What can you study after matric?
Your APS score decides which universities and courses you can apply to. Work out your score free, see the real qualifications you'll get in for, and find funding — all built for the South African NSC curriculum.
Don't apply blind
Every year thousands of matrics apply for courses they were never going to get into — or miss courses they easily qualified for — because nobody worked out their APS properly. Application fees add up, deadlines pass, and good options slip by.
NexiStudy turns your marks into a clear picture: your exact APS, the courses within reach, and where to aim. You apply with a plan instead of a guess.
From your marks to a real plan
Three steps that take you from a report card to a shortlist of courses.
Your APS in seconds
Punch in your marks and NexiStudy works out your Admission Point Score the way universities do — your best six subjects on the NSC 7-point scale.
See what you actually qualify for
Stop guessing. NexiStudy matches your score to real degrees, diplomas and certificates across South African universities — so you apply where you have a shot.
Funding & a career direction
Worried about paying for it? Get pointed toward NSFAS and bursaries, plus honest guidance on careers that fit your marks and what you enjoy.
Start free
The tools that get you in the door are free. Premium is for acing the exams.
- ✅ APS calculator + the courses you qualify for
- ✅ Funding & career direction (a free taste)
- ✅ Past papers for every subject, and topic practice quizzes
- ⭐ Unlimited Nexi Tutor — step-by-step help in every subject
- ⭐ Mark My Answer — photograph your work, marked like an examiner
- ⭐ The full funding & career roadmap, and a weak-spots map
- ⭐ Past-paper walkthroughs and exam-season practice
APS & university questions
How is the APS score calculated?
Your APS (Admission Point Score) adds up points from your best six subjects, usually excluding Life Orientation. Each subject scores 1 to 7 based on your percentage — 80–100% = 7, 70–79% = 6, 60–69% = 5, 50–59% = 4, and so on. Most universities work to a total out of 42, though some calculate it slightly differently, so always check the specific university.
What APS do I need to get into university?
It depends on the university and the course. Competitive degrees like Medicine, Engineering and Actuarial Science need very high scores, while many diplomas and degrees accept a wider range. NexiStudy's APS calculator shows you the actual courses you qualify for based on your marks, so you don't have to guess.
Does Life Orientation count towards my APS?
Most universities leave Life Orientation out of the APS and count your best six of the remaining subjects. A few give it partial credit. Check each university's exact rule.
What can I study if my APS is low?
Plenty. Universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges offer diplomas, higher certificates and extended or bridging programmes that accept lower scores and can lead into a degree. NexiStudy helps you find the options that fit your marks instead of only the ones that don't.
What is NSFAS and how do I fund my studies?
NSFAS is the government's National Student Financial Aid Scheme, which funds tuition and living costs for qualifying students from lower-income households. There are also company and university bursaries. NexiStudy's Funding & Career advisor points you toward options to explore — always apply through the official NSFAS and university websites.
When should I apply to university?
Applications usually open early in your matric year and many close around the middle of the year — well before final exams, and some popular courses close even earlier. Apply as early as you can and confirm each institution's exact dates.
Know your options
Calculate your APS and see what you qualify for in minutes. Create a free account — no card needed.