This FAQ focuses on how Wits uses APS and subject minimums. For course-by-course requirements, browse the programme list or open a course FAQ.
Useful pages: Wits requirements | APS calculator | Past papers
Popular course FAQs: Chemical Engineering | Computer Science | Actuarial Science | Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - General | Bachelor of Commerce with Law | Accounting | Accounting Science | Aeronautical Engineering
Wits uses an APS table based on NSC achievement levels. Your subjects are converted into points, then added according to Wits rules.
Wits also applies programme rules like English and Mathematics minimum levels. That means APS alone is not enough if you miss a required subject.
You can calculate it here: Wits calculator.
Wits admissions are primarily driven by NSC results (APS) and programme subject minimums. NBTs are not a universal requirement in the way they are for some other institutions.
If an NBT requirement exists in our extracted data for a programme, you will see it on the course page.
Wits counts a fixed number of subjects for APS and may apply selection rules when you enter more subjects than allowed.
If you enter more subjects than the maximum, the calculator will ask you which subjects to include so your APS matches Wits calculation rules.
No. Minimum APS differs by faculty and by degree. Engineering can have very different minimums from Arts, for example.
Use the Wits university page to browse all programmes and minimums in one place.
It depends on what you are applying for. Some programmes accept Maths Literacy, while others require Mathematics.
If you are unsure, open the specific course page and check the required subjects list.
Engineering and some Science degrees commonly require Physical Sciences. Requirements vary by programme, so treat this as programme-specific, not university-wide.
If Physical Sciences is part of your target degree, start practising early:
Engineering at Wits is competitive and has programme-specific APS and subject minimums (especially Mathematics and Physical Sciences).
Open the engineering programme you want, then calculate eligibility with your actual marks.
Because subject minimums are hard rules. A high APS cannot always compensate for a missing compulsory subject or a minimum level that is too low.
If you are short in a key subject, practise with past papers, then recalculate.
Usually no. If a programme says Mathematics is compulsory, you need Mathematics.
Where APS helps is when you already meet the compulsory subjects and you are competing for limited spaces.