Key Takeaways: The “Gatekeeper” Levels
- The Hierarchy: There are 4 levels of passing Matric. From highest to lowest: Bachelor’s Pass > Diploma Pass > Higher Certificate Pass > NSC Pass.
- The “Bachelor” Rule: To get a Bachelor’s Pass (University Exemption), you need 50% or more in 4 subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
- The “Designated Subject” Myth: The rule requiring specific subjects like Accounting or Physics for a Bachelor’s Pass was revoked in 2018. Now, any 20-credit subject (e.g., Tourism, CAT, History) counts towards the 50% rule.
- The Trap: Just because you have a “Bachelor’s Pass” does not guarantee entry. You still need to meet the APS Score for your specific course.
- The “NSC Pass”: If you only achieve the minimum NSC Pass, you generally cannot go to university or a University of Technology. You are limited to TVET colleges or certificate courses.
When you receive your final Grade 12 results, you won’t just see marks; you will see a statement at the bottom of the page: “Achieved: Admission to Bachelor’s Degree” or “Achieved: Admission to Diploma.”
This single line determines your next three years.
Many students think that passing every subject with 35% is enough. It is not. If you want to study at a university, “just passing” is often as good as failing.
Here is the definitive guide to the four levels of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and what they actually mean for your future.
1. The Bachelor’s Pass (The Gold Standard)
Formerly known as “Matric Exemption,” this is the pass you need if you want to study a Degree (e.g., BCom, BSc, BA, LLB) at a traditional university like Wits, UCT, or UP.
The Requirements:
To get this, you must pass at least 6 of your 7 subjects with the following minimums:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 50% in 4 other subjects (Excluding Life Orientation).
- 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (usually English or Afrikaans).
- 30% in one other subject.
Important Update: “Designated Subjects”
- The Old Rule: Before 2018, you had to pass specific “Designated Subjects” (like Maths, Accounting, or Physical Science) at 50% to get a Bachelor’s Pass.
- The New Rule: This list has been revoked. Now, any recognized 20-credit subject counts. If you get 50% in Tourism, Consumer Studies, Drama, and History, you will get a Bachelor’s Pass (provided you pass your languages).
Where can you study?
- Universities: (e.g., UCT, Stellenbosch, Wits).
- Universities of Technology: (e.g., TUT, VUT) for BTech degrees.
- Private Colleges: (e.g., Vega, Eduvos) for Degrees.
2. The Diploma Pass (The Practical Route)
This pass allows you to study for a Diploma qualification. Diplomas are often more practical and career-focused than degrees.
The Requirements:
To get this, you must pass at least 6 of your 7 subjects:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 40% in 3 other subjects (Excluding Life Orientation).
- 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching.
- 30% in one other subject.
The Difference:
The main difference between a Bachelor’s and a Diploma pass is the 50% vs. 40% rule.
- If you have four subjects at 50%, you get a Bachelor’s.
- If you drop to four subjects at 40%, you get a Diploma.
Where can you study?
- Universities of Technology: (e.g., CPUT, DUT, TUT). This is their main intake.
- Some Comprehensive Universities: (e.g., UJ or UNISA) offer specific Diploma courses.
- TVET Colleges: (NATED N4-N6 courses).
3. The Higher Certificate Pass (The Gateway)
This is the minimum pass required to study at a tertiary institution. It does not allow you to study for a Degree or Diploma immediately.
The Requirements:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 40% in 2 other subjects.
- 30% in 3 other subjects.
- Note: One of your languages must be passed at 40% (Home Language) and the other at 30%.
Where can you study?
- TVET Colleges: You can study towards NATED qualifications or NC(V).
- Private Colleges: Many offer Higher Certificates in IT, Business Admin, or Beauty Therapy.
- UNISA: UNISA offers “Access” Higher Certificates. If you complete one (1 year), you can then apply for a Degree the following year. This is a popular “bridge” for students who missed the Bachelor’s Pass.
4. The NSC Pass (The Bare Minimum)
This is technically a “Pass,” but it does not give you admission to university. It essentially proves you finished school.
The Requirements:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 40% in 2 other subjects.
- 30% in 3 other subjects.
- You can fail one subject (less than 30%) and still pass, provided the others meet the criteria.
Where can you study?
- TVET Colleges: You can enter Report 191 (NATED) courses, usually starting at N4 (depending on the college rules).
- Skills Courses: Short courses (e.g., Security, Forklift Driving, Basic Admin).
- Reality Check: You generally cannot apply to a University or University of Technology with just an NSC Pass.
5. Visual Summary Table
| Pass Level | Home Language | High Credit Subjects | Other Subjects | Study Options |
| Bachelor’s | 40% | 4 Subjects at 50%+ | 30% | Degrees (Uni) |
| Diploma | 40% | 3 Subjects at 40%+ | 30% | Diplomas (UoT) |
| Higher Cert | 40% | 2 Subjects at 40%+ | 30% | Certificates (College) |
| NSC Pass | 40% | 2 Subjects at 40%+ | 30% (fail 1 allowed) | Short Courses |
(Note: Life Orientation is excluded from the “High Credit” calculation for Bachelor and Diploma passes, but you typically need to pass it to obtain the NSC).
6. The “APS Score” Trap
This is where students get confused.
“I have a Bachelor’s Pass! Why did Wits reject me?”
The Level allows you to APPLY. The APS gets you ACCEPTED.
You can get a Bachelor’s Pass with an APS of 21 (mostly 50%s).
- However, a BSc at Wits requires an APS of 40+.
- Therefore, your Bachelor’s Pass makes you eligible to apply, but your marks are too low to be selected.
The Rule: Always aim for the highest marks possible. Don’t just aim for 50%. A Bachelor’s Pass with an average of 51% is statistically less useful than a Diploma Pass with an average of 75%.
7. What If You Didn’t Get the Pass You Wanted?
If you missed a Bachelor’s Pass by 2% in one subject, do not accept your fate. You have options.
Option 1: Remarking
If you are close to the 50% boundary (e.g., 48% or 49%), apply for a Remark immediately. It costs roughly R120 per subject. A 2% increase could change your entire status from Diploma to Bachelor.
Option 2: The “Second Chance” Programme
The Department of Basic Education allows you to upgrade specific subjects. You can rewrite just the subjects you need to improve to jump from Diploma to Bachelor.
- Exams: May/June and October/November.
Option 3: The “Bridging” Route (Higher Certificate)
If you got a Diploma Pass but want a Degree:
- Register for a Higher Certificate (1 year) at UNISA or a private college.
- Pass it well.
- Use that certificate to apply for a Degree next year. The university will look at your Higher Certificate success, not just your old Matric results.
Summary: Check Your Report
Do not guess. Look at your Term 3 or Final Report. Count your 50s.
- If you have Physical Science at 49%, you are losing a Bachelor’s Pass credit. Work to get that extra 1%.
- If you have History at 38%, you are at risk of failing the Diploma requirement. Push for 40%.
Action Plan:
- Calculate your current standing: Take your latest report card. Circle every subject over 50%. Do you have 4? If not, you are currently on a Diploma track.
- Focus on the “Easier” Subjects: It is often easier to push Tourism from 45% to 50% than to push Physics from 30% to 50%. That Tourism distinction counts just as much towards your Bachelor’s status!
- Know your goal: If you want to study Law, you generally need a Bachelor’s Pass. If you want to study Fashion Design (Diploma), a Diploma pass is perfectly fine.
Now that you know your pass level, you need to calculate your specific Admission Point Score (APS) to see which courses you actually qualify for.
Read Article: How to Calculate Your APS Score for University
Disclaimer: Requirements are set by the Department of Basic Education and are subject to change. Universities have the right to set their own admission requirements higher than the statutory minimums.