Understanding matric results.
Where to begin
matric results at school and how it is interpreted at tertiary institutions
There are three different categories for matriculants based on their matric examination results: Higher Certificate Pass, Diploma Pass, and Bachelor’s Pass.
It’s important to understand the distinction between a pass level that qualifies for these categories and the specific requirements set by tertiary institutions. Schools and the Department of Education may deem a pass satisfactory, but learners should focus on meeting the requirements of their chosen institutions above all.
Promotion Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Pass – Admission to Bachelor’s Degree: The learner qualifies to enter a university degree program directly.
- Diploma Pass – Admission to Diploma: The learner qualifies for a diploma study program.
- Higher Certificate Pass – Admission to Higher Certificate: The learner qualifies for a higher certificate study program.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Pass NSC: The learner has passed Grade 12.
- Endorsed Pass NSC – For learners with Special Educational Needs.
- Did Not Achieve – Did not achieve the NSC.
- Incomplete – Result incomplete.
The Department of Education’s classification is as follows:
HIGHER CERTIFICATE PASS
- Pass 6 out of the 7 subjects offered
- Home Language: 40% (compulsory)
- 2 subjects at 40% and 3 subjects at 30%
- 30% pass in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)
DIPLOMA PASS
- Pass 6 out of the 7 subjects offered
- 4 subjects at 40% (Level 3) achievement
- Includes Home Language at 40% (compulsory pass), excluding Life Orientation
- 30% pass in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)
BACHELOR’S PASS
- Pass 6 out of the 7 subjects offered
- 4 subjects at 50% (Level 4) achievement
- Includes Home Language at 40% (compulsory pass), excluding Life Orientation
- 30% pass in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)
The Department of Basic Education revoked the list of designated subjects effective from September 2018.
The minimum admission requirements for a Bachelor’s degree program remain unchanged: a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education Institution (HEI), along with an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four (4) NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Please note: You must pass six subjects to qualify for these endorsements.
What is your APS?
The APS (Admission Point Score) is the system used by tertiary institutions to assess admissions.
It converts matric results into points, setting a minimum threshold for entry.
Each grade is assigned a specific number of points, and the total points determine your eligibility for admission.
When choosing a course of study, it’s important to check the required APS to ensure your matric results meet the admission criteria.
How to calculate your APS
it is not that hard 🙂
Each subject is assigned a point value, with different point allocations for every 10% or 20%. There may also be variations in how points are assigned to different subjects, depending on how universities calculate the APS.
For example, a B in your second language may not carry the same point value as a B in Mathematics.
Percentage Received APS
100% – 80% 7
70% – 79% 6
60% – 69% 5
50% – 59% 4
40% – 49% 3
30% – 39% 2
0% – 29% 1
Using this easy table, allocate points to each of your subjects until you get an APS.
Use this Online APS Calculator
You are now ready to go and find your perfect qualification.
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