Matric symbols and level

Understanding the different Matric Pass levels and symbols is useful. According to your results, you will know what qualification you can apply for. There are slight differences between the prerequisites for universities and colleges. One difference is the eligibility for their degree, diploma or certificate programmes.

What Are The Levels Of Passing Matric?

There are four levels of passing Matric. Each level has a certain percentile you will be required to meet. Even though these pass levels are all considered a Matric pass. They each determine the tertiary qualification you will be able to complete. Here are the Matric Pass Levels, arranged from highest to lowest:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass	Diploma Pass	Higher Certificate Pass	National Senior Certificate Pass
A minimum of 40% in your Home Language A minimum of 50% in four subjects A minimum of 30% in two other subjects	A minimum of 40% in your Home Language A minimum of 40% in four subjects A minimum of 30% in two other subjects	A minimum of 40% in your Home Language A minimum of 40% in two subjects A minimum of 30% in four other subjects	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

These are the general criteria for each passing level, however, differences can be seen. Take the Senior Certificate as an example. The pass criteria differ as well:

Pass two subjects at 30%;
- One of them needs to be either a First Additional Language or a Home Language
Pass three subjects at 40%;
- One of them must be either a First Additional Language or a Home Language
Receive a minimum of 20% in your sixth subject

What Is A Bachelor's Degree Pass?

A Bachelor’s Degree Pass is the highest Matric achievement. This pass allows you to enter degree programs without needing to complete bridging courses. Although this is the highest Matric pass level, there are still some other criteria institutions focus on. When applying for any tertiary qualification the subjects you chose in Matric will be considered

So focusing on all your subjects is important. Be sure that you also align your subjects to the career you want to pursue. Being prepared ahead of time will save you from having to complete bridging courses.

There are however options after Matric that are offered if you wish to rewrite specific subjects or add new ones. At Matric College we offer these courses for improved results:

These courses are available both full-time and part-time. Each student that enrols with us will receive the following help to prepare you for the exams:

Tutors
Course Experts
Study material
Grade 12 past exam papers and memorandums

What Is The Difference Between A Bachelor’s Degree Pass And A Higher Certificate Pass?

While both pass levels assure institutions and employers that an individual has passed Matric. The level you passed, indicates how well you have performed in your exams. The subjects covered in Matric provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level jobs. As well as basic knowledge for more specialised tertiary programmes.

With a Bachelor’s pass, you will be able to study for a degree and any qualification lower. However, with a Higher Certificate pass, you will only be able to progress from higher certificate qualifications. After which you will only then be able to complete either a diploma or degree in the same field of study.

Higher certificates in universities and colleges are essentially bridging courses. These cover subjects that could potentially be in the first year of your chosen degree programme. Still, once you weigh the time consumed to finish a tertiary qualification. Passing with a Bachelor’s allows you to complete your degree in the standard duration.

Whereas your Higher Certificate pass will add a year or two, possibly extending the time to complete your degree to 5 or 6 years. Therefore, you should always aim for higher marks in your Matric Exams, to prevent taking longer routes.

What Are The Symbols For Matric?

Matric symbols are essentially the grades you receive in your final results. These symbols are categorised in alphabetical order. With the highest symbol being A. You will come to see that these symbols could be represented differently. Sometimes the lowest symbol is “G”, and sometimes it is “FF”.

What is important, regardless of what the symbols being used are, is your understanding of the linkage between the percentages and the symbols. Take the following table as a guide to what to expect:

Matric Symbol	Marks Achieved	Description	APS Score
A	80-100%	Outstanding Achievement	7
B	70-79%	Meritorious Achievement	6
C	60-69%	Substantial Achievement	5
D	50-59%	Adequate Achievement	4
E	40-49%	Moderate Achievement	3
F	30-39%	Elementary Achievement	2
G	0-29%	Not Achieved	1

Remember that the symbols are not always represented in the same way. What is rather essential is your APS score and the percentage you received for each subject. These are what institutions refer to when they view your application.

What Is An A+ Level Pass?

An A+ level ranges from 80% to 100%. These results are considered as an outstanding achievement. It is therefore also known that if a student passes with these results, they pass with distinction.

If you receive an A+ you will likely be receiving priority when it comes to admission for programmes at a university or college. Ensuring that you pass your Matric with great results, can work in your favour. Both tertiary institutions and employers value hard workers. Your achievement will not go unnoticed.

What Are High Credit Subjects?

High-credit subjects are those that are regarded as important when you apply to university. These subjects offer a basic understanding of future tertiary qualifications. They are also used to calculate your Admission Point Score.

Keep in mind that because Life Orientation is considered a low credit subject, it would be excluded when calculating your APS score. Below is a list of High Credit subjects:

Language Subjects

Non-languages

How Do I Calculate My APS?

Your subjects’ percentages are converted to points ranging from 1-7. The lowest APS score is converted to 1 and represents the range between 0% and 29%. Whereas the highest score 7, represents the range from 80% -100%. Before you learn to calculate the score, ask yourself this, what is the APS score used for?

This system is used by universities when they consider your application. These points will be compared to the entry requirements for the qualification you want to apply for. Summing up the points from all your high-credit subjects, the total will be considered and measured against the tertiary qualification.

Take this time to go over the table we provided and consider this example:

English First Additional Language – 74% = 6 points
Tshivenda Home Language – 72% = 6 points
Agricultural Sciences- 56% = 4 points
Life Sciences- 85% = 7 points (Distinction)
Geography – 76% = 6 points
Mathematics – 53% = 4 points
Life Orientation – 65% = (We do not include L.O in APS calculations)

Your Total: 6 + 6 + 4 + 7 + 6 + 4 = 33 APS Score

So if you meet the requirements, you will be accepted, if your APS score does not match the programme you are interested in, you could consider a lower qualification. Some universities allow you the option to choose a backup qualification. Be sure to always be well versed with the qualifications criteria you are interested in. Add a second option if you are still unsure about your eligibility for the university programme.

At Matric College we allow you to join our accredited Diploma courses, as long as you have passed Matric. Each course has foundational levels that will help ease your understanding and prepare you for more advanced topics.

What Can I Study With A 17 APS?

If you have passed Matric, you can study our courses regardless of what your APS Score is. We believe that the foundational courses of our programmes will give you enough knowledge to progress until you have achieved your diploma. The following courses can be studied with a Matric qualification:

NATED Courses

NATED Courses are created by the DHET to reduce the unemployment rate in South Africa. When you study NATED Courses, you acquire skills and knowledge that are required in the workplace.

Because the diplomas require you to have 18 months of practical experience, that will be logged in. This can be a great advantage for career opportunities. When you finish studying your desired course. You are awarded a NATED Qualification. You can use this to find employment. Below is a list of the NATED Courses you can enrol for:

ICB Courses

ICB Courses are created by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers to assist students who want to gain employment or open businesses. When you study ICB Courses, you obtain knowledge and skills that are in demand.

This enables an increase in your chances of getting employed. When you have completed an ICB Course, you will receive an ICB Qualification. You can use this to find work. Below is a list of ICB Courses you can enrol for that are accredited by the ICB and awarded by FASSET:

Our ICB courses are great for people who are interested in the operation of a business and how to manage its finances. These courses are also a great choice if you see yourself ensuring that the company runs smoothly with enhanced administration skills.

Short Courses

Our short courses are created to help students get skills that are good for work and business. When you study short courses, you gain different skills that can be used to open a business or find employment. When you complete short courses, you gain a certificate qualification which you can use to get employment or start your business.

Here are the courses available through distance learning at Matric College:

These courses are packed with all the knowledge and skills you will need to start, manage and maintain your business! They have different durations expanding from a few months to a year (12 months).