What Is The Lowest Pass Level In Matric

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  7 min read

If there is one thing that can not be omitted about the matric exams is the fact that it plays a critical role in the academic journey of students. The matric exams can determine whether you are going to the university, college, or possibly rewriting. 

In South Africa, the basic department regulates and handles all issues related to the matric examination. As part of the regulation, there have been structures and policies to share and unlock the future of many individuals.

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This matric exam looks to evaluate the knowledge of students in all the subjects they write. 

Once you are able to write and complete the matric exams, you are welcomed with a pass. This pass is part of the policies and structures of the Department of Education. The pass does not just signify getting good grades but is put in different levels. 

Aiming for the highest pass gives students the upper hand in life in terms of continuing their education.

The influence of Matric on a person’s academic path is incredibly significant. Completing a task successfully not only gives you the opportunity to get into universities and colleges but also helps shape you into someone who can think critically and continue learning throughout your life.

In this blog post, we will dive into the pass level in matric and what it compromises as we move forward in the academic journey. 

What Is The Lowest Pass Level In Matric? 

It is always a wonder for many individuals to understand the minimum pass level in the matric examination and results.

There are different levels of pass in the matric results. These may not be in hierarchy form but each level represents some level of importance. 

Each level in the matric results represents the performance of students and also its own requirements.

The lowest pass level in matric represents the standard set for students. It is part of the regulation where students must understand the benchmark for the pass level in matric. 

The lowest pass level in matric is considered to be the basic matric pass or the senior certificate pass. This is the least of all the pass levels in matric. Although it is considered to be the lowest, it does not completely certifies failure for students. Each pass level in matric has its minimum requirement and its advantages. And thus, the lowest pass, which is the senior certificate pass, also has its own merits. 

What is a Senior Certificate pass?

 Are you looking to upgrade your education? Do you see yourself pursuing a course at the tertiary level but wondering what the senior certificate pass can get you? Here is what you need to know about the senior certificate pass.

Successfully passing your matric is a key moment in the academic life of every individual. The senior certificate pass is another pass level in matric. It is considered to be the lowest pass level in matric. Although it is the least of the matric pass, it has its minimum requirements that need to be met in order to have access to educational upgrades.

This pass level serves as the benchmark for many individuals, and it is expected that the minimum requirement is achieved for academic progression. 

In order to get the senior certificate pass, students must at least get an APS score of 14. This admission point score is recorded from the results obtained in the matric exams. This includes the minimum requirement set by the Department of Education. 

Having a senior certificate can give you the chance to study courses that requires matric certification. 

What Are The Requirements For A Diploma Pass?

A Diploma Pass is a level below a Bachelor’s Pass, but it still allows students to continue their education after completing their matric.

Even though a student with a Diploma Pass can still pursue a diploma course at a university, college, or technical college, they won’t be eligible to study at a degree level.

Students who have a Diploma Pass may have slightly limited study options because they are not able to pursue studies at a degree level.

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In order to obtain a Diploma Pass, the learner must fulfill the following requirements:

What Course Can I Study With A Senior Certificate Pass?

Are you looking to pursue higher education but wondering what a senior certificate pass can get you? This is what you need to know about the course you can study with a senior certificate pass.

Although the senior certificate pas is regarded as the lowest pass level in matric, it also does not prevent you from getting a good course in the tertiary level. 

If you are looking to study a course using a senior certificate, it is important to consider TVET, private colleges, or distance colleges. 

These institutions can offer you extensive courses that will broaden your knowledge and increase your overall abilities in the job market. 

With a senior certificate pass, you will be allowed to study short courses, vocational courses, certification, and other Artisan courses. 

Can You Go To University With Senior Certificate Pass?

If the pass level in your matric is considered to be a senior certificate pass, just know you may have certain limitations in terms of gaining admission into the university.

There are over 100 universities in South Africa which include private and public. With all these numbers, there are certain minimum requirements that students must meet to be considered. 

It is highly impossible to gain admission into the university with a senior certificate pass. 

How Many Points Is Senior Certificate Pass?

 The senior certificate pass is regarded as the least pass level in matric. Indeed it is considered to be the least; it certainly provides individuals the opportunity to study some courses at certain colleges. Getting a senior certificate pass does not mean failure, although there are certain limitations that may hit you as an individual.

As part of the requirement, the senior certificate pass demands 14 points. These 14 points are accumulated from the matric results and converted to points to translate the performance of students. If you are looking to know the number of points in the senior certificate pass, then it is necessary to look at 14 points and below.

What Symbol Is A Senior Certificate Pass?

 As part of the reforms in South African education, the national high school level examination was changed to the national certificate exams. This was part of the process to promote education and increase the chances of tertiary admission in the country. 

In 2008 there were a lot of changes that occurred in South Africa in terms of making new policies surrounding the senior certificate. And this even includes the change of the high school exams to Senior certificates. 

The symbols for the various pass level in matric represents the accomplishment of the levels in the matric.

The senior certificate pass symbol is written as “NSC”. once you see NSC in any part of the academic accomplishments, just know that it means senior certificate pass. 

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