A higher certificate pass is the lowest of the main National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass levels. To get one you need 40% in three subjects, one of which is your Home Language, 30% in three other subjects, and a pass in at least six of your seven subjects.
To be admitted to a higher certificate programme, the national minimum is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution. Individual programmes can ask for more.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Pass level: 40% in three subjects (one a Home Language) and 30% in three other subjects
- Pass at least six of your seven subjects
- Admission minimum: an NSC with 30% in the institution’s language of learning and teaching
- Programmes and institutions may add subject combinations and achievement levels
- Higher certificate pass is one of four NSC pass levels, alongside diploma, bachelor’s degree pass and the Special Needs Education pass
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The NSC examinations FAQs describe the base NSC rule: 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level, and 30% in three other subjects. The Western Cape Education Department publishes the higher certificate pass level as 40% in Home Language, 40% in three subjects, 30% in three other subjects and at least six of seven subjects passed. The two wordings differ slightly on how the Home Language counts, so confirm the exact wording with the Department of Basic Education or your school.
Admission is a separate test from the exam pass level. The Department of Basic Education NSC page states the minimum admission requirement for a higher certificate as an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution. Your certificate must be Umalusi-certified.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Institutions and programmes may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement, so a higher certificate pass does not by itself guarantee a place in a particular programme.
Whether Mathematical Literacy is accepted, and whether a higher certificate leads on to a diploma or degree, is decided programme by programme. Ask the institution before you apply, and choose a field that matches the diploma or degree you want next.
Documents and Application Requirements
Each institution sets its own application documents and fees. Expect to need your identity document and your NSC or latest statement of results, and check the institution’s admissions page for the full list, closing dates and any application fee. Foreign qualifications are evaluated separately.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, because institutions have limited places. Apply early and to more than one institution.
If you did not reach the pass level you wanted, the February/March supplementary examination has been phased out and is no longer available. Candidates who want to improve their results can register for the June NSC examination, and a new certificate can then be issued by Umalusi. See the Western Cape Education Department page for the current sitting. For the wider picture, see matric pass requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a higher certificate pass?
The lowest of the main NSC pass levels. It gives you the minimum NSC admission for higher certificate study, subject to each programme’s own requirements.
What are the higher certificate pass requirements?
40% in three subjects, one of which is your Home Language, 30% in three other subjects, and a pass in at least six of seven subjects. Confirm the exact wording with the Department of Basic Education.
What do I need to be admitted to a higher certificate programme?
An NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution. Programmes may add subject and achievement requirements.
Can a higher certificate lead to a degree?
That depends on the institution and programme. Ask the institution whether the certificate articulates into the diploma or degree you want before you enrol.
Is Mathematical Literacy accepted?
It depends on the programme. Check the entry requirements of each programme you are considering.
Can I rewrite to improve my pass level?
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 thresholds?
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.