What course can you apply for at UJ with an APS Score of 20 – 25

If your APS score falls between 20 and 25, you might feel limited in your university choices — but don’t worry. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers a wide range of diploma and extended degree programmes designed for students exactly in this range.

Whether you’re passionate about art, business, communication, or science, UJ makes higher education more accessible through flexible pathways that don’t require a high APS score. Below, we’ll walk you through every course listed in the UJ prospectus that accepts an APS of 20 to 25.

UJ Courses That Accept an APS of 20 to 25

University of Johannesburg

Here’s a breakdown of UJ qualifications across various faculties that are accessible with a lower APS. These include direct-entry diplomas and extended programmes that provide additional academic support.

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA)

  • Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
  • Diploma in Fashion Production
  • Diploma in Architecture
  • BA Communication Design
  • BA Digital Media Design
  • BA Fashion Design
  • BA Industrial Design
  • BA Interior Design
  • BA Visual Art

Most of these programmes require a creative portfolio or artistic assessment. If you have a passion for art and design, this faculty provides excellent entry opportunities for students with a modest APS.

College of Business and Economics

Diplomas (APS 22 to 24):

  • Diploma in Accountancy
  • Diploma in Business Information Technology
  • Diploma in Financial Services Operations
  • Diploma in Food and Beverage Operations
  • Diploma in Transportation Management

Extended BCom Degrees (starting at APS 25):

  • BCom Extended in Accounting
  • BCom Extended in Business Management
  • BCom Extended in Economics and Econometrics
  • BCom Extended in Finance

These extended options are perfect if you’re aiming for a business degree but your APS doesn’t meet standard requirements. You’ll get extra support to help you succeed.

Faculty of Humanities

  • BA Extended in Development Studies
  • BA Extended in Linguistics
  • BA Extended in Linguistics and Language Practice
  • BA Extended in Strategic Communication
  • Diploma in Public Relations and Communication
  • Extended Diploma in Public Relations and Communication

If you’re interested in language, media, culture, or social impact, the Humanities faculty offers plenty of options for students with APS below 26.

Faculty of Science

  • Extended Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
  • Extended Diploma in Biotechnology

These science-focused extended diplomas are ideal for future lab technicians, researchers, or quality assurance professionals who want to start strong without entering a full BSc programme immediately.

What You Need to Know

  • Extended programmes last one year longer but offer more academic support and flexibility.
  • Subject-specific requirements still apply, even if your APS score is in range.
  • Most of these diploma and extended programmes are NSFAS funded.
  • Apply early – these programmes have limited space and fill up fast.

So, if your APS score is between 20 and 25, don’t give up. UJ has intentionally designed alternative pathways to help you thrive — no matter your academic background.