HG and SG Meaning in Matric is simple: HG stands for Higher Grade, and SG stands for Standard Grade. These were two levels learners could choose from in South Africa’s old Matric system. Think of it like taking the same subject, but with one option being more academically demanding and the other slightly more manageable. HG was the tougher level, while SG was less intense, but both still counted as valid Matric subjects.
Most people ask about these terms when they’re looking at an older certificate or trying to compare past results with today’s CAPS system. The difference mattered because the level you took could influence your marks, points, and even your options after school. That’s why these terms still come up today and why understanding them helps you make sense of older Matric results.
What are HG and SG subjects in South Africa?
HG stands for Higher Grade, and SG stands for Standard Grade. These were used in the old Matric system in South Africa before 2008. Learners could choose to write some subjects on a higher or standard level, depending on their strengths.
Here’s the difference:
Higher Grade (HG) – More difficult, with advanced content. Needed for university entry.
Standard Grade (SG) – Easier level, but still gave you a full Matric pass.
This system has been replaced by the National Senior Certificate (NSC), where all students now write subjects at the same level. But you might still see HG or SG on older matric certificates.
What Does HG And SG Mean Today?
In the modern schooling system, the abbreviations HG and SG are also used for subjects. Higher Grade Subjects (HG) are those that help you gain entry into university because they have higher credit. Standard Grade Subjects (SG) are subjects with low credit.
An example of SG subjects is Life Orientation (L.O). Most Colleges and Universities do not look at L.O marks because it is a low credit subject.
Tertiary programmes depend on the subjects you choose. Here is a table to show you the High Credit Subjects:
| Languages | Non-Languages |
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What Was The Difference Between HG And SG In The Past?
The difference between a Higher Grade and a Standard Grade subject was that the Higher Grade subject was more challenging than the Standard Grade subject. The hardest-working and most intelligent students studied Matric subjects at the Higher Grade level.
If you have studied a Higher Grade or Standard Grade subject, in the past, you can use these subjects to study through Matric College if you plan to upgrade your Matric marks.
Do you still remember whether you wrote your subjects in HG or SG? Take a moment to look back, it probably shaped more than you realised.
What Are The 4 Compulsory Subjects?
When you study your Matric in High School, there are four (4) types of subjects which are compulsory. These subjects are:
- A Home Language subject
- First Additional Language subject
- Life Orientation subject
- A Mathematical subject
Below is a table to show you the compulsory and elective subjects you can choose from:
| These are the compulsory subjects. Choose four of these provided they match the subjects we described above: | There are the subjects that are elective. Choose any three of these: |
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Each High School has its own elective subjects |
How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?
You need seven subjects when you study Matric in High School. You are expected to pass all subjects to pass Matric. However, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has a regulation which allows you to fail one subject and still pass Matric.
Take a look at your current subject list, are your compulsory subjects setting you up for the future you want
What Are The 3 Types Of Certificates You Can Get In Matric?
There are four Certificate Passes in Matric. These are also known as Matric Pass Levels. You pass Matric if you receive one of these pass levels. Below, the pass levels have been arranged from highest to lowest:
Requirements To Pass With A Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 50% in four subjects
- A minimum of 30% in two other subjects
Requirements To Pass With A Diploma Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 40% in four subjects
- A minimum of 30% in two other subjects
Requirements To Pass With A Higher Certificate Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 40% in two subjects
- A minimum of 30% in four other subjects
Requirements To Pass With A National Senior Certificate Pass Level
- A minimum of 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 30% in two other subjects
- A minimum of 30% in three subjects
- You can fail one subject
What Is The Highest Pass In Matric?
The Bachelor’s Degree Pass is the highest pass in Matric. This is the only pass level that increases your chance of getting into university. All universities look for students who have good marks. If you have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you may be accepted into university.
You will be accepted into the university if you meet the requirements set by the university and the course you have applied for. These requirements usually have to do with your subject choices. You will be required to have certain marks to study the course you want.
For example, you may be required to have 70% for Maths to study for a Degree in Chemical Engineering.
If you do not have enough marks, you should not worry. Take time to enrol for an Matric Upgrade Course. This course is available at Matric College. You will be able to study for the marks you need to gain admission to the university.
What Is A Symbol ‘C’ In Matric Results?
The symbol ‘C’ in your Matric results indicates that you have received marks between 60% and 69%. This is an excellent mark that can help you get into university. Below is a table to show you different Matric symbols and what they mean:
| Matric Subject Symbol / Final Examination Marks | APS (Admission Point Score) |
| A (80 – 100%) | 7 |
| B (70 – 79%) | 6 |
| C (60 – 69%) | 5 |
| D (50 – 59%) | 4 |
| E (40 – 49%) | 3 |
| F (30 – 39%) | 2 |
| G (0 – 29%) | 1 |
Is 75 A Distinction In Matric?
No, 75% is not a distinction in Matric. 75% is a distinction for students who are at a college or university. To obtain a distinction pass in Matric, you must receive any mark between 80% and 100%.
Don’t let a symbol or percentage define your worth. Think about what your results mean for your next step, not just what they say on paper.
Is A Diploma Pass In Matric Good?
Yes, a Diploma Pass in Matric is good. You can use this pass level to gain admission into some universities. You will not be able to study for any Degree Courses. However, you can enrol for the following courses:
- Diploma Courses
- Higher Certificate Courses
- Certificate Courses
If you have a Diploma Pass, you can study any course at Matric College. There are different entry requirements, including courses that just requires Grade 10.
Is A Higher Certificate Good?
A Higher Certificate is a good pass if you want to study at a college. You can use this pass to study for the following types of courses:
- Higher Certificate Courses
- Certificate Courses
If you have this pass, you can study any of our courses at Matric College.
Which Universities Accept Higher Certificates?
Only a select number of universities accept students who have passed with a Higher Certificate Pass. Essentially, you need a Bachelor’s Degree Pass to study at university. There are also a few universities and course programmes that accept Diploma Passes.
If you have a Higher Certificate Pass, you can study at Matric College. You can use any Matric Pass requirement to study through us. There are the courses you can study:
| Courses: | Course Information: | Qualifications: |
| NATED Courses | You can study these courses to increase your chances of employment. You will earn practical skills and knowledge. We also award you a qualification when you complete the course. Matric College offers the following NATED Courses: | |
| ICB Courses: | You can study these courses to gain skills and knowledge on how to start a business. You will receive an ICB Qualification when you have completed your studies. These are the ICB Courses you can study at Matric College: | |
| Short Courses: | You can study these courses to gain skills and knowledge on how to start a business. You will receive an ICB Qualification when you have completed your studies. These are the ICB Courses you can study at Matric College: |
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Start a successful journey at Matric College. Whether you would like to:
- Complete Matric
- Improve your Matric marks
- Study with any Matric Pass Level, or
- Study without Matric
Real Student Testimonials
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“Matric College is the best, they go out of their way to check on each student with their studies. If you need help, there are tutors available to guide you through your studies. I would recommend Matric College to everyone.”
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No matter which pass you got, it’s a milestone worth celebrating. The real question is where will it take you next.
f you’re ready to take that next step, finding the right career path is a great place to start. Our Career Aptitude Test guides you through a series of meaningful questions to help you discover the career that suits you best, along with a personalised course recommendation. Everyone who completes the quiz also receives our Ultimate Career Booklet for free.
People Also Ask
Yes, upgrading your matric is the same as giving yourself a second chance for better marks and opportunities. It is advised that if you received marks you weren’t satisfied with, upgrading can help you receive an even better pass for further studies or job opportunities and promotions.
Yes, our Adult Matric course covers work from grades 10, 11 and 12. Depending on your subject choices, you will learn all that you need to be able to pass matric and receive your certificate.
Matric has 130 credits. Credits are important because they indicate how much a student has learned throughout the year and the NQF level received. They also indicate the kinds of post-matric opportunities you can receive.
If you see this symbol, it stands for Higher certificate. This means you will be study courses at Matric College. This pass does not guarantee you entry to every tertiary institution. For this reason, you could complete a Matric Upgrade course to improve your marks.
Yes, you can still pass Matric even if you fail Maths. As long as you pass your other subjects and meet the overall requirements, you can get your Matric certificate. However, failing Maths might limit your choices for certain university courses or jobs that require it.
Yes, if you wrote Matric more than once, you can combine your best results from different sittings into one certificate. This helps show your highest marks. However, you need to have passed at least some subjects to combine results.
Afrikaans, like other Matric subjects in the old curriculum, was offered at Higher Grade (HG) and Standard Grade (SG). However, in the current CAPS curriculum, these levels no longer exist. Instead, Afrikaans is taken as either a Home Language, First Additional Language, or Second Additional Language.
Yes, a higher certificate is worth it if you want a quicker, career-focused qualification. It’s ideal for building practical skills, improving job opportunities, or using it as a stepping stone to a diploma or degree. It’s especially valuable if you don’t meet university entry requirements but still want to study further.
A 7 in Matric is the highest achievement level, meaning you scored 80% to 100% in a subject. It reflects excellent performance and can help you qualify for admission into competitive university programmes.
In the old Matric system, Afrikaans could be taken as either Higher Grade (HG) or Standard Grade (SG), depending on a learner’s subject choice. For example, many students chose Afrikaans as a First Additional Language on SG, while others wrote it as a Home Language on HG. Today, with the National Senior Certificate (NSC), subjects are no longer separated into HG or SG—everyone writes them at the same level, but they are weighted differently depending on whether you take it as Home Language, First Additional Language, or Second Additional Language.
Getting 7 distinctions in Matric is possible, but it takes consistent effort, planning, and smart study habits. Here’s what helps:
- Choose your subjects wisely – subjects you’re strong in give you a better chance of excelling.
- Stay disciplined with your study timetable – spread out your workload to avoid last-minute cramming.
- Use past exam papers – this helps you understand how questions are asked and what examiners look for.
- Work with teachers and peers – ask questions, form study groups, and get feedback.
- Balance rest and study – a healthy mind performs better than a tired one.
Plenty of students in South Africa have achieved 7 (or even more) distinctions, so it’s absolutely possible with the right mindset and dedication.
Yes you can still pass Matric even if you fail two subjects, but it depends on which subjects they are and how well you perform in the others. According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE):
- You need to pass at least 6 of your 7 subjects.
- You must pass your Home Language with at least 40%.
- You can fail one subject completely and still pass, but failing two subjects usually means you won’t meet the minimum requirements.
So, while failing one subject is allowed, failing two makes it very difficult to qualify for a Matric pass. That’s why it’s important to focus on your weaker subjects early and get extra help if needed.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 22 , 2022