<h3 class="" data-start="153" data-end="209">Study With 16 Points at UNISA: What You Need to Know</h3>
<p class="" data-start="211" data-end="700">Getting into a university can feel like a mountain to climb, especially when you&rsquo;re uncertain about whether your matric results are good enough. If you&rsquo;ve finished high school with 16 APS (Admission Point Score) points and are considering studying at <strong data-start="462" data-end="500">UNISA (University of South Africa), you're not alone. Thousands of students each year search for study options with lower APS scores, and UNISA, known for its flexible distance learning, is one of the top destinations in South Africa.Study With 16 Points At UNISA

<p class="" data-start="702" data-end="865">In this guide, we&rsquo;ll break down what it means to study with 16 points, the programs available, how APS is calculated, and what your realistic options are at UNISA.

<hr class="" data-start="867" data-end="870" />
<h3 class="" data-start="872" data-end="892">What is the APS?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="894" data-end="1144">The <strong data-start="898" data-end="929">APS (Admission Point Score) is a system used by South African universities to determine whether a student qualifies for a particular course or qualification. It is calculated based on your performance in your final matric (Grade 12) subjects.

<p class="" data-start="1146" data-end="1200">Each subject gets points depending on your percentage:

<ul data-start="1201" data-end="1353">
<li class="" data-start="1201" data-end="1223">
<p class="" data-start="1203" data-end="1223">80&ndash;100% = 7 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1224" data-end="1245">
<p class="" data-start="1226" data-end="1245">70&ndash;79% = 6 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1246" data-end="1267">
<p class="" data-start="1248" data-end="1267">60&ndash;69% = 5 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1268" data-end="1289">
<p class="" data-start="1270" data-end="1289">50&ndash;59% = 4 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1290" data-end="1311">
<p class="" data-start="1292" data-end="1311">40&ndash;49% = 3 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1312" data-end="1333">
<p class="" data-start="1314" data-end="1333">30&ndash;39% = 2 points

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1334" data-end="1353">
<p class="" data-start="1336" data-end="1353">0&ndash;29% = 1 point

</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1355" data-end="1461">Your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation in many cases) are added up to determine your total APS.

<p class="" data-start="1463" data-end="1538">So, if you scored mostly in the 30&ndash;50% range, you might end up with 16 APS.

<hr class="" data-start="1540" data-end="1543" />
<h3 class="" data-start="1545" data-end="1584">Is 16 APS Enough to Study at UNISA?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1586" data-end="1665"><strong data-start="1586" data-end="1607">The short answer: Yes, <strong data-start="1613" data-end="1630">in some cases, but your options will be limited.

<p class="" data-start="1667" data-end="1722">UNISA offers a wide range of qualifications, including:

<ul data-start="1723" data-end="1794">
<li class="" data-start="1723" data-end="1746">
<p class="" data-start="1725" data-end="1746">Higher Certificates

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1747" data-end="1759">
<p class="" data-start="1749" data-end="1759">Diplomas

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1760" data-end="1771">
<p class="" data-start="1762" data-end="1771">Degrees

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1772" data-end="1794">
<p class="" data-start="1774" data-end="1794">Postgraduate courses

</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1796" data-end="1897">With 16 APS, <strong data-start="1809" data-end="1851">you likely do not qualify for a degree directly. However, you may still qualify for:

<ul data-start="1898" data-end="2049">
<li class="" data-start="1898" data-end="1931">
<p class="" data-start="1900" data-end="1931"><strong data-start="1900" data-end="1931">Higher Certificate programs

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1932" data-end="1969">
<p class="" data-start="1934" data-end="1969">Certain <strong data-start="1942" data-end="1969">short learning programs

</li>
<li class="" data-start="1970" data-end="2049">
<p class="" data-start="1972" data-end="2049"><strong data-start="1972" data-end="2010">Adult Basic Education and Training (if you're over 21 and have no matric)

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="2051" data-end="2054" />
<h3 class="" data-start="2056" data-end="2091">What Can You Study With 16 APS?</h3>
<h4 class="" data-start="2093" data-end="2132">1. <strong data-start="2101" data-end="2132">Higher Certificate Programs</h4>
<p class="" data-start="2134" data-end="2311">These are 1-year programs designed to give students foundational knowledge and prepare them for diploma or degree-level study. They are ideal for students with lower APS scores.

<p class="" data-start="2313" data-end="2349">With 16 points, you may qualify for:

<ul data-start="2350" data-end="2654">
<li class="" data-start="2350" data-end="2387">
<p class="" data-start="2352" data-end="2387"><strong data-start="2352" data-end="2387">Higher Certificate in Education

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2388" data-end="2419">
<p class="" data-start="2390" data-end="2419"><strong data-start="2390" data-end="2419">Higher Certificate in Law

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2420" data-end="2473">
<p class="" data-start="2422" data-end="2473"><strong data-start="2422" data-end="2473">Higher Certificate in Human and Social Sciences

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2474" data-end="2520">
<p class="" data-start="2476" data-end="2520"><strong data-start="2476" data-end="2520">Higher Certificate in Tourism Management

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2521" data-end="2558">
<p class="" data-start="2523" data-end="2558"><strong data-start="2523" data-end="2558">Higher Certificate in Marketing

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2559" data-end="2606">
<p class="" data-start="2561" data-end="2606"><strong data-start="2561" data-end="2606">Higher Certificate in Business Management

</li>
<li class="" data-start="2607" data-end="2654">
<p class="" data-start="2609" data-end="2654"><strong data-start="2609" data-end="2654">Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences

</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="2656" data-end="2870"><strong data-start="2656" data-end="2670">Important: Each program has its own specific subject requirements. Even if your APS is 16, you must have passed subjects like English (often at least Level 3) and sometimes Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

<h4 class="" data-start="2872" data-end="2907">2. <strong data-start="2880" data-end="2907">Short Learning Programs</h4>
<p class="" data-start="2909" data-end="3106">UNISA offers <strong data-start="2922" data-end="2939">short courses for students looking to develop a specific skill set. These do not require a high APS and are often open to anyone with basic literacy and numeracy. Examples include:

<ul data-start="3107" data-end="3194">
<li class="" data-start="3107" data-end="3126">
<p class="" data-start="3109" data-end="3126">Basic Bookkeeping

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3127" data-end="3145">
<p class="" data-start="3129" data-end="3145">Customer Service

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3146" data-end="3194">
<p class="" data-start="3148" data-end="3194">Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="3196" data-end="3270">Short courses can sometimes act as stepping stones toward longer programs.

<h4 class="" data-start="3272" data-end="3317">3. <strong data-start="3280" data-end="3317">Adult Matric and Bridging Options</h4>
<p class="" data-start="3319" data-end="3406">If you want to study a degree eventually, but 16 points is too low, you might consider:

<ul data-start="3407" data-end="3609">
<li class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3454">
<p class="" data-start="3409" data-end="3454"><strong data-start="3409" data-end="3454">Adult Matric (Amended Senior Certificate)

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3455" data-end="3507">
<p class="" data-start="3457" data-end="3507"><strong data-start="3457" data-end="3507">NQF Level 4 Certificates through TVET Colleges

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3508" data-end="3609">
<p class="" data-start="3510" data-end="3609"><strong data-start="3510" data-end="3553">Bridging courses or foundation programs (offered by other institutions to improve your results)

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="3611" data-end="3614" />
<h3 class="" data-start="3616" data-end="3655">What to Do If You Don&rsquo;t Qualify Yet</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3657" data-end="3744">If your 16 points don't meet the minimum for any current UNISA qualifications, you can:

<ol data-start="3746" data-end="4440">
<li class="" data-start="3746" data-end="3898">
<p class="" data-start="3749" data-end="3898"><strong data-start="3749" data-end="3781">Upgrade Your Matric Results:
You can rewrite one or more subjects through the Department of Education or private colleges to improve your APS.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="3900" data-end="4101">
<p class="" data-start="3903" data-end="4101"><strong data-start="3903" data-end="3953">Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
If you have work or life experience relevant to your intended field of study, UNISA may recognize it through RPL. This is assessed individually.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4103" data-end="4288">
<p class="" data-start="4106" data-end="4288"><strong data-start="4106" data-end="4144">Study Through TVET Colleges First:
You can start a National Certificate or NATED diploma at a TVET college and later apply to UNISA for admission with your new qualifications.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4290" data-end="4440">
<p class="" data-start="4293" data-end="4440"><strong data-start="4293" data-end="4325">Consider Other Institutions:
Private colleges or training providers sometimes offer entry-level courses or learnerships that UNISA does not.

</li>
</ol>
<hr class="" data-start="4442" data-end="4445" />
<h3 class="" data-start="4447" data-end="4484">How to Apply at UNISA With 16 APS</h3>
<p class="" data-start="4486" data-end="4504">Here&rsquo;s what to do:

<ol data-start="4506" data-end="4864">
<li class="" data-start="4506" data-end="4552">
<p class="" data-start="4509" data-end="4552"><strong data-start="4509" data-end="4552">Visit UNISA&rsquo;s Online Application Portal

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4553" data-end="4614">
<p class="" data-start="4556" data-end="4614"><strong data-start="4556" data-end="4614">Select &ldquo;Higher Certificate&rdquo; as your qualification type

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4615" data-end="4663">
<p class="" data-start="4618" data-end="4663"><strong data-start="4618" data-end="4663">Choose a program that fits your interests

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4664" data-end="4780">
<p class="" data-start="4667" data-end="4699"><strong data-start="4667" data-end="4697">Upload certified documents:

<ul data-start="4703" data-end="4780">
<li class="" data-start="4703" data-end="4707">
<p class="" data-start="4705" data-end="4707">ID

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4711" data-end="4742">
<p class="" data-start="4713" data-end="4742">Matric certificate or results

</li>
<li class="" data-start="4746" data-end="4780">
<p class="" data-start="4748" data-end="4780">Proof of payment (if applicable)

</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="4781" data-end="4864">
<p class="" data-start="4784" data-end="4864"><strong data-start="4784" data-end="4809">Wait for confirmation: UNISA may take several weeks to process applications.

</li>
</ol>
<hr class="" data-start="4866" data-end="4869" />
<h3 class="" data-start="4871" data-end="4903">Tips for Success With 16 APS</h3>
<ul data-start="4905" data-end="5539">
<li class="" data-start="4905" data-end="5081">
<p class="" data-start="4907" data-end="5081"><strong data-start="4907" data-end="4937">Be Realistic, But Hopeful: Don&rsquo;t expect to get into a Bachelor of Science with 16 points, but don&rsquo;t give up. Many students use Higher Certificates to bridge into degrees.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5085" data-end="5253">
<p class="" data-start="5087" data-end="5126"><strong data-start="5087" data-end="5113">Plan a Long-Term Path: For example:

<ol data-start="5130" data-end="5253">
<li class="" data-start="5130" data-end="5176">
<p class="" data-start="5133" data-end="5176">Start with a Higher Certificate in Business

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5180" data-end="5207">
<p class="" data-start="5183" data-end="5207">Complete it successfully

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5211" data-end="5253">
<p class="" data-start="5214" data-end="5253">Apply for a Diploma or Degree afterward

</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li class="" data-start="5255" data-end="5416">
<p class="" data-start="5257" data-end="5416"><strong data-start="5257" data-end="5277">Stay Consistent: Distance learning like UNISA requires self-motivation. Attend orientation webinars, keep up with assignments, and manage your time wisely.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5418" data-end="5539">
<p class="" data-start="5420" data-end="5539"><strong data-start="5420" data-end="5437">Seek Support: UNISA has academic support services, tutors, and online learning platforms to help students&mdash;use them.

</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="5541" data-end="5544" />
<h3 class="" data-start="5546" data-end="5599">Real Stories: Students Who Started With 16 Points</h3>
<ul data-start="5601" data-end="5982">
<li class="" data-start="5601" data-end="5811">
<p class="" data-start="5603" data-end="5811"><strong data-start="5603" data-end="5613">Nomusa, age 23, started with a 16 APS and enrolled in a Higher Certificate in Education. After completing it, she qualified for a Bachelor of Education and is now a third-year student teaching in Limpopo.

</li>
<li class="" data-start="5815" data-end="5982">
<p class="" data-start="5817" data-end="5982"><strong data-start="5817" data-end="5828">Lethabo, who failed maths and had no clear path, did a short course in Small Business Management at UNISA, which led him to launch a successful delivery service.

</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="5984" data-end="6089">These stories show that your APS does not define your future. Your decisions, discipline, and goals will.

<hr class="" data-start="6091" data-end="6094" />
<h3 class="" data-start="6096" data-end="6114">Final Thoughts</h3>
<p class="" data-start="6116" data-end="6370">Studying with 16 points at UNISA is not only possible&mdash;it can be the start of a meaningful educational journey. While you may not qualify for all programs, there are still clear pathways to higher qualifications, better job prospects, and personal growth.

<p class="" data-start="6372" data-end="6597">UNISA's open distance learning model offers you the flexibility to work, study, and build your life on your own terms. So, if you have 16 points and the will to succeed, there's absolutely a place for you in higher education.