for certain university degrees. But it doesn’t close all doors.

Instead, it guides you toward alternative entry routes such as:

• Higher Certificate programs (minimum APS often around 18–22)
• NATED or TVET qualifications
• Bridging or extended programs
• Private college diplomas with flexible entry criteria

These options give you the chance to gain practical experience, earn a recognized qualification, and upgrade later to a full degree.

Here are examples of courses available for students with low APS scores in South Africa:

Higher Certificate Courses

Perfect for students with an APS between 18–22. After completing a Higher Certificate, you can apply for a related diploma or degree.

Examples include:

• Higher Certificate in Business Management
• Higher Certificate in Information Technology
• Higher Certificate in Marketing
• Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
• Higher Certificate in Legal Studies
• Higher Certificate in Education Support

TVET and NATED Courses

If you prefer hands-on, skills-based learning, TVET colleges and NATED programs are great starting points. These focus on real-world experience and technical training.

Popular options include:

• N4–N6 Management Assistant
• Electrical Engineering
• Financial Management
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Office Administration
• Educare (Early Childhood Development)

Private College Diplomas

Private institutions often have more flexible APS score requirements. You can study:

• Diploma in Graphic Design
• Diploma in Web Development
• Diploma in Media Studies
• Diploma in Accounting or Finance
• Diploma in Computer Science

Institutions like Boston City Campus, Rosebank College, Damelin, and MSC Business College accept students with low APS scores, offering bridging or foundation courses to help you qualify for higher-level programs later.

Even with a low APS, several respected institutions will give you the opportunity to study, learn, and grow:

• TVET Colleges (public and private across South Africa)
• Universities of Technology (for diploma entry after bridging)
• Private Institutions like:
  • Rosebank College
  • Boston City Campus
  • Oxbridge Academy
  • Damelin College
  • IIE Varsity College (for foundation and Higher Certificate courses)

Each institution has its own APS score requirements, so always check their website or contact their admissions team for clarity.

If your dream course requires a higher APS score, there are ways to improve your results and reapply in the future. Here’s how:

1. Rewrite Matric subjects through accredited centres to improve your APS.
2. Complete a Higher Certificate, then apply for a related diploma or degree.
3. Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you have work experience.
4. Study through a TVET college, then articulate to a university later.

Remember upgrading your qualification step by step is still progress. Many successful graduates started with low APS scores and built their way up through bridging and diploma programs.

A low APS score doesn’t define your future your determination does. South Africa’s education system is designed to give everyone a second chance through flexible and affordable learning options.

Keep learning, stay motivated, and take the next step that suits your journey. Whether you start with a Higher Certificate, TVET course, or private diploma, what matters most is that you keep moving forward.

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