<h3 class="" data-start="126" data-end="186"><strong data-start="130" data-end="186">Study With 16 Points at UNISA: What You Need to Know</h3>


<p class="" data-start="188" data-end="637">Choosing to study at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a popular option for many students across the continent. UNISA offers flexible, distance-learning qualifications, making it ideal for those who want to study while working, managing family responsibilities, or dealing with financial limitations. But what happens if you only have <strong data-start="531" data-end="544">16 points from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Matric results? Can you still study at UNISA?



<p class="" data-start="639" data-end="806">This article explores what it means to have 16 points, what your options are at UNISA, and how you can plan your academic journey effectively from that starting point.Study With 16 Points At UNISA



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<h3 class="" data-start="813" data-end="866"><strong data-start="817" data-end="866">Understanding the APS (Admission Point Score)</h3>


<p class="" data-start="868" data-end="1135">UNISA uses the <strong data-start="883" data-end="914">APS (Admission Point Score) system to evaluate student eligibility for different qualifications. The APS is calculated based on your Matric results, specifically your performance in your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation in some cases).



<p class="" data-start="1137" data-end="1187">Here's a general idea of how points are allocated:



<div class="_tableContainer_16hzy_1">
<div class="_tableWrapper_16hzy_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1">
<table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="1189" data-end="1575">
<thead data-start="1189" data-end="1231">
<tr data-start="1189" data-end="1231">
<th data-start="1189" data-end="1198" data-col-size="sm">Symbol</th>
<th data-start="1198" data-end="1217" data-col-size="sm">Percentage Range</th>
<th data-start="1217" data-end="1231" data-col-size="sm">APS Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-start="1275" data-end="1575">
<tr data-start="1275" data-end="1317">
<td data-start="1275" data-end="1284" data-col-size="sm">A</td>
<td data-start="1284" data-end="1303" data-col-size="sm">80&ndash;100%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1303" data-end="1317">7</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1318" data-end="1360">
<td data-start="1318" data-end="1327" data-col-size="sm">B</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1327" data-end="1346">70&ndash;79%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1346" data-end="1360">6</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1361" data-end="1403">
<td data-start="1361" data-end="1370" data-col-size="sm">C</td>
<td data-start="1370" data-end="1389" data-col-size="sm">60&ndash;69%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1389" data-end="1403">5</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1404" data-end="1446">
<td data-start="1404" data-end="1413" data-col-size="sm">D</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1413" data-end="1432">50&ndash;59%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1432" data-end="1446">4</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1447" data-end="1489">
<td data-start="1447" data-end="1456" data-col-size="sm">E</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1456" data-end="1475">40&ndash;49%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1475" data-end="1489">3</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1490" data-end="1532">
<td data-start="1490" data-end="1499" data-col-size="sm">F</td>
<td data-start="1499" data-end="1518" data-col-size="sm">30&ndash;39%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1518" data-end="1532">2</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1533" data-end="1575">
<td data-start="1533" data-end="1542" data-col-size="sm">G</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1542" data-end="1561">0&ndash;29%</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1561" data-end="1575">1 or 0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none"> </div>
</div>
</div>


<p class="" data-start="1577" data-end="1762">If your <strong data-start="1585" data-end="1604">total APS is 16, that suggests an average of 2&ndash;3 points per subject. This places you within the range of basic passes, which can limit your direct access to degree programs.



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<h3 class="" data-start="1769" data-end="1815"><strong data-start="1773" data-end="1815">Can You Study at UNISA With 16 Points?</h3>


<p class="" data-start="1817" data-end="2008">The short answer is: <strong data-start="1838" data-end="1884">Yes, you can study at UNISA with 16 points, but your options may be limited to <strong data-start="1921" data-end="1958">Higher Certificate qualifications, and you may need to work your way up from there.



<p class="" data-start="2010" data-end="2057">UNISA offers multiple levels of qualifications:





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<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<li class="" data-start="2059" data-end="2117">

<p class="" data-start="2061" data-end="2117"><strong data-start="2061" data-end="2084">Higher Certificates (entry-level, one-year programs)

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<li class="" data-start="2118" data-end="2132">

<p class="" data-start="2120" data-end="2132"><strong data-start="2120" data-end="2132">Diplomas

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<li class="" data-start="2133" data-end="2157">

<p class="" data-start="2135" data-end="2157"><strong data-start="2135" data-end="2157">Bachelor&rsquo;s Degrees

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<ul data-start="2059" data-end="2197">
<li class="" data-start="2158" data-end="2197">

<p class="" data-start="2160" data-end="2197"><strong data-start="2160" data-end="2197">Postgraduate Diplomas and Degrees

</li>
</ul>
</ul>




<p class="" data-start="2199" data-end="2423">With 16 points, you likely won't qualify for direct entry into a <strong data-start="2264" data-end="2285">Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. However, <strong data-start="2296" data-end="2327">Higher Certificate programs are specifically designed for students who don&rsquo;t meet the requirements for degrees or diplomas.



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<h3 class="" data-start="2430" data-end="2474"><strong data-start="2434" data-end="2474">Higher Certificate Programs at UNISA</h3>


<p class="" data-start="2476" data-end="2742">Higher Certificates are stepping stones. These qualifications are typically one year long and serve as a bridge between Matric and university-level studies. They aim to strengthen your academic foundation and improve your future access to diploma or degree programs.



<p class="" data-start="2744" data-end="2812">Examples of Higher Certificate programs you may qualify for include:





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<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="2814" data-end="2851">

<p class="" data-start="2816" data-end="2851"><strong data-start="2816" data-end="2851">Higher Certificate in Education

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="2852" data-end="2883">

<p class="" data-start="2854" data-end="2883"><strong data-start="2854" data-end="2883">Higher Certificate in Law

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="2884" data-end="2933">

<p class="" data-start="2886" data-end="2933"><strong data-start="2886" data-end="2933">Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="2934" data-end="2969">

<p class="" data-start="2936" data-end="2969"><strong data-start="2936" data-end="2969">Higher Certificate in Banking

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="2970" data-end="3007">

<p class="" data-start="2972" data-end="3007"><strong data-start="2972" data-end="3007">Higher Certificate in Marketing

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<ul data-start="2814" data-end="3061">
<li class="" data-start="3008" data-end="3061">

<p class="" data-start="3010" data-end="3061"><strong data-start="3010" data-end="3061">Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management

</li>
</ul>
</ul>




<p class="" data-start="3063" data-end="3243">Each program has specific subject requirements, so even if your APS is low, you might still qualify if you passed key subjects like English or Mathematics, depending on the course.



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<h3 class="" data-start="3250" data-end="3294"><strong data-start="3254" data-end="3294">Why Start With a Higher Certificate?</h3>


<p class="" data-start="3296" data-end="3475">Many students feel discouraged when they realize they can't jump straight into a Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. But starting with a Higher Certificate can be a smart move for several reasons:





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<p class="" data-start="3480" data-end="3620"><strong data-start="3480" data-end="3501">Build Confidence: It helps you adjust to university-level learning, especially if your school environment didn&rsquo;t prepare you adequately.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<ol data-start="3477" data-end="4071">
<li class="" data-start="3625" data-end="3778">

<p class="" data-start="3628" data-end="3778"><strong data-start="3628" data-end="3659">Boost Your Academic Record: Doing well in a Higher Certificate program gives you a better chance of being accepted into a diploma or degree later.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<ol data-start="3477" data-end="4071">
<li class="" data-start="3780" data-end="3935">

<p class="" data-start="3783" data-end="3935"><strong data-start="3783" data-end="3807">Save Time and Money: Instead of repeating Matric or going through costly bridging programs, you can start earning a formal qualification right away.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<ol data-start="3477" data-end="4071">
<li class="" data-start="3937" data-end="4071">

<p class="" data-start="3940" data-end="4071"><strong data-start="3940" data-end="3961">Gain Real Skills: Many Higher Certificates offer practical skills that can help you find a job while you continue your studies.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>




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<h3 class="" data-start="4078" data-end="4127"><strong data-start="4082" data-end="4127">Upgrading From 16 Points: Is It Possible?</h3>


<p class="" data-start="4129" data-end="4307">If you don&rsquo;t want to take the Higher Certificate route or your program of interest requires a higher APS, you can consider <strong data-start="4252" data-end="4285">upgrading your Matric results. This can be done by:





<ul data-start="4309" data-end="4625">
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<li class="" data-start="4309" data-end="4402">

<p class="" data-start="4311" data-end="4402"><strong data-start="4311" data-end="4342">Rewriting specific subjects through programs like Second Chance Matric or Adult Matric.

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


<ul data-start="4309" data-end="4625">
<ul data-start="4309" data-end="4625">
<li class="" data-start="4403" data-end="4520">

<p class="" data-start="4405" data-end="4520"><strong data-start="4405" data-end="4436">Enrolling in a TVET college to earn a related certificate that could be used to apply for UNISA qualifications.

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<ul data-start="4309" data-end="4625">
<li class="" data-start="4521" data-end="4625">

<p class="" data-start="4523" data-end="4625"><strong data-start="4523" data-end="4555">Completing a bridging course or foundational program if one is offered for your field of interest.

</li>
</ul>
</ul>




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<h3 class="" data-start="4632" data-end="4685"><strong data-start="4636" data-end="4685">UNISA Application Tips for Low-Point Students</h3>


<p class="" data-start="4687" data-end="4771">Here are some practical tips to help you apply successfully at UNISA with 16 points:





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<li class="" data-start="4773" data-end="4905">

<p class="" data-start="4776" data-end="4905"><strong data-start="4776" data-end="4792">Apply Early: Applications are competitive, and UNISA receives thousands of them each year. Apply as soon as the window opens.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<li class="" data-start="4907" data-end="5053">

<p class="" data-start="4910" data-end="5053"><strong data-start="4910" data-end="4950">Choose Your Qualification Carefully: Don&rsquo;t apply randomly. Focus on qualifications where your subjects and scores give you the best chance.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<li class="" data-start="5055" data-end="5196">

<p class="" data-start="5058" data-end="5196"><strong data-start="5058" data-end="5089">Check Subject Requirements: Some programs might accept you with a low APS if you passed key subjects like English or Business Studies.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<li class="" data-start="5198" data-end="5359">

<p class="" data-start="5201" data-end="5359"><strong data-start="5201" data-end="5252">Write a Strong Motivation Letter (If Required): Sometimes, UNISA allows applicants to submit supporting motivation or recognition of prior learning (RPL).

</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<ol data-start="4773" data-end="5512">
<li class="" data-start="5361" data-end="5512">

<p class="" data-start="5364" data-end="5512"><strong data-start="5364" data-end="5395">Be Realistic and Strategic: Don&rsquo;t waste time applying for degrees you clearly don&rsquo;t qualify for. Focus on what you <em data-start="5483" data-end="5488">can do and work from there.

</li>
</ol>
</ol>




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<h3 class="" data-start="5519" data-end="5558"><strong data-start="5523" data-end="5558">Life After a Higher Certificate</h3>


<p class="" data-start="5560" data-end="5724">One of the best parts of studying at UNISA is the ability to progress upward through qualifications. After completing your Higher Certificate successfully, you can:





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<li class="" data-start="5726" data-end="5780">

<p class="" data-start="5728" data-end="5780"><strong data-start="5728" data-end="5780">Apply for a Related Diploma or Bachelor&rsquo;s Degree

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<ul data-start="5726" data-end="5871">
<li class="" data-start="5781" data-end="5833">

<p class="" data-start="5783" data-end="5833"><strong data-start="5783" data-end="5833">Use Your Qualification to Enter the Job Market

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<ul data-start="5726" data-end="5871">
<li class="" data-start="5834" data-end="5871">

<p class="" data-start="5836" data-end="5871"><strong data-start="5836" data-end="5871">Continue Studying While Working

</li>
</ul>
</ul>




<p class="" data-start="5873" data-end="5992">UNISA&rsquo;s flexible learning model makes it easier to combine study and work&mdash;especially helpful if finances are a concern.



<p class="" data-start="5994" data-end="6219">For example, if you complete a <strong data-start="6025" data-end="6054">Higher Certificate in Law, you may later qualify for admission into a <strong data-start="6099" data-end="6125">Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program. The same principle applies to business, education, or information technology fields.



<hr class="" data-start="6221" data-end="6224" />


<h3 class="" data-start="6226" data-end="6271"><strong data-start="6230" data-end="6271">Staying Motivated When Starting Small</h3>


<p class="" data-start="6273" data-end="6492">Studying with 16 points may feel like starting from behind, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re stuck. Thousands of students have begun their journeys at UNISA with similar scores and gone on to earn degrees and build careers.



<p class="" data-start="6494" data-end="6505">The key is:





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<p class="" data-start="6509" data-end="6524"><strong data-start="6509" data-end="6524">Consistency

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<li class="" data-start="6525" data-end="6539">

<p class="" data-start="6527" data-end="6539"><strong data-start="6527" data-end="6539">Patience

</li>
</ul>
</ul>


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<li class="" data-start="6540" data-end="6575">

<p class="" data-start="6542" data-end="6575"><strong data-start="6542" data-end="6575">Willingness to learn and grow

</li>
</ul>
</ul>




<p class="" data-start="6577" data-end="6793">Distance learning isn&rsquo;t always easy. You&rsquo;ll need to manage your time, keep yourself motivated, and ask for help when you need it. But if you stay focused, you can turn a 16-point start into a long-term success story.



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<h3 class="" data-start="6800" data-end="6818">Final Thoughts</h3>


<p class="" data-start="6820" data-end="7089">Having only 16 points after Matric is not the end of your academic journey&mdash;it&rsquo;s just a different beginning. UNISA offers accessible pathways for students from all walks of life, and with a clear plan, you can climb from a Higher Certificate to a full degree and beyond.



<p class="" data-start="7091" data-end="7260">Focus on what you can do now, not what you missed in the past. Education is a journey, not a race. Start where you are, use what you have, and move forward step by step.