What Are the Matric Pass Requirements?

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 08/14/23 •  5 min read

Getting your matric, whether you are doing so as your graduate high school or as an adult student, is not quite as simple as just pass or fail. There are 4 different types, or levels, of matric pass you might receive. These pass levels determine the higher education options open to you if you want to proceed with tertiary education opportunities, and each has its own matric pass requirements. Of course, there is also a basic pass level you need to receive your matric at all. As these can get confusing for people, we’ve broken the matric pass requirements down simply for you so they are easier to understand.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Understanding Matric Passes

Before we break down the matric pass requirements further, let’s recap some basics that will help you better understand the matric pass system:

Now you have a better understanding of the matric requirements, let’s look at the pass requirements for each type of matric pass.

What are the Matric Pass Requirements?

To pass your basic matric, you must receive at least 40% in your home language and two other subjects. You will also need 30% or more on two more subjects, one of which must be your other language. You must get at least 30% on 6 of the subjects you took. This amounts to 14 APS points.

To receive the Higher Certificate pass, you must get 15 APS points and must receive 40% or more for your home language and two other subjects and at least 30% for four other subjects. Your home language needs to be English or Afrikaans, as these are the languages tertiary education institutes in South Africa use.

For the Diploma Pass, you need 40% or higher for your home language and 3 high-credit subjects and 30% on two other subjects. We look at the Bachelor’s pass below in more detail.

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric with Bachelor?

The Bachelor’s Pass needs 50% on four high-credit subjects, 40% for home language, and 30% in two other subjects. You can only fail one subject, and this must still receive a mark above 20%.

What is the Minimum Pass Mark for Matric?

The absolute minimum pass mark for matric currently sits around 35%. You will see a lot of talk about a ‘30% pass rate’, but that is a gross simplification of what you actually need to pass matric. Remember, it’s not just about numbers, but specific benchmarks you need to meet. The minimum matric pass is comprised of the following:

How are Matric Marks Calculated?

Your matric marks are calculated from two sources. 75% of your total mark comes from the final examination for the subject. The other 25% is your SBA, or School Based Assessment, made up of your academic progress through your last year (June exams, tests, projects, portfolios, and so on). As adult matric students don’t always have this SBA system in place, their final matric marks are calculated 100% on the final examination performance.

Hopefully, you now understand the matric pass requirements with more confidence. Good luck with your exams!

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

Can You Join the Army Without Matric?

Can You Join the Army Without Matric?

Can You Join the Army Without Matric? This blog post will detail the possibility of joining the army without a matric.

How Many Matric Subjects Can You Rewrite?

How Many Matric Subjects Can You Rewrite?

How Many Matric Subjects Can You Rewrite? We will delve into the matric rewrite, which covers the subjects to write, its qualifications and more 

Matric Symbols And Levels

Matric Symbols And Levels

Matric Symbols and Levels. Here’s how the letter grades and percentages match up on a matric pass.

How to Calculate Overall Matric Mark

How to Calculate Overall Matric Mark

How are Matric Results Calculated? The guide will also explain the grading system and the points-based Admission Point Scores (APS)

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate. We will be exploring more about matric certificates. 

Final Matric Exam Timetable

Final Matric Exam Timetable

This comprehensive guide provides information on the 2023 final matric exam timetable, the exams' duration

Who Qualifies For Matric Second Chance?

Who Qualifies For Matric Second Chance?

If you have failed to leave school with a satisfactory matric result or failed entirely, you will qualify for the Second Chance Matric program

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Matric Results?

This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results.      

Courses You Can Do Without Matric

Courses You Can Do Without Matric

In this blog post, we will explore the course one can do without a matric and available opportunities that people can have without a matric. 

Matric Points for University Entrance

Matric Points for University Entrance

Matric Points for University Entrance. In this blog post, we will look into how these points are calculated, what most universities focus on in terms of marks

Where to Hire Matric Dance Dresses

Where to Hire Matric Dance Dresses

Fortunately, there's a solution: renting gorgeous dresses to make you feel like the event star without straining your finances.

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Johannesburg

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Johannesburg

Which Schools Have the Highest Pass Rate in Johannesburg. If you’re looking for the best school for your child, this post is for you. 

What is a Matric Certificate?

What is a Matric Certificate?

It addresses queries like distinguishing between a matriculation certificate and a statement and delves into the pinnacle of matriculation accomplishments.

Can I Study Matric At Home?

Can I Study Matric At Home?

Can I Study Matric At Home? In this article, we will look at the available opportunities that allow one to study matric at home.

How to Write A CV Without Matric

How to Write A CV Without Matric

How to Write A CV Without Matric. In this guide, we'll walk you through crafting a compelling CV without matric.