The highest level of passing Matric is a Bachelor’s Degree pass. This pass level enables you to apply to many Bachelor’s Degree courses at universities.
However, many universities will have their own entry requirements, and some courses have higher entrance requirements, such as Medicine.
What Are The Levels Of Passing Matric?
The four passing levels of Matric are:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass
- Diploma pass
- Higher Certificate pass
- NSC pass/Matric pass
Their minimum requirements are as follows:
Pass Level | Requirements |
Bachelor’s Degree pass |
|
Diploma pass |
|
Higher Certificate pass |
|
National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass/Matric pass |
|
Is A Bachelor's Degree Higher Than A Diploma?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree pass is higher than a Diploma pass. This is because a Bachelor’s Degree qualification is higher than a Diploma qualification, and so the entry requirements are higher. A Bachelor’s Degree is NQF level 7. A Diploma is NQF level 6.
What Level Is A Diploma?
A Diploma is NQF level 6. The NQF is the National Qualifications Framework. This is a system designed by SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) to determine the educational level of any qualification. There are 10 NQF levels:
NQF Level | Educational Level |
1 | Grade 9 |
2 | Grade 10 |
3 | Grade 11 |
4 | Matric |
5 | Higher Certificate |
6 | Diploma/Advanced Certificate |
7 | Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma |
8 | Honour’s Degree |
9 | Master’s Degree |
10 | Doctoral Degree |
What Is The Lowest Matric Pass Level?
The lowest Matric pass level is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass, or Matric pass. This is the minimum requirement to pass Matric. If you do not meet the requirements for the Matric pass, you will not pass Matric.
What Is A Distinction In Matric?
In South Africa, a distinction is 80% and above in Matric. However, in university, a distinction is 75% and is also known as a first-class pass.
How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated?
School Matric marks are calculated using two factors:
- Your year’s work, including tests, assignments, projects, and assessments
- Your Matric final exam marks
Your year’s work counts for 25% of your final results. Your final exam marks count for 75% of your final results.
For Adult Matric, your final results are calculated using only your final exam marks.
What Mark Is An “A”?
In South Africa, an “A” is 80% and above.
What Is The Minimum APS For A Bachelor’s Degree Pass?
The minimum Admissions Point Score (APS) for a Bachelor’s pass is 23. However, many universities require a higher APS for some courses. Check with the university you are applying to for APS requirements and any additional requirements.
The minimum APS for all four passing levels are as follows:
- Bachelor’s pass – 23
- Diploma pass – 19
- Higher Certificate pass – 15
- NSC pass/Matric pass – 14
Note that these are only the minimum requirements, and achieving one of these does not guarantee you admission into any university courses.
How Do I Check My APS?
You can check your APS yourself, or you can calculate it online. When calculating it online, remember to enter Life Orientation in the single point bracket, no matter what your marks were. This is because Life Orientation does not count for your APS.
Your APS is calculated using your Matric final results. Each mark falls under a percentage bracket. Each bracket is allocated a number of points. You can add these up to find your APS. The point allocation is as follows:
Percentage Bracket | Point Allocation |
80% – 100% | 7 |
70% – 79% | 6 |
60% – 69% | 5 |
50% – 59% | 4 |
40% – 49% | 3 |
30% – 39% | 2 |
0% – 29% | 1 |
Which Subjects Count For APS?
The subjects that count towards your APS are as follows:
Accounting | Agricultural Management Practices |
Agricultural Sciences | Agricultural Technology |
Business Studies | Civil Technology |
Computer Applications Technology | Consumer Studies |
Dance Studies | Dramatic Arts |
Economics | Electrical Technology |
Engineering Graphics and Design | Geography |
History | Hospitality Studies |
Information Technology | Life Sciences |
Mathematics | Mathematical Literacy |
Mechanical Technology | Music |
Physical Sciences | Religion studies |
Tourism | Visual Arts |
Your Home Language subject and First Additional Language subject will also count for your APS. Life Orientation does not count for your APS.
What Is The Highest APS?
The highest APS you can achieve is 42. This is because Life Orientation is not included in your APS. Your APS is calculated using six subjects, and the highest number of points you can get for a subject is 7.
What Have We Learned?
- The highest passing level in Matric is a Bachelor’s pass
- There are four passing levels in Matric
- Each passing level has its own subject requirements and APS requirements
- The lowest passing level is a Matric pass
- Life Orientation does not count for your APS
- A Bachelor’s Degree is NQF level 7. A Diploma is NQF level 6. There are 10 NQF levels
- A distinction in Matric is 80% and above
- An “A” in South Africa is also 80% and above
- Your Matric marks are calculated using your year’s work and your final exams
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 4, 2022