I need help with matric

If you do not have Matric, you can study through Matric College. You can study the Adult Matric or Rewrite Matric Course to get a Matric Qualification.

No Matric? No need to worry. We can help you obtain a Matric Qualification which will help you build your dream career. There are two ways in which you can obtain Matric. This is either through High School or Matric. Here is how it happens: 

Adult Matric Course 

If you are an adult who is either 21 years of age or older, you can get your Matric through the Adult Matric Course. This course is available at Matric College. You will need the following to study: 

  • You have finished Grade 9 and have proof of your report OR
  • You completed a Grade 9 equivalent course (i.e. an ABET Certificate) that consisted of two official language subjects
  • You are 21 or older when you write your exams
    • It is possible to apply as early as 19 and start studying
  • You can read, write and understand English or Afrikaans 
  • You are able to study via distance learning

In the Adult Matric Course, you will study different subjects. These subjects are similar to those in High School Matric. You will gain knowledge and skills through these subjects. When you pass this course, the college will award you a Matric Qualification

High School Matric 

If you are younger than the age of 21, you can get your Matric (Grade 12) in High School. You will need the following to study: 

  • A Grade 11 Qualification 
  • Must be at least 16 years old 

In High School Matric, you learn different subjects. These subjects provide you with the knowledge that prepares you for university. When you pass this class, you are awarded a Matric Certificate.

What Are The 4 Compulsory Subjects?

There are four compulsory subjects that you study in High School Matric. Four of these subjects must include the following: 

  • A Life Orientation subject 
  • A Mathematical subject 
  • English First Additional Language subject 
  • Home Language subject 

These are the compulsory subjects

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation 
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  • Sesotho Home Language
  • Siswati Home Language
  • Setswana Home Language
  • isiZulu Home Language
  • isiXhosa Home Language
  • isiNdebele Home Language
  • Sepedi Home Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language

There are subjects that are elective:

  • Business Studies 
  • Accounting 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Religious Studies
  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences 
  • Agricultural Sciences 

When it comes to the Adult Matric Course, you must choose three compulsory subjects and three elective subjects.

Can I Pass Matric If I Fail Maths?

Yes, you can pass Matric if you fail Maths. You are allowed to fail one subject in High School Matric and Adult Matric Course and still pass. However, you should make it a priority to pass all your subjects. Having good marks will help you gain admission to the university.

How Many Marks Do You Need To Pass Matric?

You need the following minimum marks to pass High School Matric and Adult Matric

High School Matric 

You must have seven subjects to study Matric in High School. If you pass all seven or six subjects, you are awarded a Matric Qualification. From these subjects, you must obtain the following marks to pass: 

Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level 

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language 
  • 50% in four subjects 
  • 30% in two other subjects 

Diploma Pass Level 

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language 
  • 40% in four subjects 
  • 30% in two other subjects 

Higher Certificate Pass Level 

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language 
  • 40% in two subjects 
  • 30% in four other subjects 

National Senior Certificate Pass Level 

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language 
  • 30% in two other subjects 
  • 30% in three subjects 
  • You can fail one subject 

Adult Matric Course 

You must have six subjects to study this course. If you pass all six or five subjects, you are awarded a Matric Certificate. From these subjects, you must obtain the following marks to pass

Bachelors Degree Pass

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language subject
  • 50% in four other High Credit subjects
  • 30% in one other subject

Diploma Pass

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language subject
  • 40% in four other High Credit subjects
  • 30% in one other subject

Higher Certificate Pass

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language subject
  • 40% in two other subjects
  • 30% in three other subjects

Senior Certificate (Amended) (SC(A)) Pass

You are required to have a minimum of: 

  • 40% in your home language subject
  • 40% in two other subjects
  • 30% of the remaining subjects 
  • Fail one subject by a maximum of 20%

If you have not received the marks that you desire, you can upgrade them. At Matric College, we offer the Upgrade Matric Course, which allows you to rewrite your final exam. This way, you can work hard and change your Matric results for the better. 

What Does The Symbol D Mean In Matric Results?

The symbol D in your Matric results symbolises marks between 50% to 59%. This is a good pass as you are advised to get 50% and higher marks in Matric. The table below has different symbols and what they mean in your results:

Symbols For Matric Subjects/ 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

Which Course Can I Do With 20 Points?

There are different courses you can study at Matric College with an APS Score of 20 points. These courses include: 

The above courses are best if you want to gain qualifications that are valued by employers for their knowledge and skills. When you have obtained knowledge and skills, you have a higher chance of being employed. 

If you do not have Matric, you can also study through us. You can qualify for these courses: 

You will earn a qualification that will help you continue studying or get employment. 

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 10 , 2022