A higher certificate pass is the entry-level achievement of the National Senior Certificate that permits study, making you eligible to apply for higher certificate programmes at universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges.
It is the most accessible route into higher education and it articulates upward: completing a higher certificate can qualify you for admission to a diploma, and from there to a degree.
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 higher certificate pass is defined by how many subjects you pass and the minimum percentage achieved in each, with a lower threshold than the diploma or bachelor pass levels.
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.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Higher certificate programmes generally express their requirements as minimum percentages in named subjects rather than as a competitive points total, which makes them more predictable than degree admission.
Mathematical Literacy is widely accepted at higher certificate level, which is what makes the route accessible to applicants excluded from degree and many diploma programmes.
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
Choose the higher certificate deliberately with the articulation route in mind. A certificate in a field unrelated to the diploma or degree you eventually want may not articulate into it.
Admission is not automatic even at this level, since institutions have limited places. Apply early and to more than one institution. See matric pass requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a higher certificate pass?
The entry-level achievement of the National Senior Certificate permitting study, making you eligible for higher certificate programmes.
Can it lead to a degree?
It can qualify you for admission to a diploma, and from there to a degree. Choose the field deliberately so it articulates.
Does it accept Mathematical Literacy?
Higher certificate programmes widely accept it, which is what makes the route accessible.
Where do I confirm the thresholds?
With the Department of Basic Education or your school, since they are set in national policy.
Confirm the current higher certificate pass thresholds with the Department of Basic Education, and articulation routes with each institution. See matric pass requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.