A bachelor pass in Grade 12 means at least 40% in your Home Language, at least 50% in four subjects (excluding Life Orientation), at least 30% in one other subject, and a pass in at least six of your seven subjects. It is the NSC pass level that lets you apply for degree study.
Universities also apply the national admission minimum and their own programme requirements, covered below.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
The NSC is issued at four pass levels, according to the Western Cape Education Department:
- Higher certificate
- Diploma
- Bachelor’s degree pass (previously called an exemption)
- Special Needs Education (SNE) pass
Life Orientation is not counted when your diploma or bachelor’s pass status is assessed.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Western Cape Education Department publishes the bachelor’s degree pass requirements as:
- At least 40% in Home Language
- At least 50% in four subjects, excluding Life Orientation
- At least 30% in one other subject
- A pass in at least six of seven subjects
For university admission, the Department of Basic Education NSC page gives the minimum for a bachelor’s degree as an NSC with 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus an achievement rating of 4 (50% to 59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
A bachelor pass does not guarantee a place in a specific degree. Institutions and programmes may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement, and each university sets its own admission points score method. Check the programme you want against the university’s published requirements.
Documents and Application Requirements
Application documents and fees are set by each institution, not nationally. Check the admissions page of every university you apply to for its document list, application fee and closing date.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the bachelor pass level and the national minimum makes you eligible to apply, but universities select from the applicants who qualify and places are limited. Apply early and to more than one institution.
If you did not get a diploma or bachelor’s pass, the February/March supplementary examination has been phased out. Candidates can instead register for the June NSC examination to improve their pass status, and Umalusi can issue a new certificate. See the NSC examinations FAQs and the Western Cape Education Department for details. For the wider picture, see bachelor pass requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bachelor pass in Grade 12?
The NSC pass level that makes you eligible to apply for degree study at a university.
What are the grade 12 bachelor pass requirements?
At least 40% in Home Language, 50% in four subjects excluding Life Orientation, 30% in one other subject, and six of seven subjects passed.
What is the minimum for university admission?
An NSC with 30% in the language of learning and teaching and 50% or more in four recognised 20-credit subjects, plus any programme-specific requirements.
Does a bachelor pass guarantee university admission?
No. Programme subject requirements, institution points scores and competition for limited places all still apply.
What if I miss it?
The February/March supplementary examination has been phased out. You can register for the June NSC examination to improve your results.
Where do I confirm the exact percentages?
On the Department of Basic Education NSC page, or with your school.
Confirm the current thresholds with the Department of Basic Education and programme requirements with each institution. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.