Matric results are a key milestone in the South African school system, marking the end of high school. These results are more than just grades. That means they open doors to universities, scholarships, and better job opportunities. Moreover, good matric marks can greatly impact a student’s future, helping them get into higher education and improving their job opportunities.
In South Africa, the Department of Basic Education oversees the matriculation system. This system tests students’ knowledge and skills in different subjects, ensuring they are ready for further studies or work. Therefore, understanding how matric marks are calculated and interpreted is important for students and their families as they plan for the future.
In this article, we will help you understand everything you need to know about the matric. We will explore the significance of matric results in South Africa, their components, the types of matric certificates, and more.
Table of Contents
What is Matric?
In South Africa, “matric” means the last year of high school, which is Grade 12. This is an important year because students need to pass their final exams to get their National Senior Certificate (NSC). The NSC, also known as the matric certificate, is required if you want to go for further studies and get better job opportunities.
In other words, matric is a very important qualification because it marks the end of school and opens up new opportunities for you to further your education and get into your desired career.
How Matric Results are Calculated?
Traditional matric results in South Africa are calculated using two main components- School-Based Assessments (SBA) and Final Examinations. Together, these two components give a complete picture of a student’s performance in their final year of high school. Let’s take a closer look at them:
School-Based Assessments (SBA):
School-based assessments count for 25% of the final matric marks. These include tests, projects, assignments, and other tasks completed during the first three quarters of the year. SBAs are meant to measure how well students understand and progress in each subject throughout the year.
Final Examinations:
The other 75% of the matric marks come from the final exams students take at the end of the year. These exams cover everything learned throughout the year for each subject. They test a student’s overall knowledge and their ability to use what they have learned in an exam setting.
Pass Requirements For Different Qualifications
In South Africa, matric marks decide what kind of qualification students can get. This will impact their chances for further education and future career options. The following table will showcase the pass requirements for each qualification:
| Qualification Type | Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Pass | At least 40% of Home LanguageAt least 50% for four other High Credit subjects.At least 30% for two other subjects. |
| Diploma Pass | At least 40% for Home Language.At least 40% for four other High Credit subjects.At least 30% for two other subjects. |
| Higher Certificate Pass | 40% in the Home Language.At least 40% in two other subjects.At least 30% for three other subjects. Note: One of your languages must either be English or Afrikaans to qualify for a Higher Certificate. |
Understanding Your Matric Certificate
Understanding your certificate from matric is very important because it shows your academic achievements. Moreover, it helps you get into higher education and find jobs. Therefore, knowing the different types of matric certificates and what they mean can help you make better choices for your future.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): The NSC is the usual matric certificate given to students who pass Grade 12 exams. It is needed to get into universities and other higher education institutions.
- National Certificate (Vocational): This certificate is given to students who finish vocational training courses. It offers another way to continue education and find jobs, focusing on practical skills and specific industry knowledge.
Reading Your Matric Certificate: Interpreting Matric Symbols, Percentage and APS Level
When you receive the matric results in South Africa, you will see the subject grades in symbols. These symbols in matric results are classified in alphabetical order, reflecting your performance in each subject. The table below will be a guide for you to understand the linkage between the percentages, matric symbols and APS score level:
| Matric Symbol | Marks Achieved | APS Level |
| A | 80-100% | 7 |
| B | 70-79% | 6 |
| C | 60-69% | 5 |
| D | 50-59% | 4 |
| E | 40-49% | 3 |
| F | 30-39% | 2 |
| FF | 0-29% | 1 |
How to Check Matric Results?
It is important to know where to find your matric marks so you can quickly see them and plan what to do next. Whether you want to apply for college, scholarships, or jobs, checking your results on time helps you meet deadlines and grab opportunities. Here are some easy ways to check your matric results in South Africa:
- Online Platforms
- SMS Services
- School Notice Boards
- Newspapers
What to Do if You Didn’t Pass?
If you didn’t pass your matric exams, there are several options to help you succeed. The Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Matric Support Programme is a great option for students who didn’t meet the requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC). If you need to do a matric rewrite for up to two subjects to get your NSC, you can take supplementary exams. Just make sure to register before the cut-off date in January of the next year.
On the other hand, if you are not satisfied with your results, you can apply for a re-mark or re-check of your examination papers. Application forms for re-checking or re-marking are available from schools or examination centres.
What To Study After Matric?
Choosing what to do after matriculation is an important decision that will shape your future. You have several options, and picking the one that fits your interests and goals will help you succeed. Whether you want to continue your studies or start working, knowing your choices will help you make the best decision. Here are some key ways you can pursue after Matric:
- Higher Education Pathways:
After matric, you can go to different types of higher education institutions:
- Universities: Universities offer many different programmes and require a Bachelor’s Pass to get in. These programmes are more academic and give you a broad education.
- Universities of Technology: Another institution you can go for is the University of Technology. These universities focus on giving you the technical skills, knowledge, and creativity you need to succeed in the fast-changing world of technology.
- TVET Colleges: TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges provide education in technical and vocational fields. These programmes are designed for students who want to learn practical skills and get jobs right away.
- Entering the Workforce:
If you have plans to enter the workforce after matric, it is an exciting and rewarding choice. It allows you to gain practical experience, earn an income, and start building your career right away. The following are the key ways you can get into the workforce:
- Employment Opportunities: If you choose not to continue with higher education, you can start working right after matric. Based on your matric marks and interests, you can find jobs in areas like retail, hospitality, and office work.
- Internships and Learnerships: Internships and learnerships offer valuable work experience and training, which can make it easier to get a job. Internships and learnerships let you gain practical skills and knowledge about different industries while earning a stipend or salary.
Impact of Matric Results on Future Opportunities
Good matric results in South Africa can significantly enhance your chances of securing scholarships and bursaries, which can help cover the costs of higher education. Financial aid is often awarded based on academic performance, making it more affordable to pursue your chosen course of study.
Additionally, your matric marks impact your career prospects. Many careers and job sectors have specific requirements for matric subject passes and achievement levels. For example, fields like engineering or medicine often require strong results in subjects such as mathematics and science, which can help you qualify for these careers and improve your job opportunities.
Conclusion
Understanding your matric results in South Africa is crucial because they have a significant impact on your future. Your results can affect your chances of getting into higher education, earning scholarships, and finding job opportunities. Whether you decide to continue studying or start working right away, your results will influence the paths you can take.
Knowing how your results are calculated, the types of certificates you can earn, and how to read your grades helps you make choices that align with your goals. However, if your results are not as good as you hoped, there are options like matric supplementary exams and re-checks to help you improve. Hence, by understanding and using your matric marks, you can set up for success in your educational and career journey.
FAQs: Matric Results in South Africa
How to upgrade matric results?
To upgrade your matric results, you can register for supplementary exams or rewrite specific subjects in the following year. Many educational institutions offer programmes to help students improve their marks. However, be sure to check registration deadlines and requirements for these options.
What is the significance of matric results in South Africa?
Matric marks are crucial as they mark the end of high school and determine your eligibility for higher education and job opportunities. Good results can lead to university admissions, scholarships, and better career prospects.
How to get a replacement Matric Certificate?
If you need a replacement certificate, contact the Department of Basic Education or the school where you completed your matric. You may need to provide identification and a completed application form to receive a new certificate.
How can I check my matric marks?
You can check your matric marks through several methods: online platforms, SMS services, school notice boards, and newspapers. These options ensure you can access your results promptly and plan your next steps.
How do you verify matric marks?
To verify matric marks, you can contact the Department of Basic Education or the relevant examination authority. They can provide official confirmation and details about the results. You might need to provide your ID number and examination details for verification.
1 Comment
I want to see my results