How to Pass My Matric Finals

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Last Updated : April 20, 2026

You can pass your Matric final examination by dedicating yourself to your studies. You must be involved in both internal and external assessments. These assessments help you create your final mark, which determines whether you pass or fail Matric. This is how it works: 

  • Internal assessments 
  • External assessments 

Internal Assessments 

When you are studying your Matric in High School, there are internal assessments that you complete. These assessments are also known as School-Based Assessments (SBA). They count as 25% towards your final Matric results. Internal assessments consist of the following: 

  • Oral presentations 
  • Class tests 
  • Assignments 
  • May/June examination
  • Trial examination 

You can increase your chances of passing Matric by doing well in these assessments. The mark you receive will be used to boost your final exam mark. 

External Assessments 

You can pass your Matric final exam by preparing for it. Your Matric final exam is known as the external assessment. This assessment counts as 75% in your final mark. You must earn a mark of at least 50% to pass the final exam. This will be combined with your SBA mark and create your total mark.

How Can I Focus On My Matric Studies?

You can focus on your Matric studies by avoiding distractions. Find out what keeps you from studying and remove it. For example, if your cellphone distracts you, you can ask one of your family members to hold it for you while you study. 

How Many Hours Should A Matric Student Study?

A Matric student should study for at least four to six hours weekly. The more hours you study, the more knowledge you can obtain. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you can divide your study time. Take a break for about 15 minutes after every hour that you study. The likelihood of getting tired will be reduced.

How Can I Study Harder?

You can study harder by trying the following study methods:

Study Using Past Exam Papers 

Use past question papers to study harder. These papers are best because they let you see how exams are set. You learn about different topics in one question paper. In case you are unable to answer most questions on the question paper, you will have time to study more.

These are the past exam papers you can use: 

If you want more resources, you can use the following free learning material: 

Have Study Sessions With Other Students

You can study with other students to learn from them. You can have discussions with them to gain knowledge from one another. Through discussions, you will find clarity on different topics. You may learn new ways of answering questions in exams. 

Ask Your Teachers For Assistance 

Your Teachers have knowledge on the subjects that they teach you. Ask them questions if you do not understand the topics. Having knowledge on all topics will help you succeed in your tests and exams.

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When Should I Start Studying For Finals?

You should start studying for your final examination at least 2 months before the exam starts. You will have enough time to study all your subjects. This will help you to not feel stressed by your upcoming exam.

How Do You Pass Matric?

You pass your Matric by studying and completing your assessments. A student gains knowledge when he or she studies. In your assessments, you then use the knowledge you gave acquired to answer different questions. You will be able to answer correctly because you have the information in mind. This can help you pass Matric. 

Below are the marks you must receive to pass your Matric: 

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 

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 

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 

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 Percentage For A Distinction In Matric?

Any mark from 80% to 100% is a distinction in Matric. When you have distinctions in your final Matric results, you have a better chance of getting into university. This is because universities prefer students with good marks.

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What Does “D” Stand For In Matric Results?

The symbol D in your Matric results shows that you have received a mark of between 50 to 59%. This is a good mark because it helps you pass Matric. Below is a table to show you different Matric symbols and what they symbolise: 

Matric Subject Symbol / Marks received in the final examination  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
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Can I Upgrade My Matric?

Yes, you can upgrade your Matric. If you are not satisfied with the Matric results you have, you can improve them. You can enrol for our Matric Upgrade Course and get the chance to work on your results. 

We assist you with different tools that are best for you to get better marks. These are:

You can use these tools to help you prepare for the final exam. The marks you receive from this exam will determine the amount of improvement you made. With your new results, you can further your studies or find work after matric. 

You can study at Matric College and apply for any of our courses with a Matric Certificate at any Matric Pass Level. You can also study without Matric. We can help you build and choose a career that suits you.

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Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 02, 2022