To pass matric you must be awarded the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The minimum is 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level, and 30% in three other subjects, with full School-Based Assessment (SBA) evidence in the subjects you offer.
The NSC is awarded at four pass levels, from highest to lowest: bachelor’s degree pass, diploma pass, higher certificate pass and the Special Needs Education (SNE) endorsed pass. The level you reach decides what you can apply to study.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
The Department of Basic Education sets out the base requirement in its NSC examinations FAQs:
- at least 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level
- at least 30% in three other subjects
- full evidence in the SBA component of the subjects offered
The four matric pass levels, and what each lets you apply for, are published by the Western Cape Education Department:
- Bachelor’s degree pass (previously called an exemption): degree study
- Diploma pass: diploma study at a TVET college or university of technology
- Higher certificate pass: higher certificate study
- SNE-endorsed pass: for candidates in the Special Needs Education route
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Each pass level is defined by the percentage you reach in your Home Language, in a set of other subjects, and by how many of your seven subjects you pass. The figures below come from the Western Cape Education Department, which applies the national NSC policy.
- Higher certificate pass: 40% in Home Language, 40% in three subjects, 30% in three other subjects, and a pass in six of seven subjects
- Diploma pass: 40% in Home Language, 40% in three other subjects excluding Life Orientation, and a pass in six of seven subjects
- Bachelor’s degree pass: 40% in Home Language, 50% in four subjects excluding Life Orientation, 30% in one other subject, and a pass in six of seven subjects
See the detail on bachelor pass requirements and diploma pass requirements.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Life Orientation is not taken into consideration for the diploma or bachelor’s degree pass. Every other subject is.
The pass level is separate from a programme’s own subject requirements. You can hold a bachelor pass and still be ineligible for a specific degree because you did not take a required subject. Universities set their own points calculations, so check how each institution works out its APS.
On how many subjects you need: the base NSC rule above covers six subjects (three at 40% and three at 30%), and the published pass levels refer to passing six of seven subjects. The sources we use do not state the full compulsory subject package, so confirm it with your school or the Department of Basic Education.
Documents and Application Requirements
The NSC is awarded on your final exam results and SBA marks, so there is no application for the pass itself. When you apply to study, institutions normally ask for:
- 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
The February/March supplementary examination has been phased out and is no longer available. Candidates can register for the June NSC examination to improve their results, as stated by the Department of Basic Education. Check the registration arrangements with your school or provincial education department.
If your results fall short of the level you need, rewriting subjects in the June examination, or entering at a lower qualification level and articulating upward, are the routes to consider. Many students reach degree study through a higher certificate or diploma. See bachelor pass requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the matric pass levels?
Bachelor’s degree pass, diploma pass, higher certificate pass and the SNE-endorsed pass, in descending order of what they permit.
What is the highest pass in matric?
The bachelor’s degree pass, previously known as an exemption. It needs 40% in Home Language, 50% in four subjects excluding Life Orientation and 30% in one other subject, with six of seven subjects passed.
How many subjects do I need to pass matric?
The base NSC needs 40% in three subjects (one a Home Language) and 30% in three others. The higher pass levels also require passing six out of seven subjects.
Can I pass matric with 5 subjects?
Only on the SNE-endorsed route. There, candidates who offer a minimum of five subjects must achieve at least 30% in all five. For the standard NSC and the higher pass levels, the requirements refer to six of seven subjects.
What is the SNE pass?
It is a pass for candidates in the Special Needs Education route: 30% in the required official language, at Home Language or First Additional Language level, and at least 30% in four other subjects.
Where do I confirm the exact thresholds?
With the Department of Basic Education or your school. The thresholds are set in national policy and can be adjusted.
Does a pass level guarantee admission?
No. It makes you eligible to apply. Programme subject requirements, points scores and competition all still apply.
What if I fall short?
Register for the June NSC examination to improve your results, or enter at a lower qualification level and articulate upward. The February/March supplementary examination no longer exists.
Confirm the current pass level thresholds with the Department of Basic Education. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.