Matric Pass Requirements 2026: Bachelor, Diploma, and Higher Certificate Explained

Understand the three types of matric passes — Bachelor, Diploma, and Higher Certificate — and exactly what marks you need for each. Includes APS scoring, subject requirements, and what each pass means for your future.

By Milah Galant in Exam Preparation · 7 min read

Key Takeaways

  • There are three types of NSC passes: Bachelor (university degree), Diploma (university diploma), and Higher Certificate — each with different minimum requirements
  • A Bachelor pass requires at least 50% in four designated subjects plus 30% in the language of learning and two other subjects
  • Your APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated by converting your top six subjects (excluding Life Orientation) into points — this determines which university programmes accept you
  • Life Orientation counts towards passing matric but is NOT included in your APS score for university admission
  • If you fall short of a Bachelor pass, you can upgrade individual subjects through supplementary exams or part-time rewrites
Every year, thousands of matric students get their results and aren't sure what their pass actually means. You hear "Bachelor pass" and "Diploma pass" thrown around, but what's the real difference — and what does each one allow you to do? This guide breaks down the three types of NSC passes, the exact marks you need, and how your results connect to university admission through your APS score. ## The Three Types of Matric Passes The National Senior Certificate (NSC) has three pass levels. Each opens different doors for further study: | Pass Type | What It Allows | Minimum Requirements | |-----------|---------------|---------------------| | **Bachelor Pass** | Apply for a degree at any university | Highest requirements | | **Diploma Pass** | Apply for a diploma at a university or university of technology | Moderate requirements | | **Higher Certificate Pass** | Apply for a higher certificate at a college or some universities | Minimum requirements | There's also a fourth outcome: **failing matric** — meaning you didn't meet even the Higher Certificate requirements. If that's where you are, read our [complete guide to every option available after failing matric](/blog/i-failed-matric-now-what-complete-guide-options). ## Bachelor Pass Requirements A Bachelor pass is what you need to apply for a university degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.). It's the most demanding pass level. **You need all of the following:** | Requirement | Details | |------------|---------| | Home Language | At least **40%** (Level 4) | | First Additional Language | At least **30%** (Level 3) | | Four other designated subjects | At least **50%** (Level 5) in four subjects from the designated subject list | | Life Orientation | At least **40%** (Level 4) — but this doesn't count for APS | **Designated subjects** include Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, History, Geography, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and several others. Importantly, Mathematical Literacy is **not** a designated subject for a Bachelor pass in most cases. ### What if I'm close but not quite there? If you're sitting at 48% in a subject that needs 50%, you have options: - [Supplementary exams](/blog/supplementary-exams-2026-dates-rules-how-to-register) let you rewrite up to two subjects in February/March - Part-time matric lets you rewrite specific subjects in the next November cycle - Some universities offer provisional acceptance while you upgrade Don't assume a near-miss is final. A few percentage points can be recovered with [focused preparation](/blog/how-to-pass-supplementary-exams-6-week-study-plan). ## Diploma Pass Requirements A Diploma pass allows you to apply for diploma programmes at universities and universities of technology. Many excellent careers — from nursing to engineering technology to marketing — start with a diploma. **You need all of the following:** | Requirement | Details | |------------|---------| | Home Language | At least **40%** (Level 4) | | First Additional Language | At least **30%** (Level 3) | | Four other subjects | At least **40%** (Level 4) in four subjects — these don't have to be designated subjects | | Life Orientation | At least **40%** (Level 4) | The key difference from a Bachelor pass: you need 40% in four subjects instead of 50%, and they don't have to be designated subjects. This makes a Diploma pass more achievable for students who are stronger in practical or vocational subjects. ### Is a Diploma pass "less than" a Bachelor pass? No. A Diploma pass opens the door to a different set of qualifications, not a lesser set. Diploma graduates from universities of technology are highly employable — many fields actively prefer candidates with practical diploma training over theoretical degree holders. If you're interested in the differences between study options, read our guide on [institution types and what they offer](/blog). ## Higher Certificate Pass Requirements A Higher Certificate pass is the minimum NSC pass. It allows you to apply for higher certificate programmes and some entry-level qualifications. **You need all of the following:** | Requirement | Details | |------------|---------| | Home Language | At least **40%** (Level 4) | | Two other subjects | At least **30%** (Level 3) | | Three other subjects | At least **20%** (Level 2) | | Life Orientation | At least **40%** (Level 4) | A Higher Certificate pass doesn't mean your options are limited. TVET colleges, learnerships, and many career-focused programmes accept students with this pass level. Read about [alternative pathways after matric](/blog/i-failed-matric-now-what-complete-guide-options) for the full picture. ## Understanding the NSC Rating Scale All your matric marks are converted into levels on a 7-point scale. This is how the DBE reports your results: | Level | Percentage | Description | |-------|-----------|-------------| | 7 | 80-100% | Outstanding | | 6 | 70-79% | Meritorious | | 5 | 60-69% | Substantial | | 4 | 50-59% | Adequate | | 3 | 40-49% | Moderate | | 2 | 30-39% | Elementary | | 1 | 0-29% | Not achieved | When you see "Level 4 required," that means 50-59%. When you see "Level 3 required," that means 40-49%. ## How APS (Admission Point Score) Works Your APS is how universities compare applicants. It's calculated from your **best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation**. ### How to calculate your APS: 1. Take your final percentage in each subject 2. Convert it to the NSC level (see table above) 3. Your level number **is** your APS point for that subject 4. Add up your best six subjects (excluding LO) **Example:** | Subject | Percentage | Level | APS Points | |---------|-----------|-------|-----------| | English Home Language | 65% | 5 | 5 | | Afrikaans FAL | 55% | 4 | 4 | | Mathematics | 72% | 6 | 6 | | Physical Sciences | 58% | 4 | 4 | | Life Sciences | 61% | 5 | 5 | | Geography | 70% | 6 | 6 | | Life Orientation | 85% | 7 | ~~Not counted~~ | | **Total APS** | | | **30** | This student has an APS of 30 out of a maximum of 42 (7 points × 6 subjects). ### What APS do universities require? APS requirements vary by university and programme. Here's a general guide: | APS Range | Typical Programmes | |-----------|-------------------| | 36-42 | Medicine, Actuarial Science, Engineering at top universities | | 30-35 | Most BSc, BCom, BA programmes at established universities | | 25-29 | Diploma programmes, some degree programmes | | 20-24 | Higher certificate programmes, some diplomas | **Important:** APS is just one part of the admission equation. Many programmes also require specific subjects at specific levels. For example, a BSc in Engineering typically requires Mathematics at Level 6 (70%+) and Physical Sciences at Level 5 (60%+) — in addition to the overall APS threshold. Check your target university's specific requirements. Our [mathematics grade 12 past papers](/subjects/mathematics) and [physical sciences grade 12 past papers](/subjects/physical-sciences) pages include relevant exam preparation resources. ## Subject-Specific Strategies to Boost Your Pass If you're currently in Grade 12 and aiming for a specific pass type, focus your energy where it counts: **Targeting a Bachelor pass?** - You need four designated subjects at 50%+. Identify which four are most realistic for you - [Grade 12 past papers](/past-papers) are your best tool — work through at least five years of papers per subject - If Mathematics is dragging you down, decide whether Maths Lit is a better strategic choice (but note: this limits your Bachelor pass options) **Targeting a Diploma pass?** - Your four subjects at 40%+ don't need to be designated — pick the four where you're strongest - Focus on consistency rather than excellence. Four solid passes beat two high marks and two failures - Use the [matric exam preparation](/exam-preparation) hub for subject-specific strategies **Worried about passing at all?** - Prioritise your Home Language (40% is non-negotiable for any pass) - Identify the three subjects where you're closest to 30% and focus there - Read our [matric success guide](/matric-success-guide) for structured study approaches ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does Life Orientation count towards my pass?** Yes — you need Level 4 (40%+) in LO for all three pass types. But LO is **not** included in your APS score for university admission. **Can I get a Bachelor pass with Mathematical Literacy?** It depends. Most universities don't count Maths Lit as a designated subject, which means you'd need four other designated subjects at 50%+. Some programmes at some universities do accept it. Check with your target institution directly. **What if I get a Diploma pass but want to study a degree?** You can upgrade specific subjects to meet Bachelor pass requirements. Register as a part-time candidate to rewrite the subjects you need. Some universities also offer bridging programmes. **Is my school-based assessment (SBA) mark included?** Yes. Your final matric mark is a combination of your SBA (25%) and your final exam (75%). For some subjects like Life Orientation, the SBA weighting is higher. **When will I know my results?** Matric results are typically released in mid-January. You can check online through the DBE website or via your school. ## Plan Ahead Understanding your pass requirements now — before the exams — gives you time to adjust your study plan. If you need a Bachelor pass and you're sitting at 45% in a key subject, you have months to close that gap. Use the [matric exam preparation guide 2026](/blog/the-ultimate-matric-exam-preparation-guide-20252026) to build a month-by-month plan, and start practising with [grade 12 past papers](/past-papers) in the subjects that matter most for your target pass level. Your matric results are not a lottery. They're the outcome of preparation. And preparation starts with knowing exactly what you're aiming for. [Browse grade 12 past papers by subject →](/past-papers)