Difference between WRS Score and APS Score

On this page, we make it easier for you to see the difference between WRS and APS scores. Both these scores are essential when you apply for your tertiary studies in South Africa.

What is an APS Score?

The APS (Admission Point Score) is like a basic measure of your marks from Grade 12, used mainly by universities in South Africa to decide if you qualify for their courses. Think of it as a way to show how you did in your final exams. Each of your subject marks is given a point, and these points are added up to get your APS score. For example:

Subject	Mark (%)	Points
English Home Language	70%	5
Mathematics	60%	4
Life Sciences	75%	6
Business Studies	80%	7
Physical Sciences	65%	5
Life Orientation	85%	4

To calculate your APS, you would add all these points:
5 + 4 + 6 + 7 + 5 + 4 = 31

So, your APS score is 31.

What is a WRS Score?

A WRS (Weighted Rating Score) takes things further than just your final exam results. It looks at more than just your marks – it could include extracurricular activities, community involvement, or other achievements. Different things are weighted differently, which means some activities might count more than others. The WRS is often used for scholarships or special programmes that want to see a fuller picture of who you are as a student.

For example:

• You got good grades (let’s say your APS is 31).
• You’re also a school sports captain.
• You’ve done volunteer work in your community.

These extra things can give you extra points in a WRS score. The grades might make up 70% of your WRS, and the extracurriculars 30%, so your WRS score will be a combination of everything, not just your marks.

In a nutshell, the APS score is used for university admissions based on your matric marks, while the WRS score includes both academic results and extracurricular achievements, mostly used for scholarships and bursaries.

Now you know the difference!