The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Admissions Points Score (APS) is a crucial metric used to evaluate prospective students’ eligibility for admission into undergraduate programmes. Understanding your APS ensures that you meet the minimum entry requirements for your desired course and helps in planning your academic pathway effectively.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of DUT APS, how it is calculated, faculty-specific requirements, and tips to improve your score.
What is the DUT Admissions Points Score (APS)?
The Admissions Points Score (APS) is a system used by South African universities, including DUT, to assess student eligibility for undergraduate programmes. The APS converts your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) grades into points, which are then totaled to determine if you meet the minimum requirement for your chosen course.
The APS considers your best six subjects, including English (compulsory).
Each subject is assigned a point value, depending on the grade achieved.
How the APS Works at DUT
DUT uses the APS to rank applicants for programmes with limited spaces. The score helps determine:
Eligibility for direct admission
Conditional admission based on minimum requirements
Prioritization in competitive courses
For example, programmes like Engineering, Health Sciences, and Information Technology may require higher APS compared to programmes in the Arts or Management Sciences.
How to Calculate Your DUT APS
Calculating your APS is simple once you know the grading system.
Step 1: Convert Your NSC Grades to APS Points
The standard APS conversion table used by DUT is:
| NSC Achievement Level | Percentage Range | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 80–100% | 7 |
| 6 | 70–79% | 6 |
| 5 | 60–69% | 5 |
| 4 | 50–59% | 4 |
| 3 | 40–49% | 3 |
| 2 | 30–39% | 2 |
| 1 | 0–29% | 1 |
Note: English is compulsory, and its score must be included in your APS calculation.
Step 2: Select Your Best Six Subjects
Choose your highest six subjects, including English.
Some faculties may have specific subject requirements, e.g., Mathematics or Physical Science for Engineering.
Step 3: Add Up the Points
Sum the APS points of your six chosen subjects to get your total APS.
Example Calculation:
| Subject | NSC Grade | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English | 70% | 6 |
| Mathematics | 65% | 5 |
| Physical Science | 72% | 6 |
| Life Sciences | 60% | 5 |
| Accounting | 58% | 4 |
| Economics | 62% | 5 |
Total APS = 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 5 = 31
In this example, the applicant has an APS of 31.
Minimum APS Requirements for DUT Programmes
Different faculties and programmes at DUT have varied APS cut-offs. Here’s a general guideline:
| Faculty | Programme Type | Minimum APS |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Built Environment | Engineering | 30–35 |
| Health Sciences | Nursing, Biomedical | 28–32 |
| Accounting & Informatics | Accounting, IT | 25–30 |
| Management Sciences | Business & Management | 22–28 |
| Arts & Design | Design & Humanities | 20–25 |
| Applied Sciences | Science & Technology | 25–30 |
Tip: Competitive programmes may require APS higher than the minimum, so aim for the best possible grades.
Factors That Affect Your APS
Compulsory subjects like English and Mathematics may weigh more heavily
Choice of best six subjects – select subjects with the highest grades
Programme-specific requirements – some courses require specific subjects like Physical Science or Life Sciences
Tips to Improve Your DUT APS
Focus on Key Subjects: Prioritize English, Mathematics, and relevant science subjects
Retake Exams if Possible: If you are close to the required APS, consider rewriting subjects to improve grades
Choose Best Subjects Strategically: Only include your six strongest subjects in the APS calculation
Check Faculty Requirements: Ensure you meet both the minimum APS and subject-specific requirements
Contact DUT Admissions
For enquiries regarding APS and programme eligibility:
Durban University of Technology (DUT) Admissions
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 31 373 2000
Website: https://www.dut.ac.za
The admissions office can assist in APS verification and guidance for specific programmes.
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