For many learners, working towards a Matric pass also means achieving a level that opens doors to tertiary education, as universities, colleges, and individual programmes can set their own admission requirements. So, while a national Matric pass can give you a particular level of access to certain programmes, it can exclude you from others.
Let's find out what you need for your intended next steps.
The Three Matric Pass Levels
In short, Matric pass requirements are based on different levels of access to further study. A Higher Certificate pass provides access to Higher Certificate studies. A Diploma pass provides access to Diploma studies, while a Bachelor’s pass provides the minimum NSC level needed to apply for Bachelor’s degree studies.
Of the three, the Bachelor pass requirements are the highest, but remember that a pass category is only a starting point. Why? Because a university or college may require specific subjects, achievement levels, or selection criteria depending on the programme. This means that in some cases your Bachelor pass requirements may not be enough. For example, some National Diploma three-year courses at a Technikon could require a Bachelor's Pass with strong language or maths marks; it all depends on the faculty requirements.
But, before you think of Bachelor's passes you may want to know: what NQF level is Matric?
The phrase NQF level for Matric refers to Level 4.
If you have been searching what is a Bachelor pass in Matric, it is an NSC pass that offers a starting point to apply for Bachelor degree studies, but it is not a promise for university admission.
The Requirements, Level by Level
| Admission Level | Minimum National Requirements | Main Access |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | 40% in Home Language; 40% in two other subjects; 30% in three other subjects, including the language of learning and teaching; pass at least six of seven subjects. | Higher Certificate Studies |
| Diploma | 40% in Home Language; 40% in four recognised 20 credit subjects; 30% in the language of learning and teaching; pass at least six of seven subjects. | Diploma Studies |
| Bachelor's Degree | 40% in Home Language; 50% in four subjects, excluding Life Orientation; 30% in the language of learning and teaching; pass at least six of seven subjects. | Apply for Bachelor’s degree studies |
These requirements are supported by current DBE examination information and the 2024 NSC examination report. Umalusi, South Africa’s education quality council, responsible for ensuring that schools, colleges and training providers meet national standards, also oversees certification, including the Matric certificate.
Home Language and Additional Languages
One of the easiest areas to misunderstand is the difference between Home Language and the language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution.
In short, the NSC qualification requires an official language at Home Language level and a minimum of 40% in that Home Language as part of the qualification requirements. For higher education admission, the language of learning and teaching at the institution also matters. The national minimum for Diploma and Bachelor’s admission includes at least 30% in that language, although institutions can set higher requirements for particular programmes.
What Happened to the Designated Subject List?
Older Matric guides often refer to a designated subject list for Bachelor’s admission, but that is no longer the current rule.
The Department of Basic Education revoked the designated list in 2018. Instead, the change gave all 20 credit-bearing NSC subjects equal status for the national minimum Bachelor’s admission requirement. The minimum Bachelor’s requirement remained 50% or better in four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects, together with the other requirements.
Be careful not to consult old website listings of “designated subjects” which are no longer current.
In general, this is a good reminder to always check the publication date when reading about Matric pass requirements online. Remember that requirements can change, and older information may no longer be accurate.
What Each Pass Level Lets You Do
Higher Certificate
A Higher Certificate pass allows application for Higher Certificate studies, subject to the institution and programme requirements. A Higher Certificate qualification sits at NQF Level 5, above the NSC. Here, progression depends on the qualification and institution.
Diploma
A Diploma pass allows you to apply for Diploma studies, subject to the institution’s requirements. Diploma qualifications are generally registered at NQF Level 6. Bear in mind that some institutions or programmes can require a higher pass and higher marks in specific subjects.
Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s pass allows application for a Bachelor's degree, however, this does not mean that a university must accept the applicant.
So, if you are searching what is a Bachelor pass in Matric, think of the category as a national minimum admission level for a degree. Again, you may still require Mathematics, Physical Sciences or a language at a particular percentage to meet an APS score or selection criteria.
This means that a learner in Cape Town can have the same national pass category as a learner in Johannesburg, while having different university options because their subjects and marks differ.
Remember that the 2026 exam timetableand the dates that matter for Matric candidates can help with planning. The guide to finding and using Matric past papers effectively can also help with preparation.
APS Scores: What Are They?
APS usually means Admission Point Score. Universities use points based on school subject results to help determine whether an applicant meets the entry requirements for a particular programme.
There is no single universal APS calculation is used by every South African university. Institutions can use different formulas, subject combinations, exclusions and thresholds. A university may require a particular APS for a Bachelor of Commerce programme and Mathematics at a specified percentage. Another institution may calculate points differently.
For a search regarding what is a Bachelor pass in Matric, the national pass level should therefore be considered separately from the university’s own admissions score.
A Bachelor Pass is Not a Guarantee
It's worth emphasising - meeting the national bachelor's level means that you can apply for degree study. It does not guarantee admission.
Universities can set programme specific requirements because places are limited and courses have different academic demands. A programme can require particular subjects, minimum percentages, an APS threshold, portfolio work, an interview or another selection process. For instance, a learner who meets the national Bachelor level but does not meet a programme’s Mathematics requirement, for example, may still be ineligible for that particular course.
This is why the Bachelor pass requirements should be treated as a starting point rather than a guarantee. For anyone still asking what is a Bachelor pass in Matric, the answer is the national minimum level for applying to degree studies, not automatic admission.
Remember to check the current admission page for the university and programme you are considering, especially if it is a competitive course.
The guide to understanding your Matric resultsand what happens after results day can also help you compare your results with future study options!
Now, to answer that question what NQF level is Matric!
What is a Matric Certificate Worth? The NQF Level 4 Question
It's worth reiterating that the National Senior Certificate is registered at NQF Level 4. The NQF level for matric is therefore Level 4.
This is why employers may ask for NQF Level 4, while a university application may ask for a particular NSC pass level and specific subjects. Remember that when checking the NQF level for matric, the qualification itself is the National Senior Certificate.
The search what NQF level is Matric therefore has a straightforward answer, but the qualification attached to that level still matters.
If You Failed a Subject or Missed the Level You Needed
Not achieving the desired admission level does not necessarily close every route to further study.
A learner may, for instance, have an NSC but still fall short of the requirements for a particular course while another may need to improve one or more subjects to move from one admission level to another. This is where our guide to finding and using Matric past paperseffectively can also help you prepare for your exams.
Current DBE requirements allow a maximum of one subject condonation in the final NSC examination when a candidate needs no more than 2% to obtain a pass at 30% or 40%. This applies only if the condonation allows the candidate to obtain the NSC qualification. Bear in mind that it is not a general rule that turns any failed subject into a pass.
If the result is below the level required, read the options available for rewriting or upgrading Matricbefore deciding what to do next.
Ultimately, it is worth remembering that while the Matric pass requirements show the national level of access attached to an NSC result, as you consider Bachelor pass requirements, they should be carefully considered alongside the specific course requirements. Make sure you do all the due diligence you need to, so you don't jeopardise your bright future. Good luck!
References
- Department of Basic Education: National Senior Certificate Examination Information https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/NationalSeniorCertificate%28NSC%29Examinations/FAQsonExams.aspx
- Umalusi: Certification and Verification https://www.umalusi.org.za/services/verification/
- South African Qualifications Authority: National Senior Certificate https://regqs.saqa.org.za/viewQualification.php?id=49647
- Department of Basic Education: Circular S8 of 2018 https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/c0cc1c10/files/uploaded/Circular-S8-of-2018.pdf
- Department of Basic Education: Promotion Requirements for Grades 10 to 12 https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/NationalCurriculumStatementsGradesR-12/PromotionrequirementsforGrade10-12.aspx
- South African Government: Minimum Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree Studies https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/higher-education-act-minimum-admission-requirements-higher-certificate-diploma-3
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