As far as milestone events go, writing matric is right up there.
One of the many reasons for this is that it to secure a place in many South African tertiary education institutions, you will need to meet the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements. The first step to achieving these goals is knowing what is required.
In this article you can expect to find out all about the pass requirements for matric, and in particular the matric bachelor pass requirements that are needed for university degrees and many other courses.
What is the National Senior Certificate?
Firstly, let’s aim to understand more about the NSC, commonly known as matric which is the final school-leaving certificate in South Africa. The NSC is awarded to students who have successfully completed their Grade 12 year and passed the required examinations.
In essence it serves as a key determinant of a student’s eligibility for further education at universities, colleges, and other tertiary institutions across the country.
Overview of Matric Pass Requirements
To receive an NSC, students must meet specific pass requirements across various subjects. These requirements are designed to ensure that students have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to progress to higher education or enter the workforce.
NSC Pass Requirements for Grade 12
To pass the NSC, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Pass at least six of the seven subjects chosen for matric, which include four compulsory subjects: two official languages, Life Orientation, and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- Obtain at least 40% in three subjects, one of which must be an official language at the Home Language level.
- Achieve at least 30% in three other subjects.
Higher Certificate Pass Requirements
To qualify for a Higher Certificate at a tertiary institution, a student must:
- Pass six subjects, including at least two languages.
- Achieve a minimum of 40% in three subjects.
- Score at least 30% in the remaining subjects.
Diploma Pass Requirements
To be eligible for a Diploma course, students must:
- Pass six subjects, including at least two official languages.
- Obtain at least 40% in four subjects.
- Achieve a minimum of 30% in the remaining subjects.
Matric Bachelor Pass Requirements
The Bachelor’s pass could be the known as the most prestigious of matric passes and it allows students to apply for a degree at a university. To obtain the matric bachelor pass requirements, you will need to:
- Pass six subjects, including at least two languages.
- Score a minimum of 50% in four subjects.
- Achieve at least 40% in the remaining subjects.
- Ensure that one of the languages passed is either English or Afrikaans.
Meeting matric bachelor pass requirements are the starting point for students who aim to enter university. A bachelor’s pass or matric exemption is needed to meet the minimum entry requirements for most undergraduate degree programmes.
Importance of Subject Choices
There’s no doubt, the selection of subjects in Grade 10 significantly impacts both a student’s matric results and future opportunities. For instance, students interested in pursuing science-related degrees should choose subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Similarly, those aiming for degrees in humanities could opt for History and Geography.
It’s worth mentioning that the choice of Mathematical Literacy, instead of Mathematics, can limit one’s options for tertiary education, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Pass Requirements for Grade 12 and Their Implications
The Department of Basic Education’s pass requirements for Grade 12 classifies matric results into various pass levels, all of these reflect the student’s overall performance and eligibility for further study.
Pass Level: Bachelor’s Pass
This is the highest pass level and indicates that a student has met the university entry requirements. Students with a Bachelor’s pass can apply to degree programmes at any South African university, but bear in mind that certain courses have further stringent criteria.
Pass Level: Diploma Pass
This level allows students to apply for diploma courses at universities of technology or technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
Pass Level: Higher Certificate Pass
Students with this pass level can pursue higher certificate courses at TVET colleges or other accredited institutions.
Pass Level: NSC Pass
This is the basic pass level, and it indicates that a student has met the minimum requirements to be awarded an NSC. It can limit further academic study choices.
2024 Matric Results: Key Dates and Processes
The release of matric results is a significant event in South Africa as it marks the culmination of 12 years of schooling. For the 2024 academic year, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that matric results will be released on 16 January 2025 which will no doubt be eagerly anticipated by students, parents, and educators alike.
How to Access 2024 Matric Results
Fortunately, there are various channels where students can access their 2024 matric results, here are the main ones:
- School: Students can collect their official results statement from their respective schools on the day of the release.
- Online: The DBE and certain media outlets provide online platforms where students can check their results using their examination number. Try a Google search to find them.
- SMS: Conveniently, some service providers offer SMS services where students can receive their results directly on their mobile phones.
- Newspapers: In long-standing tradition, major South African newspapers publish matric results in their special editions.
Strategies for Success: Achieving the Desired Pass Level
As you can tell, achieving the desired pass level requires careful planning, consistent effort, and effective study strategies. It’s certainly worth summarising these points into an action plan:
Set Clear Goals
Determine which pass level you need based on your career aspirations and tertiary education plans well in advance of Grade 12. This will guide your study efforts and motivate you to reach your goals.
Develop a Study Plan
Take a look at your exam timetable, and create a realistic study schedule that covers all of your subjects. Allocate more time and private tutoring for the subjects that you find challenging. Don’t forget to factor in regular revision.
Put Support Structures in Place
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling with certain subjects. Engage with teachers, join study groups, or find the right tutors.
Practice Past Papers
Practice makes perfect. Working through past exam papers will help you understand the exam format, manage your time effectively, and identify areas where you need improvement.
Focus on High-Impact Subjects
Prioritise subjects that are critical for your desired pass level. For example, if your goal is a Bachelor’s pass, then focus on achieving high marks in the four subjects required to meet the 50% threshold.
Tertiary Institutions and Their Pass Requirements for Grade 12
As mentioned above, while the NSC provides the basic framework for matric pass requirements, it’s worth repeating that tertiary institutions in South Africa have the autonomy to set their own admission criteria too.
This means that meeting the Bachelor’s pass requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to a university programme. Some institutions may require higher marks in specific subjects or additional entrance assessments. Do your research and find out in advance what these are.
Examples of University-Specific Requirements
While we cannot cite examples for every university degree, here is a general guide for some common career choices:
- Engineering programmes typically require high marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
- Law programmes may require strong performances in English and History.
- Health Sciences courses, such as Medicine or Nursing, often have stringent requirements. These include high marks in Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, as well as entrance exams like the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
Again, research universities that offer degrees in your field of interest and take it a step further by finding out exactly what their entrance requirements are. Once you have this information, incorporate it into your goals.
Preparing for the 2024 Matric Exams
Finally, the matric exams are a critical milestone for all South African Grade 12 students. Understanding the matric pass requirements is essential for achieving the desired pass level and securing a place at a tertiary institution. Whether aiming for a Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor’s pass, focus on your studies, set up support where needed, and stay informed about the specific requirements of your chosen career path.
And as the release of the 2024 matric results approach, rest in the knowledge that you have done your best to navigate one of life’s most significant milestones and gateways to your future.
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