What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

The South Africa matric exams prepare students to embrace a bit of the reality of life. Upon knowing where you find yourself after your matric results, you can determine what life has for you in the next stage. 

Writing the matric exams might be like a real academic battle but with a great focus, you can successfully complete it. The anticipation builds up when you are yet to find out your performance.

With this, there are a lot of questions that come among many individuals on what they can study and what they can be offered. In most cases, every student thinks about what they want and not what they can be offered.

And it is the same way where most would also want to find themselves in top-class universities. But in every aspect of life, there are alternatives available. When you pass your matric, there are many options for you, and even with a fail, you can have a backup plan.

But the rationale behind your performance can alter your decision on where to study and what to study.

In this blog post, we will explore what some of the pass levels in matric has to offer you. 

What Is A Higher Certificate Pass?

In South Africa, there are different pass levels in the high school system. Each level of pass refers to an academic achievement. This standardized performance and achievement must be met in order for students to graduate.

The higher certificate pass is an example of the pass level in the high school system in South Africa. To get a higher certificate pass, students must meet some terms and conditions in their final exams. This includes students meeting the minimum academic requirements, which includes getting a particular score in the subjects written. 

The higher certificate is considered to be the third lowest pass in the matric exams. It is structured to give students the needed capabilities, foundation, and skills to progress in life. 

Although one may obtain a higher certificate pass, it does not guarantee admission into tertiary. Having a higher certificate pass means you have successfully completed your Grade 12 education. 

How Many Points Is A Higher Certificate Pass?

Are you curious about the points that need to be accumulated in order to obtain a higher certificate? Are you concerned about your next tertiary education? Here is what you need to know.

In every matric exam written, the final scores are converted into points; each point has a range in the percentage score. For example, scoring between 80% to 100% in Mathematics can get you 7 points. Each score has a benchmark and points allocated to it.

At the end of your matric results, these points are put together to determine your overall APS. These points can serve as a gateway to your next educational level. 

Also, each level of the pass is associated with an APS score. Knowing your APS score can help you prepare for your academic life. In a higher certificate, a minimum of 15 points is considered. By the Department of Education, anyone who gets an APS score of 15 to 16 points can be classified into the higher certificate pass.

Is It Possible To Go To University With A Higher Certificate Pass?

Going to the university after the matric exam is considered to be the dream of major students. However, the outcome of your matric results does not determine your worth in life. It is important to grab life as it comes at you and make good use of it.

Higher certificates pass confirm the successful completion of your matric exams but do not guarantee admission into the university. If you are planning to go to the university with a higher certificate, it is unlikely for that to happen.

Most universities in South Africa do not consider students with a higher certificate pass. Going to the university with only a higher certificate pass is impossible. 

Is A Higher Certificate Pass A Fail?

It is common to have a lot of people think about their failures and success. And this includes the thought of a higher certificate pass being a fail. 

To firmly answer the most asked question about a higher certificate being a fail, it is a big No. 

The higher certificate ass represents your overall achievement in the matric exams. This is awarded to individuals who performed to certain criteria in their various subjects. 

Obtaining a higher certificate can give you the opportunity to get into other tertiary institutions if not the university. 

Certainly, a higher certificate is not a failure. It is considered to be a pass and qualifies you to get your senior high school certificate. 

Which College Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass?

A Higher Certificate is a common academic credential at South African universities and colleges. A Higher Certificate may not have the same weight as a diploma or degree, but it is still a worthwhile credential for those looking to advance their education or enter the workforce.

There are colleges and universities that offer courses to individuals with a higher certificate. 

Here are a few college one can study using a higher certificate pass.

Matric College allows you to study NATED courses, ICB courses, and short courses.

Few examples of colleges that you can study with a higher certificate pass.

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