Is A Senior Certificate A Matric?

A senior certificate is a Matric Qualification you are awarded once you have completed Grade 12 or an Adult Matric course. This gives you access to university.

Book a Call Back
Download a brochure

Last Updated : April 6, 2022

Yes, a Senior Certificate is a Matric Qualification. The term ‘Senior Certificate’ refers to two Certificates. These are: 

A National Senior Certificate is a qualification you are awarded once you have completed Grade 12/Matric. This is completed in high school when you are younger than the age of 21. To pass the Grade 12 class, you must complete the following: 

  • Tests 
  • Oral Presentations 
  • Assignments 
  • Preliminary Exams 
  • June Exams 
  • Final Examinations 

A Senior Certificate (Amended) is a Qualification you are awarded once you have completed the Adult Matric course. This is completed through a college. To pass the Adult Matric course, you must complete the final examinations.

Who Qualifies For The Senior Certificate?

Here is what you need to qualify for the Senior Certificate: 

  • National Senior Certificate – NSC – Matric Certificate 
  • Senior Certificate (Amended) – SC(A) – Adult Matric

National Senior Certificate - NSC - Matric Certificate

You qualify to study for the National Senior Certificate if you have the following: 

  • A Grade 11 Qualification 
  • You are at least 16 or older (but younger than 21)

Senior Certificate (Amended) - SC(A) - Adult Matric

You qualify to study the Senior Certificate (Amended) if you have the following: 

  • You must have at least a Grade 9 or Grade 9 Equivalent Qualification, 
    • i.e.: 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

Watch Our CEO, Jan Badenhorst Talk About Our Adult Matric Course

Apply Now

Why Study The Adult Matric Course At Matric College

  • You will earn a Matric Certificate from Umalusi 
  • You will boost your academic confidence 
  • You will be able to further your studies at university 
  • You will be able to apply for entry-level employment 
  • You will study from home
  • We will send you the study material 
  • We have tutors to assist you with your course
Contact A Course Expert

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Senior Certificate?

  • National Senior Certificate – NSC – Matric Certificate 
  • Senior Certificate (Amended) – SC(A) – Adult Matric

National Senior Certificate - NSC - Matric Certificate

You need a minimum of seven (7) subjects to pass the National Senior Certificate. From these subjects, you can pass six subjects and receive the National Senior Certificate.

Senior Certificate (Amended) - SC(A) - Adult Matric

You need a minimum of six (6) subjects to pass the Senior Certificate (Amended). From these subjects, you can pass five subjects and receive the Senior Certificate (Amended).

What Are The 4 Types Of Certificates You Can Get In Matric?

These are the four types of Certificate passes for the following: 

  • National Senior Certificate
  • Senior Certificate (Amended)

National Senior Certificate

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 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

Is 75 A Distinction In Matric?

No, 75% is not a distinction in Matric. 75% is a distinction for students at university. To receive a distinction for the National Senior Certificate or the Senior Certificate (Amended) you must obtain a mark of 80% and above.

What Is A Good APS Score?

A good Admission Point Score (APS) is 35 points and above. An APS is a strategy used by universities to see if students qualify to gain course and university entry. They set an APS score for both the university and the course. For example to gain university entry they may require that you have an APS of at least 30 points and 38 points for course entry. You must meet the requirements for both to study.

The university calculates your APS score this way:

Subjects Received resultsMark PercentageAPS Score
Mathematics28%0-29%1 point
Life Sciences35%30-39%2 points
Geography40%40-49%3 points
Physical Sciences54%50-59%4 points
Life Orientation61%60-69%5 points
English75%70-79%6 points
Tshivenda (Home Language)80% (Distinction)80-100%7 points

Here is another example of an APS score is : 

  • Mathematics – 49% = 3 points
  • Tshivenda Home Language – 68% = 5 points 
  • English First Additional Language – 77% = 6 points 
  • Life Orientation – 58% (They do not count L.O when they calculate APS)
  • Geography – 55% = 4 points 
  • Physical Sciences – 56% = 4 points 
  • Life Sciences – 88% = 7 points (Distinction) 

3 + 5 + 6 + 4 + 4 + 7 = 29 APS Points

Can You Fail 2 Subjects In Matric?

If you fail two or more subjects for the National Senior Certificate or the Senior Certificate (Amended) you will fail. However, if you fail one subject, you can still pass. Your focus should not be on how much you can fail and still manage to pass. 

You should study to pass all subjects, as it will help you gain a good APS score and increase your chances to gain entry into university.

Can I Go To University With A Senior Certificate?

Yes, you can go to university with a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate (Amended). These are both Matric Qualifications that are accepted at university. However, your acceptance into the university depends on whether you meet the requirements set for the university and the course you are applying for.

What Can I Do With My Senior Certificate?

This is what you can do with the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate (Amended):

  • Find employment
  • Study further

Find Employment

You can use the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate (Amended) to find employment. You can find entry-level employment such as:

  • Receptionist
  • Store Assistant
  • Cashier
  • Sales Representative
  • Personal Assistant
  • General Worker

Study Further

You can use the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate (Amended) to further your studies. You can do this at Matric College. You can apply for our NATED or ICB courses.

These courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to equip students with skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workplace. These courses are accredited by the DHET and the QCTO. This helps you gain recognised qualifications that allow you to further your studies or find employment anywhere in South Africa.

These courses are accredited by the ICB and the QCTO. They equip you with scarce skills. This increases your chances to find employment or furthering your studies. You gain qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally.

OR

You can use the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate (Amended) to further your studies at university. Remember that your acceptance depends on whether you meet the requirements for the university and the course you have applied for.

Download A Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions students ask:

  • What Is The Difference Between A Matric Certificate And A Statement?
  • Can You Buy Your Matric?
  • Do You Get Matric Certificate If You Failed?
  • What Can I Study Without Matric?

What Is The Difference Between A Senior Certificate And A Statement?

Senior CertificateStatement of Results
Valid foreverNot valid forever
Permanent documentTemporary document
Used to apply for employment or university coursesUsed temporarily to apply for university while you wait for a Senior Certificate
Have more details written on itHave fewer details written on it

Can You Buy Your Matric?

No, you should not buy a Matric Certificate. This is an illegal act to do. If you are found with an illegal Matric Certificate, you will have to face the law.

Do You Get A Matric Certificate If You Failed?

Yes, you receive a Matric Certificate even if you failed the National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended).

What Can I Study Without Matric?

If you do not have a Matric Certificate, you can apply at Matric College. You can study the following courses:

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: March 4, 2022