APS Score for Accounting 2026 | SA University Requirements

Quick Answer: The APS score required for BCom Accounting varies by university: UCT needs ~36, Stellenbosch 36+, Wits 28+, UP 28+, UJ 26+, UWC 22+, and WSU 20+. Most universities require Pure Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy). Use the free APS Calculator at /aps-calculator.

APS Score Required for Accounting 2026

Studying BCom Accounting is one of the most popular university programmes in South Africa, leading to careers as a Chartered Accountant (CA), accountant, auditor, or financial manager. This guide covers the APS score required for Accounting programmes at all major South African universities in 2026.

Use our free APS Calculator to calculate your score and see which universities you qualify for.

APS Requirements for BCom Accounting at SA Universities (2026)

University	Min APS for Accounting	Mathematics Requirement	English Requirement
University of Cape Town (UCT)	~36 (UCT composite score)	Mathematics 6+ (70%+)	English 6+ (70%+)
Stellenbosch University (SU)	36+	Mathematics 6+ (70%+)	English 5+ (60%+)
University of Pretoria (UP)	28+	Mathematics 5+ (60%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)	28+ (BCom)	Mathematics 5+ (60%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)	26+	Mathematics 4+ (50%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
UKZN	26+	Mathematics 4+ (50%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
Rhodes University	26+	Mathematics 5+ (60%+)	English 5+ (60%+)
University of the Free State (UFS)	26+	Mathematics 4+ (50%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)	24+	Mathematics 4+ (50%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)	22+	Mathematics 4+ (50%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)	20+	Mathematics 3+ (40%+)	English 3+ (40%+)
University of Limpopo	22+	Mathematics 3+ (40%+)	English 4+ (50%+)
UNISA (distance learning)	No APS — subject requirements only	Mathematics 3+ (40%+)	English 3+ (40%+)

Note: APS requirements can change annually. Always verify the latest requirements on the university's official website before applying.

What Subjects Do You Need for Accounting?

While requirements vary by university, the typical subject requirements for BCom Accounting are:

• Mathematics: Pure Mathematics is required or strongly preferred at most universities. Mathematical Literacy may be accepted at some institutions (WSU, UNISA) but not at UCT, Stellenbosch, Wits, or UP
• English: English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4–6 depending on the university
• Accounting: Not usually a formal requirement, but highly recommended as it provides a strong foundation
• Business Studies / Economics: Helpful but not usually required

Does Accounting at Matric Help for BCom Accounting?

While Accounting (Grade 12) is not a prerequisite at most universities, it is highly recommended. Students who studied Accounting in Grade 10–12 tend to find first-year university accounting much more manageable. If you're serious about a BCom Accounting degree, study Accounting through matric.

BCom Accounting vs. Other Accounting Degrees

Qualification	Duration	Career Path	Typical Min APS
BCom Accounting	3 years	CA(SA), accountant, financial manager	22–36+
BCom Financial Management	3 years	Financial manager, analyst	20–30+
BCom Management Accounting	3 years	Management accountant, CIMA route	20–28+
National Diploma in Accounting (TVET/UoT)	3 years	Bookkeeper, accounts clerk	15–20+
B.Tech Accounting (UoT)	4 years total	Technical accountant	20–24+

Pathway to CA(SA) Through BCom Accounting

The Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) designation is the most respected accounting qualification in South Africa. To become a CA(SA):

1. BCom Accounting at a SAICA-accredited university (3 years)
2. Honours/CTA (Certificate in the Theory of Accounting) (1 year)
3. SAICA Initial Test of Competence (ITC) — written exam
4. 3-year trainee accountant contract (articles) at an accredited training office
5. Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) — final qualifying exam

Universities with SAICA accreditation for BCom Accounting include: UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ, Rhodes, UFS, NMU, UWC, and others.

How to Improve Your Accounting APS

If your APS is below the requirements for your target university, focus on:

• Mathematics: This is the single most important subject for accounting admissions. Aim for 60%+ (Level 5) at minimum
• English: Strong language skills are essential for university-level studies
• Accounting (if you're taking it): Past papers practice is key

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