How Many Points Needed for Teaching at UNISA. If you’re considering pursuing a teaching qualification at the University of South Africa (UNISA), it’s essential to understand the admission requirements, particularly the points needed for eligibility. UNISA uses the Admission Point Score (APS) system to determine whether prospective students qualify for specific programs.

Understanding the APS (Admission Point Score)

The APS is a scoring system used by South African universities to assess applicants’ academic performance in their final school year, typically based on their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent. Each subject grade you achieve in your final year of high school is converted into points, which are then totaled to give you an APS.

How Many Points Needed for Teaching at UNISA

For teaching programs at UNISA, a minimum APS score of 30 to 32 points is typically required. This range reflects the academic performance expected from applicants to ensure they have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in a teaching qualification.

• 30 points: This is generally the minimum threshold for some teaching qualifications at UNISA. It indicates a solid academic performance across subjects, with a balance of strengths that make you eligible for consideration.
• 32 points: This higher score might be required for more competitive teaching programs or to improve your chances of admission. A score of 32 points shows a strong academic record, positioning you as a well-prepared candidate for the rigors of teacher training.

How to Calculate Your APS

To calculate your APS, you would typically:

1. Assign points to your final grades: Each grade is given a corresponding point value. For example, in the NSC, a grade of 80-100% typically earns 7 points, 70-79% earns 6 points, and so on.
2. Sum up the points: Add the points from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation but including any required subjects for your chosen teaching qualification.
3. Check the required APS: Compare your total APS score to the requirements for the specific teaching program you are interested in at UNISA.

Why the APS Matters

The APS is crucial because it helps UNISA ensure that students admitted to their teaching programs are academically prepared. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires strong foundational knowledge, especially in subjects like mathematics, languages, and education theory. By setting an APS requirement, UNISA maintains the quality of its teaching graduates.

Conclusion

Achieving an APS score within the 30-32 range is your first step towards becoming a teacher through UNISA. It’s important to aim for the highest possible grades in your final year of school to maximize your APS score, giving you more options when it comes to choosing a teaching qualification. If your APS is close to the lower end of the required range, consider improving your score through supplementary exams or alternative qualifications to strengthen your application.