What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric in South Africa?

In South Africa, passing matric means meeting the minimum requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) set by the Department of Basic Education. Learners must take at least seven subjects, including a Home Language, and achieve specific minimum marks in these subjects to be awarded an NSC.

Your final results are then grouped into different pass levels – Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor’s pass – depending on how well you perform in your subjects. 

Each level has its own minimum percentage and subject requirements. These determine what you can study next, from Higher Certificate programmes to diplomas and degrees at universities or colleges. Understanding these requirements helps learners plan their studies and aim for the pass level that matches their future education and career goals.

This article will cover the minimum requirements to pass the matric exam, the various levels of the matric exam, and how students can rewrite the exam.

What Are the Different Pass Levels for Matric in South Africa?

The matric exam is divided into different pass levels, determined by the percentage achieved in all the subjects a student appears for. Grade 12 students are required to register for 7 subjects for the matric. 

Of these, four are compulsory, and three are elective. The mandatory subjects are a home language and a secondary language, mathematics or mathematics literacy, and life orientation. 

Students should choose their mathematical requirements and electives based on their future programme of study. Each university requires students to achieve specific scores to be eligible for different programmes at the undergraduate and certificate levels. 

Before we look at what are the minimum requirements to pass matric in South Africa, let us understand the different pass levels for matric.

• Bachelor’s Pass: This is the highest pass level in matric, and students who achieve it are granted provisional acceptance into the university. 
• Diploma Pass: This is the second-pass level that students can achieve when appearing for the matriculation exam. This allows them to apply to any University of Technology or a diploma course in South Africa. The NQF level achieved in the diploma course can be used to apply for an undergraduate degree.
• Higher Certificate Pass: This is the third pass level for the matric exams. Students can use their scores to gain admission to any higher certificate course. The NQF level achieved in the higher certificate course can be used to apply for an undergraduate degree.
• NSC Pass: This means a student has passed matric with the minimum required scores. An NSC pass cannot be used for admission into any university programme in South Africa. 

Get Details About the NSC Pass Requirements Here

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric?

Achieving a matric pass signifies that an individual has passed grade 12 and completed high school. They can use the matric certificate to apply for entry-level jobs or enrol in a vocational training programme. 

The matric exam comprises 7 subjects, of which 4 are core and mandatory. These include 2 languages, one mathematics option, and life orientation. Additionally, students need to select 3 elective subjects according to their interests.

Let us understand the minimum requirements to pass matric for these subjects.

• Students need to achieve at least 40% in the home language.
• They must also achieve at least 40% in any 2 subjects.
• Finally, they need to score at least 30% for an additional 2 subjects.

The NSC pass criteria allow students to fail one subject. However, they need to score 30% for all the remaining subjects.

Understand the minimum scores you need to pass Matric and plan your future. Read more on What is Matric Marking? Understanding the Procedure to improve your scores.

Breakdown of Pass Levels and Their Minimum Requirements

In South Africa, your matric (NSC) results are reported using different pass levels. Each one comes with its own minimum requirements and study opportunities. Understanding these pass levels is important because they determine whether you qualify for a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor’s degree, or whether you may need to upgrade your results. 

Below is a clear breakdown to help you see what each pass level means for your next step after school.

To achieve a pass level, students need much higher grades. Let us look at the different scores required for each level of the matric exam.

Bachelor’s Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 50% or higher score for 4 high credit subjects
• 30% or higher score for 2 other subjects

Learn more about Bachelor Pass Requirements.

Diploma Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 40% or higher score for 4 high credit subjects
• 30% or higher score for 2 other subjects

Also, know the  Diploma Pass requirements.

Higher Certificate Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 40% or higher score for 2 subjects
• 30% or higher score for 3 other subjects

Learn more about the Higher Certificate Pass requirements. 

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Minimum Requirements?

Learners who do not meet the minimum requirements to pass matric are not left without options. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) offers the Second Chance Matric Support Programme, which gives candidates another opportunity to write or improve their matric exams. 

This initiative helps more South Africans obtain a recognised high school qualification and improve their chances of accessing further education and better employment opportunities.

This second chance programme is an excellent opportunity for those who:

• Are unsatisfied with their matric score
• Did not pass the matric exam
• Left school after grade 9 and never appeared for the matric exam

Under this programme, the DBE administers two different exams, both of which can be registered for free on its website.

Let’s examine the main differences between them.

Matric Rewrite:

• Purpose: To improve your marks in subjects you have already written, either because you failed them or want a higher score.
• Subjects: You rewrite the same subjects you initially took.
• Age: Generally aimed at learners under the age of 21.
• How it works: You register to rewrite your matric exams through the Department of Basic Education. In most cases, you can rewrite a limited number of subjects per exam session (often up to two at a time, with a maximum of around four in total, depending on the rules and provider).

Matric Upgrade: 

• Purpose: To improve your overall matric results by changing or adding subjects so they better align with your career or study goals.
• Subjects: You can change some of your original subjects or add new ones to strengthen your certificate.
• Age: You usually need to be 21 years or older to register for a matric upgrade.
• How it works: You enrol with a college or provider to work towards an Amended Senior Certificate (SC), which is different from the NSC you received at school.
• Subject limit: In many cases, you can take up to six subjects as part of your upgrade, depending on the institution’s rules.

Learn the detailed Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade here.

Tips for Achieving the Minimum Requirements

When students begin preparing for the matric exam, they need to strategise and distribute their time evenly. This will ensure they complete their syllabus and still have enough time for revisions and clarifying doubts. 

In addition to the concepts taught in the classroom, students should study independently at home. Let us look at some tips students can apply to achieve the minimum requirements to pass the matric exam.

• Create a study timetable: Once you have registered for the exam, create a study schedule to complete the curriculum for all the subjects. 
• Focus on High-Credit Subjects: You should concentrate more on high-credit subjects required for the future programme of study.
• Time Management: Ensure that you keep enough time for revisions and clarifying any doubts
• Solve Past Exam Papers: Practice past papers to understand the types of questions that can be expected. It can also help gauge your understanding of the subject.
• Manage Stress: While the matrics can be stressful, try taking short breaks or playing a sport to de-stress.
• Use additional resources: Supplement your studies with study guides, online learning platforms, and other support materials to strengthen your understanding and prepare for exams.

With a solid study plan, smart time management, regular practice, and good stress control, you can confidently meet the minimum requirements to pass matric and set yourself up for future study and career opportunities.

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Conclusion

Passing the matric gives students an NQF Level 4 qualification, which is required for many entry-level positions. When we look at the minimum requirements to pass matric, it is the lowest score needed to complete high school. 

While a pass means students have cleared matric and completed grade 12, they should aim higher. A bachelor’s, diploma, or higher certificate pass allows students to continue their education and access high-paying jobs. 

Students should explore the various programmes available at Regenesys today. 

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric – FAQ