If you’re wondering, “How do I get my Senior Certificate?”, you’re not alone. Many students and adults are looking for flexible ways to earn this important qualification. Whether you’re completing high school or returning to your studies later in life, Matric College offers a path that suits your needs. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the different types of Senior Certificates and how you can get started.
You receive your Senior Certificate by studying for one of the following Certificates:
- National Senior Certificate – NSC – Matric Certificate
- Senior Certificate (Amended) – SC(A) – Adult Matric
You can study for a National Senior Certificate in high school and a Senior Certificate (Amended) through a college. At Matric College, we offer the Senior Certificate (Amended). To receive this qualification, you must apply for our Adult Matric course. Once you have completed the Adult Matric course, you will be able to further your studies at university or find employment.
Adult Matric requirements:
- You must have at least a Grade 9 or Grade 9 Equivalent Qualification,
- ie: Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 4
- You have an incomplete Matric
- You must be able to read, write and understand English or Afrikaans
- You must be 21 years or older to write the exams
You may sign up for the Adult Matric course at the age of 19 years old, but you will only be able to write the Adult Matric exam once you are over 21.
Benefits Of Studying At Matric College
- Fast Study Material Delivery: Get your textbooks and resources delivered quickly and reliably—thanks to same-day dispatch and verified parcel tracking.
- Accredited and Recognised Qualifications: Earn nationally recognised qualifications that help build your career.
- Proactive Student Support:Our support team checks in with you—before you even have to ask. Monthly service calls and same-day query resolutions ensure you’re never left waiting.
- Study From Anywhere, Anytime: Learn flexibly from any location in South Africa, at your own pace, while balancing work and personal life.
- Transparent Financial Management: We offer clear, no-hidden-fees pricing and tailored payment plans to fit your budget.
- Academic Support That’s Always On: With triple daily academic dashboards and same-day assignment handling, your academic progress is tracked and supported at every step.
- Engaging Study Groups and Tutor Help: Join interactive Telegram support groups and access tutors who respond quickly to your questions.
- Automated Feedback and Certification: Receive timely feedback and certificates, so you always know where you stand in your learning journey.
How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Senior Certificate?
| National Senior Certificate | Senior Certificate (Amended) |
| You need a minimum of seven (7) subjects to study | You need a minimum of six (6) subjects to study |
| You can pass six subjects or more and receive the National Senior Certificate | You can pass five subjects or more and receive the Senior Certificate (Amended) |
What Are The 3 Types Of Certificates Passes You Can Get In A Senior Certificate?
There are four types of Certificates, passes you receive in the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate (Amended). These are:
National Senior Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree Matric Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Higher Certificate Matric Pass
- National Senior Certificate Matric Pass
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 50% in 4 subjects
- 30% in 2 other subjects
Diploma Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 4 subjects
- 30% in 2 other subjects
Higher Certificate Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 2 subjects
- 30% in 3 other subjects
National Senior Certificate Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 2 other subjects
- 30% in other subjects
Senior Certificate (Amended)
- Bachelor’s Degree Matric Pass
- Diploma Matric Pass
- Higher Certificate Matric Pass
- Senior Certificate Matric Pass
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 50% in 4 subjects
- 30% in 2 other subjects
Diploma Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 4 subjects
- 30% in 2 other subjects
Higher Certificate Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 2 subjects
- 30% in 3 other subjects
Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass
You must obtain a minimum of:
- 40% in your home language
- 40% in 2 other subjects
- 20% in other subjects
How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated?
National Senior Certificate marks are calculated based on your School-Based Assessments (SBA) marks and final examination marks. Your SBA is made up of assessments that add up to 25% marks. These are the assessments you must complete:
- Class tests
- Assignments
- Projects
- Oral presentations
- June examination
- Preliminary examination
Once you have completed the SBA, you must write a final examination that is made up of 75% of your marks. If your SBA mark is good, it will help you pass. Your SBA mark is combined with the marks you receive in your final examination and determine your final pass mark.
Senior Certificate (Amended) marks are calculated based on your final examination. This examination is made up of 100% marks. This means you have more time to study for your final examination. Your final examination marks determine your final pass mark.
How Are Senior Certificate Points Calculated?
Senior Certificate Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated based on the level of marks received. Universities use the APS method to determine if students can be accepted into the university or course. This is how Senior Certificate points are calculated:
| Mark Percentage | APS Score |
| 0-29% | 1 point |
| 30-39% | 2 points |
| 40-49% | 3 points |
| 50-59% | 4 points |
| 60-69% | 5 points |
| 70-79% | 6 points |
| 80-100% | 7 points |
Afrikaans – 88% – 7 points
English – 66% – 5 points
Business Studies – 48% – 3 points
Economics – 67% – 5 points
Accounting – 55% – 4 points
Life Orientation – 66% (They do not include this subject for APS calculations)
Mathematics – 77% – 6 points
7 + 5 + 3 + 5 + 4 + 6 = 30 APS points
Where Do I Collect My Matric Certificate?
You can collect your Senior Certificate results at the following places:
- The exam centre
- Your previous school
- The Department of Basic Education offices
- Provincial Education offices
How Can I Get My 2024 Matric Results?
These are the different ways you can use to receive your Matric results:
Newspaper
You can find your Matric results in a newspaper. Most newspapers publish Matric results when the results are out at the beginning of the year. Make sure you buy one as soon as possible because they sell out quickly.
Department Of Basic Education Website (DBE)
You can visit the DBE website to receive your Matric results. You may be asked to enter your personal details, including your examination number. Once you have done this, your results will appear.
School
You can go to the school where you completed your Matric and collect your Matric results.
SMS
Text the number 35658 and send your examination number. You will receive your Matric results when they are available. Note that SMS fee charges are R1.50c.
USSD
You can dial *120*35658*. You may be asked to put in personal details. Follow the process until you receive your Matric results.
What Happens If I Lose My Certificate?
If you lose your National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended), you can visit the Department Of Basic Education website. You can apply for a replacement of the lost Matric Certificate. These are the documents you will need:
- The Original Identity card (ID)
- A certified ID copy
- Proof of payment
It takes four to six weeks for a new Senior Certificate to be issued. You can ask for a statement of results in the meantime. It costs R60 to receive the statement of results. Note that this information is valid from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. Changes may be made.
How Much Do You Pay For A Lost Matric Certificate?
It costs R170.00 to replace a lost National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended).
People Also Ask
A Senior Certificate is not equivalent to a Matric Certificate, it is a Matric Certificate. The only difference between the two Certificates is that you receive the Senior Certificate (Amended) as an adult through a college and the National Senior Certificate (Matric Certificate) as a student in high school.
A Senior Certificate (Amended) or a National Senior Certificate is at NQF Level 4. This means that the Certificate is registered and provides an education that is of quality standard as expected by the National Qualifications Framework body.
You can find your Senior Certificate (Amended) or National Senior Certificate examination number at the centre of your certificate on the right-hand side.
Yes, you can go to university with a Senior Certificate (Amended) or a National Senior Certificate. These are qualifications that are accepted into university. However, keep in mind that your acceptance into a university depends on whether you meet the requirements for the university and the course you have applied for.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: April 5, 2022