List of Courses That Require 20 Points in South Africa | 2025

When you hear “courses that require 20 points,” you might wonder, what exactly does that mean? Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

In South Africa, the point system measures a student’s performance in their matric exams. Each subject you take adds to your overall score, and depending on how well you did, your total points determine which courses you qualify for at universities or colleges.

So, when someone says “20 points,” they’re talking about a specific minimum score needed to gain entry into certain programs. It’s like a key that opens the door to exciting study opportunities.

Now, the good news? There are a range of courses that require 20 points, and these aren’t just basic or “easy” options—they’re programs that can lead to solid careers or help you grow in fields you’re passionate about. Let’s talk about the courses that require 20 points in South Africa.

20 Points in South Africa

In South Africa, when someone says “20 points,” they’re talking about the total points you earn from your matric results. It’s a way of measuring how well you performed in your final exams.

Each subject you write has a point value based on your marks, and when all your points are added up, it shows which courses you qualify for. Think of it like a scoreboard—your total decides the opportunities open to you.

For example, if you scored at least 40-49% in some of your subjects, that could add up to 20 points or more, depending on how many subjects you passed. It’s not about being at the top; it’s about meeting the requirements to start building your future.

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How Do You Calculate APS?

Calculating your APS (Admission Point Score) in South Africa is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Think of it as a way to measure how well you did in your matric (Grade 12) exams and match it with the requirements for the course or university you’re aiming for. Let’s break it down:

1. Collect Your Final Grades: Start by gathering your final percentages for all the subjects you wrote during matric. These are the marks that appear on your National Senior Certificate (NSC).
2. Use the APS Points Scale: Each percentage range translates into a specific number of APS points, with the maximum being 7 points per subject. Here’s the breakdown:
   • 80–100% = 7 points
   • 70–79% = 6 points
   • 60–69% = 5 points
   • 50–59% = 4 points
   • 40–49% = 3 points
   • 30–39% = 2 points
   • 0–29% = 0 points (fail)
3. Pick Your Top Six Subjects: Choose the six subjects where you scored the highest. This excludes Life Orientation, which most universities don’t include in the APS calculation.
4. Add Them Up: Add the points from these six subjects. The total you get is your APS score.
5. Compare Your Score: Once you have your total, check it against the minimum APS required for the course you’re interested in. For example, if a course requires 20 points, you’ll need your APS to be 20 or higher to qualify. Some universities may offer bridging programs or assessments if your score is just below the required points.

Which University Takes 20 Points in South Africa?

In South Africa, several universities and colleges offer programs for students with 20 points or slightly more in their matric results. Here are the schools that offer courses that require 20 points:

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• University of South Africa (UNISA)
• University of Limpopo
• Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
• University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• North-West University (NWU)
• University of Fort Hare (UFH)
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
• Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

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Courses that Require 20 Points at UNISA

At the University of South Africa (UNISA), if you have an APS of 20, here are some available courses:

Bachelor’s Degrees (APS: 20)

• BA in Communication Science
• BA in Community Development
• BA in Creative Writing
• BA in Development Studies
• BA in Government, Administration, and Development
• BA in Police Science

Diplomas (APS: 17-20)

• Diploma in Marketing Management
• Diploma in Human Resource Management
• Diploma in Public Administration and Management
• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Diploma in Law

Higher Certificate Programs (APS: 15-24)

• Higher Certificate in Education
• Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences
• Higher Certificate in Law
• Higher Certificate in Business Management
• Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management

Courses that Require 20 Points at CUT

At the Central University of Technology (CUT), some courses that require 20 points include:

• Diplomas in Public Management
• Diplomas in Marketing
• Diplomas in Human Resource Management
• Diplomas in Tourism Management
• Higher Certificate Programs in fields such as IT and Business Management

Courses that Require 20 Points at WSU

Courses that require 20 points APS at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) include:

• Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
• Diploma in Education (various specializations)
• Diploma in Business Management
• Diploma in Public Management
• Diploma in Marketing

Courses that Require 20 Points at UNIZULU

Most programs at this university fall within a minimum range of 26 to 30 points for admission, with some courses allowing for special consideration at slightly lower points.

However, the requirement of 20 points specifically is typically for extended or foundation programs designed to support students who do not meet the standard entry points but demonstrate potential for success.

Here’s a list of the courses that require 20 points at UNIZULU:

• Diploma in Media Studies
• Diploma in Co-operative Management
• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Diploma in Public Relations Management

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Courses that Require 20 Points at UMP

The courses that require 20 points at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) are mostly Diploma-level courses or Higher Certificate programs, which are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in various fields. Some of these programs include:

• Higher Certificate in Information Communication Technology in User Support
• Higher Certificate in Event Management
• Diploma in Agriculture
• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Business Management

Courses that Require 20 Points at UKZN

Here are the courses at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) that require around 20 points:

• Bachelor of Social Science Extended Curriculum
• BSc Engineering Access
• Bachelor in Medicine & Bachelor in Surgery (APS not applicable, but specific requirements such as 60%+ in key subjects apply)
• Humanities Extended Curriculum

TUT Courses that Require 20 Points

Here are some courses at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) that typically require around 20 points for admission:

• Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
• Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
• Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
• Diploma in Performing Arts
• Higher Certificate in Construction Engineering
• Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering

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What Can I Study With 20 Points at DUT?

With an Admission Point Score (APS) of 20, you can study several programs at Durban University of Technology (DUT). Here are some of the courses you can consider:

• Accounting Bridging Course
• Diploma in Fashion
• Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Administration SC
• Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Law SC
• Diploma in Management Sciences: Human Resources SC
• Diploma in Management Sciences: Operations (Part-time) SC
• Diploma in Management Sciences: Public Relations & Communication Management SC

Can I Apply in DUT With 19 Points?

No, you cannot apply to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) with 19 points. The minimum admission requirement for the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT is 20 points on your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC).

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Which Courses Require 20 Points at UJ?

At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), some courses that require 20 points (APS) points include:

• Diploma in Jewelry Design and Manufacturing – Requires 18 APS points with Mathematics or 19 APS points with Mathematical Literacy.
• Sport Management Diploma – Requires 18 APS points with Mathematics or 19 APS points with Mathematical Literacy.
• Logistics Extended Diploma – Typically falls within the 18-20 APS range.
• Operations Management Diploma – Requires around 20 APS points depending on the exact program.

What Can I Study With 20 Points at NWU?

Here’s a list of courses that require 20 points at NWU:

• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations
• Extended Bachelor of Commerce in Statistics

What Can I Study With 20 Points at VAAL?

If you have 20 APS points, you can consider several diploma programs at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) across various faculties. These include:

• Diploma in Financial Information Systems
• Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting
• Diploma in Internal Auditing
• Diploma in Human Resources Management
• Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Diploma in Marketing
• Diploma in Retail Business Management
• Diploma in Sport Management

Courses that Require 20 Points Without Maths

Courses that generally require 20 points but do not include Mathematics as a compulsory subject are often found in areas like Humanities, Social Sciences, and some vocational programs. Here’s a list of the courses that require 20 points without maths in South Africa:

• Diploma in Public Relations
• Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Fashion Design
• Diploma in Event Management
• Diploma in Journalism
• Diploma in Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) Extended Program
• Diploma in Management Sciences (with specific specializations such as Public Relations, Business Administration, or Human Resources)

FAQs

Conclusion

As you can see, courses that require 20 points offer a solid stepping stone toward a brighter future. It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing your dream career or simply exploring your options, these programs prove that success isn’t tied to the highest scores—it’s about finding the right path for you. So, take that first step confidently, knowing there’s a course ready to help you shine!

References

• varsitywise.com – What and where can you study with 20 points?
• studychoices.org.za – Courses that require 20 – 25 APS Score Points or less at UJ
• sharecourse.co.za – Courses That Require 20 Points Or Less
• careerinfos.com – Courses That Require 20 Points 2024/2025

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