What Does Matric Pass Symbols Mean?

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Matric symbols play a crucial role in the South African education system since they are linked to the matric pass levels that determine the matriculants’ next step in their higher learning careers. To be able to choose an appropriate course to study at a tertiary institution, one must understand how they function. This article explains everything you want to know about Matric pass symbols. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Does Matric Pass Symbols Mean?

Matric passes are divided into four broad levels: the Bachelor’s Degree Pass, Diploma Pass, National Senior Certificate, and Higher Certificate. The Matric symbols are categorised as follows: 

The Matric symbols provide a provisional acceptance to students who want to pursue specific study programs. For instance, if you achieve a Bachelor’s Pass (B), you can get a place to study any program you want at University. However, you need to meet other admission requirements on top of your outstanding pass mark.

A Diploma pass (D) allows you to study a diploma course or attend a TVET or Technikon College. With a Higher Certificate (H), you can get a provisional entrance into a certificate course or college. High school students who fail to attain the minimum pass requirements in their subjects will not get a Matric or National Senior Certificate. Therefore, the Matric symbols can significantly affect your plans since they determine the type of program you can study. 

You need to get a specific matric symbol to apply for a place to study at a university or college. However, you should know that a certain percentage of marks is required to achieve this. Here are the percentages required for different Matric symbols. 

Bachelor’s Pass

Diploma Pass

To get a Diploma Pass, you must meet all the requirements for National Senior Certificate. You should have 40% for your home language. You must get 40% in the other four subjects.

National Senior certificate

Higher Certificate

Your higher certificate pass should include the requirements for NSC and 40% for your home language. You must have 30% in the other six subjects. However, you should note that a Higher Certificate comes with limited career opportunities. For instance, if you want to attend college or pursue a better career, you’ll need to first improve your results.   

What Are the Symbols for Matric Results?

The symbols for Matric results represent the student’s achievement in a particular subject. The following are the Matric pass symbols recognised across South Africa and their meanings.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The percentage you get for a specific subject is also used to determine the code you get. These codes help calculate your admission point system (APS) if you want to study at a TVET/Technikon college or University. 

What Does Aggregate Symbol Mean?

An aggregate symbol refers to the total marks obtained by the candidate in a Matric exam comprising six subjects. Life orientation is not included in the calculation of the aggregate. If the students write more than six subjects, their aggregate will be the total marks obtained in the best two subjects derived from Group A, including the first language. The minimum aggregate for one to pass Matric is 950 marks. 

What Marks Do You Need to Get a Bachelor’s Pass in Matric?

A bachelor’s pass in Matric is the highest score a student can achieve at this level. With this pass, you can get a place to pursue a course you want at a university. You can also gain acceptance into a degree program at any higher-learning institution. It is essential to pass your Matric with high grades to get a Bachelor’s Pass which also determines your APS.  

You should get the following passes to obtain a bachelor’s pass. 

Students are also expected to pass at least six out of the seven subjects and achieve a minimum APS of 23. However, you should remember that each learning institution has certain admission requirements, and these are not universal. If you get a bachelor’s pass, this does not necessarily mean that you are guaranteed to get a place to study at a technikon or University.  

Another vital aspect you should know about getting a bachelor’s pass in Matric is that there are four compulsory subjects which you should write. These include the following:

On top of these four compulsory subjects, each student must write three high-credit subjects to make them seven. High credit subjects include:

If you intend to study at the University of Technikon, you should aim to obtain high matric pass symbols. With high grades, you can choose a degree program you want at a university of technikon. Good Matric passes also contribute to your total APS, determining your future academic career.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Are the Matric Pass Requirements?

What Are the Matric Pass Requirements?

We’ve simply broken the matric pass requirements down for you so they are easier to understand.

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results? This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results.  

The Meaning of “Matric” in South Africa

The Meaning of “Matric” in South Africa

But what does matric really mean? Today we break down the term and some other common questions around it.

What to Study Without Matric

What to Study Without Matric

Study Without Matric. This guide will explore the options for studying without matric, discuss the best courses to consider and more

How Does CASS Mark Work in Matric?

How Does CASS Mark Work in Matric?

This comprehensive guide aims to explain how CASS marks work in matric, including their significance, calculation, and implications.

How to Check Matric Results Online with ID Number

How to Check Matric Results Online with ID Number

There are many ways to check your matric results online with your ID and candidate/examination numbers.

How Many Times Can You Write Matric?

How Many Times Can You Write Matric?

This comprehensive guide aims to provide information on the number of times one can rewrite matric, the time frame for rewriting exams

Which Province Has the Best Matric Results?

Which Province Has the Best Matric Results?

This article analyses the performance of different provinces and schools in the 2022 matric exams.   

What Does ‘999’ On Matric Certificate Mean

What Does ‘999’ On Matric Certificate Mean

What Does '999' On Matric Certificate Mean. The matric results determine a lot about the students but are not the final determinant

What Happens to Unclaimed Matric Results?

What Happens to Unclaimed Matric Results?

What Happens to Unclaimed Matric Results? Read on to learn more about what happens to unclaimed matric results. 

Which Schools Have the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Gauteng?

Which Schools Have the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Gauteng?

This article outlines the top-performing schools with the highest pass rate in the Gauteng region. 

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass?

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass?

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass? Read on to learn everything you want to know about a matric bachelor’s pass level. 

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final Exams For 2025?

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final Exams For 2025?

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final. Here’s what you need to know about the last few days before your matric examinations start.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Matric Results?

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Matric Results?

You can opt to upgrade your matric through an adult matric program and improve those marks. Cost to Upgrade Matric Results

What Happens When You Upgrade Matric Results And Fail?

What Happens When You Upgrade Matric Results And Fail?

This guide provides insights into what happens when you upgrade matric results and fail, addressing potential implications and considerations.