DUT APS Score Calculator
Work out your Admission Point Score for Durban University of Technology before you submit your CAO application. Enter your NSC subject percentages, and get your total APS out of 42, plus a full subject-by-subject points breakdown.
Calculate My APS ↓DUT APS Calculator
Enter the percentage you scored in each subject, then press Calculate. Leave a row blank if you did not take that subject. Do not enter Life Orientation, since DUT excludes it from the standard APS calculation.
Your APS Score
0
Out of a maximum of 42
Subject-by-subject breakdown
| Subject | Percentage | Level | Points |
|---|
This total adds together the points earned in your best 6 subjects.
DUT calculates your APS by converting the percentage you scored in each subject into a points value from 0 to 7, then adding together your best 6 subjects. Life Orientation is excluded. The maximum possible APS at DUT is 42 points, achieved with 90% or higher in all 6 counted subjects. Use the calculator above for your exact score before applying through the CAO.
How to Use the DUT APS Calculator
Three quick steps to an accurate APS estimate.
- 1 Enter your subject percentages. Type the mark you scored in each subject you wrote. Leave any unused rows blank. Do not include Life Orientation.
- 2 Select which results you are using. Choose Grade 11 Final, Grade 12 Prelim, or Grade 12 Final, so your summary is labelled correctly.
- 3 Press Calculate. Your total APS, a subject-by-subject points breakdown, and your best 6 subjects will appear instantly. Use “Copy Result” to save it for your CAO application.
The DUT APS Formula
DUT uses the standard national scale to convert each subject percentage into points, then adds your best 6 subjects.
APS = SUM( Points of your Best 6 Subjects, excluding Life Orientation )
Every subject you passed is converted into a points value using the table below. If you entered more than 6 subjects, the calculator automatically drops your lowest-scoring subject so only your best 6 count toward the total.
Worked Example
A real calculation using the DUT points scale, so you can see exactly how the total is built.
Example: A learner with 6 subjects (Life Orientation excluded)
| English First Additional Language: 62% | Level 4 = 4 points |
| Mathematics: 51% | Level 3 = 3 points |
| Physical Sciences: 68% | Level 4 = 4 points |
| Life Sciences: 72% | Level 5 = 5 points |
| Geography: 58% | Level 3 = 3 points |
| isiZulu Home Language: 66% | Level 4 = 4 points |
| Total APS | 23 points |
DUT APS Score: The Complete Guide
Durban University of Technology uses an Admission Point Score to screen applicants before programme-specific subject requirements are considered. DUT admissions run through the Central Applications Office (CAO), which processes applications for DUT alongside other KwaZulu-Natal institutions, so understanding your APS early helps you plan a realistic set of course choices.
How is APS calculated at DUT?
Your final mark in each subject is converted into a points value from 0 to 7 using the standard national achievement scale. DUT then adds together your best 6 subjects to get your total APS. Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation under DUT’s standard method, regardless of the mark you achieved in it.
The APS Points Conversion Table
| Percentage | Achievement Level | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 90% to 100% | Level 7 | 7 |
| 80% to 89% | Level 6 | 6 |
| 70% to 79% | Level 5 | 5 |
| 60% to 69% | Level 4 | 4 |
| 50% to 59% | Level 3 | 3 |
| 40% to 49% | Level 2 | 2 |
| 30% to 39% | Level 1 | 1 |
| 0% to 29% | Not achieved | 0 |
Which subjects count toward your DUT APS?
Your best 6 subjects count. One of your language subjects must be English, either Home Language or First Additional Language, and most programmes also require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at a minimum level. Programmes such as Engineering typically require Mathematics and Physical Sciences to be among your counted subjects, each at a specified minimum level. Life Orientation is never included in the standard calculation, even if it was your highest mark.
What is a good APS score for DUT?
Requirements vary by programme and faculty. As a general guide, Higher Certificate and foundational programmes commonly require an APS around 20 to 22, standard diplomas typically require around 24, and degree programmes often require 28 or higher. Competitive fields such as Engineering and health-related programmes may require higher scores along with specific Mathematics and Physical Sciences levels.
Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee admission?
No. Meeting the minimum published APS only means your application will be considered through the CAO’s ranking process. DUT programmes are competitive with limited space, so applicants are encouraged to aim above the stated minimum and apply as early as possible once CAO applications open.
Tips for improving your APS
- Focus on your strongest subjects. Since only your best 6 count, concentrate extra study time on subjects where a small improvement moves you into a higher level band.
- Check subject-specific requirements early. A high APS is not enough if your programme requires a specific level in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or English.
- Consider rewriting a subject. If your APS falls short, some learners rewrite one or two subjects through supplementary exams to move up a level.
- Apply through the CAO early. Since DUT processes applications on a competitive, ranked basis via the CAO, applying early with your available results can improve your chances.
- List backup programmes. The CAO allows multiple course choices, so include options with a slightly lower APS requirement in case your final results differ from expectations.
Methodology
This calculator applies the standard national NSC 7-point achievement scale to convert subject percentages into points, and sums the best 6 results excluding Life Orientation, consistent with DUT’s published standard APS calculation method. It does not apply faculty-specific weighting, subject minimums, or portfolio and interview requirements used by some programmes. Always confirm your exact APS and programme requirements with the official DUT admissions office, the CAO, or the current prospectus before applying.
Assumptions used in this calculator
- Percentages are converted using the standard 8-band national achievement scale.
- Life Orientation is always excluded from the total, even if entered.
- If more than 6 subjects are entered, the lowest-scoring subject is automatically dropped.
- The calculator does not check programme-specific subject or level requirements, such as the English or Mathematics minimums required for certain courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The maximum possible APS at DUT is 42 points, which comes from scoring at Level 7, 90% or higher, in each of your best 6 subjects.
No, under DUT’s standard method. Life Orientation is excluded from the core APS total, and only your best 6 other NSC subjects are added together. A small number of specific programmes may treat Life Orientation differently, so confirm this with the official DUT prospectus if it applies to your chosen course.
DUT uses your best 6 NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation. If you took more than 6 subjects, only the 6 with the highest points count toward your total.
Most DUT undergraduate applications are submitted through the Central Applications Office, the CAO, rather than directly to DUT. A single CAO application allows you to apply to DUT alongside other participating KwaZulu-Natal institutions.
Requirements vary by programme, but most DUT diplomas and degrees require English, Home Language or First Additional Language, at a minimum Level 3 or Level 4, along with a minimum level in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. Technical programmes such as Engineering typically require a higher Mathematics level and Physical Sciences. Always confirm the exact levels for your chosen programme.
Standard diplomas at DUT commonly require an APS around 24, while degree programmes often require 28 or higher. Foundational and Higher Certificate programmes may accept a lower APS, typically around 20 to 22. Always confirm the exact minimum for your chosen programme with the official DUT prospectus.
No. Meeting the minimum APS only means your application can be considered. Since places are limited and the CAO ranks applicants competitively, applicants are encouraged to score above the stated minimum and apply early.