In South Africa, all Grade 12 students must take the matric exams to complete high school successfully. Passing these exams earns them an NQF Level 4 certificate, indicating they are ready to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.
A Bachelor’s Pass is the highest achievement a student can earn in the matric exams. It qualifies them for provisional admission to undergraduate programmes at universities. However, final acceptance depends on their individual subject results and specific university requirements.
Continue reading to understand what is a bachelor pass in matric, the scores you need to qualify for it, and how it compares to other levels.
Table of Contents
What is a Bachelor Pass?
A bachelor’s pass is the highest score that a student can achieve when taking the matric exams in South Africa. Students aiming for a bachelor’s pass should check the requirements for their particular undergraduate programme and pick matric exam subjects accordingly. They should also pick high-credit subjects relevant to their future field of study.
A bachelor pass means a student gains provisional acceptance into a university programme. The actual admission depends on the Admission Point Score (APS) derived from the matric grades. Now that we have covered what is a bachelor pass, let us understand the subject requirements to score this level.
Requirements for a Bachelor Pass
Students must diligently prepare for the exams since this is the highest level that can be achieved on the matric. To guarantee admission to their preferred university programme, they must score well above the minimum percentage required for the bachelor pass.
While students can score the minimum required percentage to meet the bachelor pass requirements, it might not always be sufficient for admission when the matric score is converted to the APS that many universities rely on. Before students begin studying for the matric, they should familiarise themselves with what is a bachelor pass and its scoring.
For a bachelor pass in matric, students must remember the following regarding subjects:
- They should register for 7 subjects
- Out of these 7 subjects, 4 are mandatory subjects
- Two languages, mathematics and life orientation
- And 3 are electives
- They vary from school to school
Now that we have understood what is a bachelor pass, let us breakdown the minimum scores required to qualify for this level.
- Home Language: 40% or higher
- 4 high credit subjects: 50% or higher
- 2 other subjects: 30% or higher
What is The Importance of a Bachelor’s Pass?
Earning a bachelor’s pass in the matric exam displays a student’s dedication towards preparing for the exams and a strong understanding of the high-credit subjects. When universities review applications, they view these applicants as having the aptitude and skills to join their programmes. Once we understand what is a bachelor pass, we can clearly understand the importance of securing this level in the matric.
Students appearing for the matric should aim for high scores, enabling them to continue their educational journey. This will lead to high-paying jobs, which are the key to improving the standard of living.
Higher education allows individuals to access job opportunities that would not be accessible to those without an undergraduate degree. It also allows them to pursue postgraduate studies needed for specialisation and to move up to leadership and executive-level roles.
We have covered what is a bachelor pass, let us now look at some of the biggest benefits of securing a bachelor’s pass in the matric exam.
- University Admission: Students can apply for university programmes in South Africa with a bachelor’s pass in the matric exam.
- Career Opportunities: After students complete their degree programme, they can apply for well paying jobs in South Africa and abroad.
- Competitiveness: Scoring high on the matric exam assures students a place in their preferred field of study at universities. Students should aim to score higher than the minimum marks required for the bachelor pass level.
Difference Between Bachelor Pass and Other Pass Levels
Each matric level is associated with a different higher qualification that a student can pursue. A bachelor pass allows students to apply for undergraduate programmes, a diploma pass allows students to apply to any University of Technology, and a certificate pass allows students to apply to certificate programmes across South Africa.
A diploma or certificate programme can later be used as a qualification to apply for an undergraduate degree. We have discussed what is a bachelor pass and the requirements to achieve that level. Let us now compare it to the other levels in the matric.
Diploma Pass Requirements:
- Home Language: 40% or higher
- 4 high credit subjects: 40% or higher
- 2 other subjects: 30% or higher
Know what is Diploma Pass Requirement in detail here!
Higher Certificate Pass Requirements:
- Home Language: 40% or higher
- 2 high credit subjects: 40% or higher
- 3 other subjects: 30% or higher
Know what is Higher Certificate Pass Requirement in detail here!
NSC Pass Requirements:
- Home Language: 40% or higher
- 2 subjects: 40% or higher
- 2 other subjects: 30% or higher
Know what is NSC Pass Requirement in detail here!
OR
- If students fail one subject, including the home language, 30% or higher is required for the 6 remaining subjects.
Students need an average score of 33⅓ to receive the NSC pass.
What If You Don’t Meet the Bachelor Pass Requirements?
While the bachelor’s pass is the ideal pass level students should aim for when attempting the matric exam, sometimes they fall short. While we have understood what is bachelor pass in matric, it is not the only way to study for an undergraduate degree.
Students who do not meet the bachelor pass requirements can choose to rewrite the matric exam to improve their scores. This allows individuals who have not met the minimum bachelor pass requirements to reappear for exams or take an alternate route to starting their dream job. When we read about what is a bachelor pass, we might understand it as the only way to secure a university degree.
However, a low score is not the end of a student’s educational journey. Let us understand the different options available to students:
- Matric Rewrite:
- Students who did not achieve the bachelor’s pass level or whose percentages needed to be higher for the required APS level can choose to rewrite up to four subjects. This can improve their scores and provide them with the desired APS level.
- Further Study Pathways:
- After you examine what is a bachelor pass is, securing one is the fastest way to an undergraduate degree. However, students can opt for a diploma or higher certificate programme, which are usually a year in duration. Once they complete this, they can use the qualification to apply for a degree programme.
What is the Importance of Choosing the Right Subjects?
When we covered what is a bachelor pass and the requirements to secure that level, we discussed scoring. This is dependent on the subjects students select after completing grade 9.
Once we know what a bachelor’s pass is, we can understand the importance of securing this level during the matric exam. Therefore, parents and students should research different universities to determine programme-specific requirements. This will help them meet the criteria for admission into the programme of their choice. Instead of picking easy subjects that will allow them to pass the matric, students should pick subjects relevant to their future educational and career goals.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) offers a clear guide to the subjects and their relevant career opportunities on its website
We have also prepared a table that will help students make informed choices when it comes to subject selection. It indicates the NSC subject and the fields that it can be applicable for.
| Subjects | Examples of Career Opportunities |
| Agriculture | Farm Manager, Nature Conservationist: Horticulturalist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural Engineer, Farmer, Landscape Engineer, Teacher |
| Equine Studies | Veterinarian, Jockey, Horse Trainer, Horse Breeder, Horse Rider |
| Civil Technology | Draughtsperson, Shop Fitter, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter and Joiner, Plumber, Bricklayer and Plasterer |
| Engineering Graphics and Design | Architect, Electrical Draughtsperson, Mechanical Draughtsperson, Designer (furniture, motor vehicles, aeronautics) |
| Nautical Sciences | Deck Hand, Deck Officer, Harbour Master, Ship’s Mate, Master Captain, Yacht Captain, Navigator, Tug Master |
| Mechanical Technology | Automotive Technician, Aircraft Technician, Automotive Mechanic, Boilermaker, Earthmoving Equipment Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Welder |
| Electrical Technology | Electrician, Auto-Electrician, Electrical Fitter, Electrical Draughtsperson, Electrical or Electronics Technician, Electrical or Electronics Technologist |
| Mathematics | Medical Doctor, Teacher, Pharmacist, Physicist, Actuary, Dentist, Town Planner, Astronomist, Engineer, Technologist, Technician, Architect, Scientist, Aeroplane Pilot, Information Technology Specialist |
| Mathematical Literacy | Teacher, Plumber, Bricklayer, Welder, Computer Programmer, Bookkeeper, Chef, Social Worker, Sales Executive, Journalist, Business Manager, Caterer |
| Physical Sciences | Medical Doctor, Teacher, Pharmacist, Physicist, Actuary, Dentist, Town Planner, Astronomer/ Scientist, Engineer, Technologist, Technician, Architect, Scientist, Aeroplane Pilot, Information Technology Specialist |
| Computer Technology | Database Designer, Information Technology Specialist, Computer Technician, Software Engineer, Computer Programmer |
| Life Sciences | Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Bio-Chemist, Ecologist, Physiotherapist, Botanist, Zoologist, Pharmacist |
| Economics | Chartered Accountant, Economist, Tax Consultant, Auditor, Stock Broker, Budget Analyst, Business Analyst, Investment Analyst, Market Researcher, Bookkeeper |
| Accounting | Chartered Accountant, State Accountant, Financial Accountant, Bookkeeper, Banking Services, Production Manager, Industrial Buyer, Retail Sales Executive, Systems Analyst, Auctioneer, Chief Financial Officer |
| History | Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Researcher, Tourism Practitioner, Archaeologist, Historian, Legal Practitioner, Politician, Diplomat, Librarian, Marketer, Tour Guide |
| Geography | Environmental Planner, Environmental Journalist, Town Planner, Rural and Urban Planner, Map Maker, Meteorologist, Conservationist |
| Religious Studies | Minister, Social Worker, Development Worker, Human Rights Worker, Researcher, Journalist, Community Service worker |
| Hospitality | Tour Guide, Tour Information Officer, Flight Attendant, Purser, Restaurant Manager, Hotel Manager, Chef, Bartender, Waitron (restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, fast food outlets, bed-and-breakfast establishments), Food and Beverage Manager, Banqueting Manager, Entrepreneur, Product Developer, Events Manager, Travel Agent, Fashion Designer |
| Music | Musician, Singer, Recording Studio Technician, Composer, Music Teacher, Sound Technician, Arts Manager |
| Dramatic Arts, Television Studies and Dance Studies | Actor (stage, TV, movies), Director, TV Producer, TV Announcer, Radio Announcer, Set/Costume/ Lighting/Sound Designer, Arts Manager, Speech Therapist, Public Relations Officer, Media Relations Coordinator, Dancer, Choreographer, Drama or Dance Teacher, Critic, Dance Administrator, Aerobics Instructor, Dance Therapist, Fashion Show Director |
| Visual arts | Artist, Desktop Publisher, Curator of an Art Gallery, Art Historian, Critic, Arts Manager, Teacher, Video Producer, Photographer, Digital Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Framer |
| Languages | Interpreter, Journalist, Media Broadcaster, Author, Publisher, Editor, Tour Guide, Translator |
How to Apply for a Bachelor Programme in South Africa?
When you understand what is a bachelor pass, it makes it easy to plan your study timetable to achieve this level.
Once students have received their matric scores, they should convert them to the APS and calculate the total. The APS numbers will be used as criteria for universities. In South Africa, students can study for their bachelor’s at public or private universities. Some also offer students the chance to enrol in flexible online programmes.
Alternatively, students who do not meet the APS requirements can choose to complete a diploma or higher certificate. Upon completion, they can use the qualification to enrol in a bachelor programme. Reading this article on what is a bachelor pass should help students understand that while securing this pass level is favourable, there are other options available.
These are the steps students can follow to apply for a bachelor’s programme:
- Step 1: Choose the programme you wish to study
- Step 2: Find the university offering the programme
- Step 3: Check the admission requirements regarding APS scores
- Step 4: Fill out the application form
- Step 5: Add supporting documents
- Step 6: Pay the application fee
Learn more about How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree.
Conclusion
When we look at what is a bachelor pass, we can understand the significance and importance of that level. It gives students entry into the best universities in South Africa to pursue programmes of their choice. This can lead to well-paying job opportunities in various sectors. However, students should also understand that there are alternate routes to securing a higher education even if they have not qualified for a bachelor’s pass.
Students with a bachelor’s pass should explore the various undergraduate programmes available at Regenesys.
What is a Bachelor Pass in Matric? – FAQs
What is a Bachelor Pass Subject Requirement?
Students should pick subjects that align with their future educational plans. They should consult with their parents or teachers and use online resources such as the DBE website to make an informed decision.
What is a Bachelor’s Pass in Matric?
This is the highest pass level in the matric exam and provides students provisional acceptance to universities.
What are the other Pass Levels in Matric?
The other levels are diploma pass, certificate pass, and NSC pass, in addition to the bachelor’s pass.
What can I do if I do not receive a Bachelor’s Pass?
Students can choose to rewrite their matric exam. Alternatively, if they have received a diploma or certificate pass, they can apply for diploma or certificate programmes.
What is a Bachelor Pass Requirement?
Students need to score a minimum 40% in the home language, 40% or higher in 4 high credit subjects, and 30% or higher in 2 other subjects.
