On this page, we investigate the basic pass requirements for a NSC Diploma and a Degree. The NSC acronym stands for National Senior Certificate, which is your Grade 12 Matric Certificate that you will only obtain once you meet all the basic pass requirements.
Did you know that the NSC is a registered qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework? You will only get your NSC if you meet all the requirements for grades 10, 11 and 12 and have completed the school-based (internal) assessments as well as the external Grade 12 assessment.
The basic pass requirements for a NSC Matric
For you to get the NCS Grade 12 Matric, you will need to meet the basic pass requirements below:
- achieve 40% in three subjects (one must be an official language at Home Language level)
- achieve 30% in three subjects
- provide evidence that you have completed the school-based (internal) assessments (if you have failed a subject).
- two official languages (one language on the Home Language level and the other on either Home or First Additional Language level). One of the languages must be the language of learning and teaching (LOLT)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy Life Orientation
- a minimum of three other subjects.
Grade 12 Admission Requirements at Higher Learning Institutions (Universities and Colleges)
Based on the APS score, Subject Choices, and Grades, you may or may not qualify to gain entrance into Higher Certificate, Diploma, and Degree studies. Below are the different set of requirements for different levels of study:
Higher Certificate Requirements
The minimum admission requirement is a NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution (offered at First Additional Language level) and 40% in languages offered at Home Language level.
Diploma Admission Requruirements
The minimum admission requirement is an UMALUSI certified NSC with an achievement rating of 3 (this is moderate achievement, 40–49%) or better in four recognised NSC credit subjects. You will also need a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution (offered at First Additional Language level) and 40% in languages offered at Home Language level.
Degree Admission Requirements
The minimum admission requirement is an UMALUSI certified NSC with an achievement rating of 4 (this is an adequate achievement, 50–59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the following designated subject list:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Consumer Studies
- Information Technology
- Languages (one Language of Learning and Teaching at the higher- education institution and up to two other recognised language subjects)
- Life Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
You will also need a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution (offered at First Additional Language level) and 40% in languages offered at Home Language level.
Also read: What Courses can i study with a Higher Certificate Pass in Matric
