A diploma pass is an achievement level of the National Senior Certificate, awarded on your Grade 12 results, that makes you eligible to apply for diploma study at a university of technology, a university or a TVET college.
It sits below a bachelor pass, which is the level required for degree study, and above a higher certificate pass. It is a genuine higher education entry qualification rather than a consolation.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- The number of subjects passed and the percentage achieved in each
- A minimum standard in your home language
- A higher minimum in a set number of your other subjects
- A lower minimum permitted in a limited number of subjects
- Life Orientation, which is treated separately in most university points calculations
- Compliance with the national policy in force for your examination year
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The diploma pass is defined by how many subjects you pass and the minimum percentage achieved in each, with different minimums applying to your home language, your other required subjects and your electives.
The thresholds for each pass level are set in national policy by the Department of Basic Education and can be adjusted. Confirm the current definition with the department or your school rather than relying on a figure published elsewhere. What matters structurally is that a diploma pass requires a lower minimum across your subjects than a bachelor pass does.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Achieving a diploma pass is separate from meeting a specific programme subject requirements. Engineering and information technology diplomas commonly require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy, and health-related diplomas commonly require Life Sciences.
Universities of technology and TVET colleges calculate points from your results in their own ways, and the methods differ from those used for degree admission. Check the specific calculation published by the institution.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Diploma programmes at well-known universities of technology are frequently oversubscribed, so meeting the minimum does not secure a place. Some programmes add their own assessment or portfolio requirement.
Articulation is the point most worth understanding. Many diplomas lead into an advanced diploma and then into postgraduate study, so a diploma pass does not close off degree-level study. See diploma pass requirements and bachelor pass requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diploma pass in Grade 12?
An achievement level of the National Senior Certificate making you eligible to apply for diploma study.
Where do I confirm the exact percentages?
With the Department of Basic Education or your school, since they are set in national policy.
Can I study a degree with a diploma pass?
Not directly. You can study a diploma and articulate into degree study at many institutions.
Do I need Mathematics?
It depends on the programme. Engineering and IT diplomas commonly require it; many others accept Mathematical Literacy.
Confirm the current diploma pass thresholds with the Department of Basic Education, and programme requirements with each institution. See matric pass requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.