To pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC), you need at least 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level, and at least 30% in three other subjects. You must also provide full evidence for the school-based assessment component. These are the minimum requirements set out by the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi.
Passing matric is only the first step. Admission to a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree has its own, higher requirements, and each university adds its own on top.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
There are three separate things, and they should not be mixed up:
- Passing matric: 40% in three subjects (one a Home Language) and 30% in three other subjects, plus school-based assessment evidence
- Minimum admission to higher study: set nationally for a higher certificate, a diploma and a bachelor’s degree, and printed on your NSC as the level of pass
- Each institution’s own requirements: a university or college sets its own APS and subject levels per programme, and these are higher or more specific than the national minimum
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirements for each level of study are:
- Higher certificate: an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution
- Diploma: an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, plus an achievement rating of 3 (40% to 49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects
- Bachelor’s degree: an NSC with at least 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
These figures come from the Department of Basic Education and the policy published in Government Gazette 42100. Institutions may set additional requirements.
The Western Cape Education Department gives a plain-language description of the pass levels, for example for a bachelor’s pass: 40% in Home Language, 50% in four subjects excluding Life Orientation, 30% in one other subject, and at least six of seven subjects passed. Treat that as the provincial department’s wording and check your own statement of results for the level you achieved.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The NSC subject package is one Home Language, one Home or First Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, and three other subjects chosen from Group B.
Universities convert your marks into an Admission Point Score (APS) and set their own subject requirements and minimum points for each programme. Meeting the national minimum does not guarantee a place. Which subjects count, and whether Life Orientation is included, differs by institution, so check the prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
The older Umalusi directives (2013 edition) refer to a designated subject list for the four subjects at rating 4. The later gazetted policy refers to recognised 20-credit NSC subjects, and institutions set their own subject requirements, so do not assume only certain subjects count without checking with your institution.
Documents and Application Requirements
- Your statement of results, issued when results are released
- Your National Senior Certificate, issued through the examination system after certification
- A certified copy of your South African ID when applying to study
- For remarking, rechecking, rewriting or a replacement certificate: follow the process and deadlines published by the Department of Basic Education or your provincial education department
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Check your level of pass on your results statement, then compare it with the minimum for the qualification type you want. After that, check the APS and subject requirements of each institution, since selection is competitive for many programmes.
A condonation rule exists in the Umalusi directives: at most one subject may be condoned if you need no more than 2% to reach 30% or 40%, and only if that results in an NSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to pass the NSC?
At least 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level, at least 30% in three other subjects, and full school-based assessment evidence. Admission to higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s study has separate, higher requirements.
What is the difference between the three passes?
They are the levels of admission to higher study: a higher certificate (30% in the language of learning and teaching), a diploma (plus rating 3 or better in four recognised subjects) and a bachelor’s degree (plus rating 4 or better in four recognised subjects).
What is the designated subject list?
The older 2013 Umalusi directives used a designated subject list for the four subjects needed for bachelor’s admission. Institutions now set their own subject requirements per programme, so ask your institution which subjects it counts.
Can I still study with a diploma pass?
Yes. A diploma pass qualifies you for diploma study, subject to the institution’s own APS and subject requirements. Ask the institution whether the programme you want accepts your level of pass.
Can I rewrite subjects?
Rewrite and remark arrangements, and their deadlines, are set by the Department of Basic Education and your provincial education department. Confirm the current arrangements with them.
Pass requirements and arrangements are set by the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi and are amended from time to time. Confirm them with the department. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.