After writing the Matric exams (Grade 12 final exams) in South Africa, you receive a National Senior Certificate (NSC) if you pass. The NSC is awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and is an official school-leaving certificate.
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What You Get After Passing
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) indicates your subjects, marks, and achievement levels, it confirms that you have completed high school.
You also get the Matric Statement of Results, a temporary document released by the Department of Education a few weeks after the exams (usually in January).
NOTE: The official certificate is only issued a few months later.
Types of Pass Levels (NSC)
There are three (3) significant types of pass levels depending on the student’s performance.
THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE PASS:
- This is the Minimum requirement to study at a TVET college or short courses.
- Requirements: At least 40% in your Home Language and 30% in other subjects.
- READ MORE: What “Higher Certificate Pass” Means in Matric Results.
DIPLOMA PASS:
- This allows entry to diploma courses at universities or colleges.
- Requirements: At least 40% in your Home Language, 40% in three other subjects, and 30% in other subjects.
- READ MORE: What “Diploma Pass” Means in Matric Results.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE PASS (UNIVERSITY PASS):
- This is required for admission to degree studies at universities.
- Requirements: At least 40% in your Home Language, 50% or more in four subjects (excluding Life Orientation), and at least 30% in other subjects.
- READ MORE: What “Bachelor Pass” Means in Matric Results.
