What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric in South Africa?

High school students in South Africa need to pass the matric exam to graduate. While there are different levels depending on the score that students receive, they can pass the exam as long as they meet the minimum requirements.

Meeting this criterion means that a student has gained sufficient knowledge and skills to seek vocational training or join the workforce. Students who receive the NSC pass also have the opportunity to improve their scores by appearing for a rewrite.

This article will cover what are the minimum requirements to pass the matric, the various levels in the matric exam, and how students can rewrite the exam.

What Are the Different Pass Levels for Matric in South Africa?

The matric exam is divided into different pass levels, determined by the percentage achieved in all the subjects a student appears for. Grade 12 students are required to register for 7 subjects for the matric. Of these, 4 are compulsory subjects, and 3 are elective subjects. The mandatory subjects are a home language and a secondary language, mathematics or mathematics literacy, and life orientation. Students should choose their mathematical requirements and electives based on their future programme of study. Each university requires students to achieve specific scores to be eligible for different programmes at the undergraduate and certificate levels. 

Before we look at what are the minimum requirements to pass matric in South Africa, let us understand the different pass levels for matric.

• Bachelor’s Pass: This is the highest pass level in the matric, and students who achieve this level are granted provisional acceptance into university. 
• Diploma Pass: This is the second pass level students can achieve when appearing for the matric exam. This allows them to apply to any University of Technology or a diploma course in South Africa. The NQF level achieved in the diploma course can be used to apply for an undergraduate degree.
• Higher Certificate Pass: This is the third level of pass for the matric exams, and students can use their scores to gain admission into any higher certificate course. The NQF level achieved in the higher certificate course can be used to apply for an undergraduate degree.
• NSC Pass: This means that a student has passed the matric with the bare minimum scores. An NSC pass cannot be used for admission into any university programme in South Africa. 

Get Details About the NSC Pass Requirements Here

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric?

Achieving a matric pass score signifies that an individual has passed grade 12 and completed their high school education. They can use the matric certificate to apply for entry-level jobs or enrol in a vocational training programme. The matric exam is made up of 7 subjects, of which 4 are core subjects and are mandatory. These include 2 languages, one mathematics option, and life orientation. Additionally, students need to select 3 elective subjects as per their interest.

Let us understand what are the minimum requirements to pass matric for these subjects.

• Students need to achieve a minimum of 40% in the home language.
• They must also achieve a minimum of 40% for any 2 subjects.
• Finally, they need to score at least 30% for an additional 2 subjects.

The criteria for the NSC pass allows students to fail one subject. However, they need to score 30% for all the remaining subjects.

Breakdown of Pass Levels and Their Minimum Requirements

To qualify for each passing level designated for the matric exam, students must fulfil specific score requirements for each subject. These levels help judge students’ achievement in each subject and their preparedness to pursue higher education. 40% in the home language is required for all pass levels. Additionally, bachelor’s and diploma passes consider high credit subject scores. These subjects have a higher rating when applying for higher education programmes.

If students are unhappy with their pass level, they have the option for a matric rewrite, which can help improve up to 2 subject scores. This can lead to a jump in the pass level and qualify students for a more prestigious higher education programme.

When we look at what are the minimum requirements to pass matric, that score will just offer a pass. To achieve a pass level, students need much higher grades. Let us look at the different scores required for each level of the matric exam.

Bachelor’s Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 50% or higher score for 4 high credit subjects
• 30% or higher score for 2 other subjects

Learn more about Bachelor Pass Requirements.

Diploma Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 40% or higher score for 4 high credit subjects
• 30% or higher score for 2 other subjects

Also, Know the  Diploma Pass requirements.

Higher Certificate Pass:

• 40% or higher score for the home language
• 40% or higher score for 2 subjects
• 30% or higher score for 3 other subjects

Learn more about the Higher Certificate Pass requirements. 

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Minimum Requirements?

We have covered the different requirements for each level of the matric exam and what are the minimum requirements to pass matric. However, those not meeting the minimum requirement to pass the matric are offered another chance. This is referred to as the Second Chance Matric. This is an initiative by the DBE to help provide high school qualifications to all South Africans and help them gain better employment prospects. 

This second chance programme is an excellent opportunity for those who:

• Are unsatisfied with their matric score
• Did not pass the matric exam
• Left school after grade 9 and never appeared for the matric exam

Under this programme, the DBE administers two different exams, both of which can be registered for free on its website.

Let’s examine the main differences between them.

• Matric Rewrite: This is sometimes referred to as a supplementary exam and allows students to improve their matric score by reappearing for a maximum of four subjects. Candidates must be under 21 years of age to sit for this exam and have appeared for the matric previously.
• Matric Upgrade: This is also known as the Amended Senior Certificate and is a chance for adults over 21 to improve their original matric score. It also allows South Africans who never completed high school to appear for the matric.

Learn the detailed Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade.

Tips for Achieving the Minimum Requirements

When students begin preparing for the matric exam, they need to strategise and distribute their time evenly. This will ensure they complete their syllabus and still have enough time for revisions and clarifying doubts. In addition to the concepts taught in the classroom, students should study independently at home. Let us look at some tips students can apply to achieve the minimum requirements to pass the matric exam.

• Create a study timetable: Once you have registered for the exam, create a study schedule to complete the curriculum for all the subjects. 
• Focus on High-Credit Subjects: You should concentrate more on high-credit subjects required for the future programme of study.
• Time Management: Ensure that you keep enough time for revisions and clarifying any doubts
• Solve Past Exam Papers: You should practice past papers to understand the types of questions that can be expected. It can also help gauge your understanding of the subject.
• Manage Stress: While the matrics can be stressful, you should try to take short breaks or play a sport to de-stress.

Conclusion

Passing the matric gives students an NQF Level 4 qualification, which is required for many entry-level positions. When we look at what are the minimum requirements to pass matric, it is the lowest score that is needed to complete high school. 

While a pass means that students have cleared the matric and completed grade 12, students should aim higher. A bachelor, diploma, or higher certificate pass allows students to continue with higher education, which provide access to high paying jobs. 

Students should explore the various programmes available at Regenesys today. 

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Pass Matric? – FAQs