The Department of Basic Education has announced amendments to the matric pass requirements, which allows learners to fail 1 subject. But there are other subject requirements that need to be met in order to receive the NSC (National Senior Certificate).
Remember, there are 3 pass levels:
- Higher certificate
- Diploma
- Bachelors pass (previously known as an exemption).
Higher certificate pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language,
- Must obtain at least 40% for two other subjects,
- Must obtain at least 30% for four other subjects.
- Must past at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
Diploma pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language,
- Must obtain at least 40% for three other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
- Must obtain at least 30% for the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary institution (Higher Education Institution),
- Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
This will qualify you to study for a diploma at a TVET college or University of Technology.
Bachelors Degree pass requirements
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language (compulsory),
- Must obtain at least 50% for four other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
- Must obtain at least 30% for Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary (Higher Eduction) institution,
- Must obtain at least 30% for one other subject,
- Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
A Bachelor’s pass qualifies you to study towards a degree at a university, university of technology, TVET college or any accredited Higher Learning Institution.
Grade Level system explained:
- Level 7: 80–100% (Outstanding achievement)
- Level 6: 70–79% (Meritorious achievement)
- Level 5: 60–69% (Substantial achievement)
- Level 4: 50–59% (Moderate achievement)
- Level 3: 40–49% (Adequate achievement)
- Level 2: 30–39% (Elementary achievement)
- Level 1: 0–29% (Not achieved: Fail)
These subjects are compulsory.
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
- Either English or Afrikaans as one of your languages
Sources: The Department of Basic Education