Matric is an important part of your high school education. Receiving your Matric shows that you have successfully completed your high school and have passed your Matric exams. 

What Qualification Is Matric?

Matric is an NQF level 4 qualification. It is usually a school-leaving qualification, but this is not always the case. There are also Adult Matric Courses available for anyone over the age of 21 to study any time. 

Is NQF Level 4 The Same As Matric?

Yes, any NQF level 4 qualification is considered a Matric Equivalent qualification. NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework, and is a system designed to determine the educational level of qualifications. 

This is so that educational institutions and potential employers can easily understand your academic level of study.

What Age Is Matric?

In South Africa, Matric students are usually 18 years old. However, this is not always the case. In school Matric, some students are 17 in Matric, and a few are 19. In Adult Matric, you can be any age as long as you are older than 21. 

There is no age limit to getting your Matric. The oldest South African to get their Matric was a man named Lavis Vilakazi, who got his Matric at age 77. 

Can A 15-Year-Old Write Matric?

Yes, you can write your Matric at age 15 in South Africa. However, this is rare, as it creates difficulties along the way, such as needing an ID to write Matric, and being significantly younger than your classmates.

Can I Do Matric At A TVET College?

Yes, you can do your Matric at a TVET college. There are many TVET colleges that offer Matric programmes. Check with the TVET college you are applying to about whether they offer the Matric programme you need. 

Can I Do Matric At UNISA?

No, you cannot do your Matric at UNISA. UNISA is a tertiary education institution, meaning they only offer university level courses. Matric is a school-leaving qualification, not a university qualification. 

Can I Study My Matric Online?

Yes, you can study for your Matric online. Whether you are writing school Matric or Adult Matric, or if you are rewriting or upgrading your Matric, you can study for your Matric online through distance learning. 

However, you cannot write your exams online. To write your Matric exams, you will be placed in a government-designated venue. 

What Does Bachelor’s Degree Pass Mean?

A Bachelor’s Degree pass is the highest passing level you can achieve for your Matric final results. There are four passing levels at the end of Matric, each with its own requirements. The four passing levels are as follows: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree pass
  • Diploma pass
  • Higher Certificate pass
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass/Matric pass

Each of these passing levels determines the level at which you can apply to further your studies. A Bachelor’s Degree pass means you can apply to study Bachelor’s Degree courses. 

However, note that achieving a Bachelor’s Degree pass is the minimum requirement for a Bachelor’s Degree course, and achieving this level does not guarantee your admission into any Degree courses. 

Many Bachelor’s Degree courses will also have additional requirements or specific subject requirements. Remember to check with the university you are applying to about any additional requirements. 

What Is The Highest Pass In Matric?

The highest passing level is a Bachelor’s Degree pass. The requirements to achieve each of the passing levels is as follows:

Pass Level

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree pass

  • 40% or above for your Home Language subject
  • 50% or above for four subjects 
  • 30% or above for two other subjects

Diploma pass

  • 40% or above for your Home Language subject
  • 40% or above for four other subjects
  • 30% or above for two other subjects

Higher Certificate pass

  • 40% or above for your Home Language subject
  • 40% or above for two other subjects 
  • 30% or above for three other subjects

National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass/Matric pass

  • 40% or above for your Home Language subject
  • 40% or above for two other subjects 
  • 30% or above for the remaining subjects
  • You can fail one subject

Note that these are only the minimum requirements for each passing level and that achieving this does not guarantee you entry into any university courses. 

What Is Distinction In Matric?

A distinction in Matric is 80% or above in South Africa, and is also known as an “A”. However, at tertiary education level, which is university, a distinction is 75% and above. This is also known as a first-class pass. 

How Much Is A Matric Certificate?

It is free to get your original Matric Certificate. The first certificate you receive once you have completed your Matric exams is your original certificate.

However, if your Matric Certificate gets lost or damaged, you can get a replacement certificate for a fee. The fee to replace your certificate is R153. It will take four to six weeks for your new certificate to arrive.

If you need your results earlier than this, you can get a Statement of Results for an extra R55. Note that these fees are valid from 01 April 2022 until 31 March 2023. After this, prices are subject to change.

Can You Buy Your Matric Certificate?

No, you cannot buy your Matric Certificate, it can only be awarded to you by Umalusi through the Department of Basic Education. Umalusi has stated that participating in the buying and selling of Matric Certificates is a criminal offence. 

How Can I Get My Matric Fast?

Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up the process of receiving your Matric Certificate. You can only get your Matric Certificate by completing your Matric and waiting for your certificate to be issued by Umalusi.

Can You Do Matric In 3 Months?

No, you cannot complete your Matric in three months. Matric will take a minimum of one year to complete, and can take up to three years to complete. This will depend on how you choose to take your subjects. 

If you are studying Adult Matric, you must complete six subjects. You can choose to take them all at once, which will mean you complete your Matric in one year. You can also choose to take two subjects per year and finish Matric after two years. Or you can choose to take two subjects at a time and complete your Matric after three years. 

However, if you are doing a Matric Rewrite, you can complete your Matric in under six months. You can register for your Matric Rewrite in January/February and write the exams in May/June. 

Can You Pass Matric If You Fail One Subject?

Yes, you can still pass Matric if you fail one subject, as long as it is not your Home Language subject. The minimum requirements to pass Matric are as follows: 

  • 40% or above for your Home Language subject
  • 40% or above for two other subjects 
  • 30% or above for three other subjects
  • You may fail one other subject

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?

This depends on whether you are doing school Matric or Adult Matric. You must take seven subjects for school Matric, and you must pass six of them. For an Adult Matric, you will write six subjects. You must pass five of them, to pass Matric.

Can I Apply For NSFAS Without Matric?

You can only apply for NSFAS if you are doing an ABET course or NC (V) course. ABET stands for Adult Basic Education and Training, and NC (V) is a National Certificate (Vocational). 

ABET is for adults over the age of 21 who did not get to complete Grade 9, or who did not go to school at all. NC (V) is for students who completed up to Grade 9 but did not complete up to Matric. 

If you are not studying ABET or NC (V), NSFAS will only fund undergraduate studies at a South African university. 

Does NSFAS Fund Matric College?

No, NSFAS does not fund any Matric studies at all. NSFAS will only fund South African students taking undergraduate study courses, National Certificate Vocational (NC (V)) or ABET courses. 

However, Matric College does have unique payment methods that allow you to make your Matric more affordable. Also, because all of your work is online, you can work to earn an income while you are studying. 

How Do I Get A Replacement Matric Certificate?

You can apply to the Department of Basic Education for a replacement certificate if yours gets lost or damaged. You can apply online, or at your local DBE (Department of Basic Education) offices or PED (Provincial Education Department) offices. 

You will need: 

  • A certified copy of your ID
  • Your original certificate if it is damaged. This is not applicable if it is lost
  • Proof of payment

You can submit these online. You can also choose to download the application form, print it, and then fill it in and post it with the required documents. This includes the postal order/proof of payment. You can post it to: 

Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001

Do You Get A Matric Certificate If You Failed?

Yes, you do still get a Matric Certificate even if you fail Matric. Your certificate will have your subject results, and a statement saying that you have not passed Matric. 

Can You Go To College If You Failed Matric?

Yes, there are many reputable distance learning colleges that offer courses you can study without Matric, such as:

  • Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
  • Matric College
  • Skills Academy
  • Ember Academy
  • Learning Group

What Can I Study Without Matric?

Courses you can study without Matric include:

  • ICB courses
  • Short courses

ICB Courses

There are three ICB courses you can choose to study without Matric:

  • Business Management
  • Financial Accounting
  • Office Administration

Business Management

National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

4

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

48736

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Grade 11 or Equivalent Certificate  (Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate)

Subjects 

  • Business Management 1 (BMT1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)

Career Options

  • Junior Researcher
  • Junior Analyst
  • Sales Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

Higher Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23619

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management

Subjects 

  • Office and Legal Practice (OLPR)
  • Business Management 2 (BMT2)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)

Career Options

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Customer Service Manager

National Diploma: Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

20366

Credits

280

Entry Requirements

ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business Management 3 (BMT3)
  • Financial Management and Control (FMCL)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)

Career Options

  • Accounting Officer
  • Business Manager
  • Business Advisor

Financial Accounting

National Certificate: Bookkeeping

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

3

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

58375

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Grade 10 or Equivalent Certificate

Subjects 

  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR)
  • Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)

Career Options

  • Junior Bookkeeper
  • Accounts Clerk
  • Payroll Clerk

Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping

Qualification

FET Certificate

NQF Level

4

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

58376

Credits

130

Entry Requirements

ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping

Subjects 

  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)

Career Options

  • Senior Bookkeeper
  • Junior Accountant
  • Assistant Accountant

National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

36213

Credits

251

Entry Requirements

ICB Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping

Subjects 

  • Income Tax Returns (ITRT)
  • Business Law and Accounting Control (BLAC)

Career Options

  • Technical Financial Accountant
  • Accounting Technician
  • Tax Technician

National Diploma: Financial Accounting

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

20366

Credits

280

Entry Requirements

ICB National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting

Subjects 

  • Corporate Strategy (CRPS)
  • Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS)
  • Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF)
  • Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; topic: Financial Accounting) (RTAP)

Career Options

  • Financial Accountant
  • Tax Practitioner
  • Tax Consultant

Office Administration

National Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

National Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23618

Credits

120

Entry Requirements

Matric or Matric Equivalent (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1)
  • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB)
  • Business Literacy (BUSL)
  • Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR)
  • Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP)
  • Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)

Career Options

  • Junior Office Administrator
  • Receptionist
  • Office Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Qualification

Higher Certificate

NQF Level

5

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

23619

Credits

240

Entry Requirements

ICB National Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2)
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
  • Economics (ECON)

Career Options

  • Senior Office Administrator
  • General Office Manager
  • Labour Relations Administrator

Diploma: Office Administration

Qualification

National Diploma

NQF Level

6

Accredited by

ICB & QCTO

SAQA ID Number

35958

Credits

360

Entry Requirements

ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration

Subjects 

  • Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3)
  • Financial Statements (FNST)
  • Management (MGMT)

Career Options

  • Office Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Administrative Manager

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

There are many places where you can study ICB courses. Some reputable distance learning colleges that offer these ICB courses are: 

 

Short Courses

There are also many short courses offered at four of the above colleges. These short courses are open-access, meaning the only requirements are that you are over the age of 16, and that you can understand, read and write in English. 

Short Courses At Matric College

Short Courses At Skills Academy

Short Courses At Ember Academy

Short Courses At Learning Group

What Have We Learned?

  • Matric is an NQF level 4 qualification
  • Any qualification at NQF level 4 is a Matric Equivalent qualification
  • You must be over the age of 16 to get your Matric
  • Once you are over the age of 16, there is no age limit to when you can get your Matric
  • You can do your Matric at a TVET college
  • You cannot do your Matric at UNISA
  • You can study for your Matric online, but you must write your exams in a government-designated venue
  • There are four passing levels
  • A Bachelor’s pass is the highest passing level in Matric
  • A distinction in Matric is 80% and above, but a distinction after Matric is 75% and above
  • You cannot buy your Matric Certificate 
  • You can get a replacement certificate if yours is lost or damaged
  • You cannot complete Matric in three months
  • You can fail one subject and still pass Matric
  • You cannot apply for NSFAS without Matric unless it is for ABET studies
  • NSFAS does not fund any Matric courses
  • NSFAS only funds ABET studies, NC (V) studies, and undergraduate studies
  • You do still get a Matric Certificate even if you fail Matric
  • You can still go to college if you fail Matric
  • There are still many study options available to you if you do not have Matric

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 4, 2022