Your Matric pass determines what you can study after school. The difference between a Bachelor Degree Pass and a Diploma Pass comes down to the level of study you qualify for after Matric, and it can shape the options available to you moving forward. A Bachelor Degree Pass allows you to apply for university degree programmes, while a Diploma Pass qualifies you for diploma or higher certificate studies at colleges and universities of technology. If you’re trying to decide which pass you need, understanding this difference upfront can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress. Let’s break it down clearly.
This choice matters. One pass takes you to university, the other to diplomas. Let’s make sense of the difference so you can choose wisely
What Are Matric Pass Levels?
A Matric Pass Level is the level of pass that you will have achieved when you get your Matric results. Hence, the difference between a Bachelor’s Degree Pass and a Diploma Pass. Here are the (4) four Matric Pass Levels:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
The Bachelor’s Degree Pass is the highest Matric pass level you can achieve. It gives you the chance to apply for degree studies at a university. The minimum requirements to get a Bachelor’s Degree Pass is as follows:
- Get 40% for your Home Language
- Get 50% for four other Higher Credit subjects
- Get 30% for one other subject for the Senior Certificate (Amended) / Obtain 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
Diploma Pass
The Diploma Pass allows you to apply for diploma-level courses at colleges and universities of technology. It is a recognised Matric pass that can help you move forward in your education.The minimum requirements to get this certificate is as follows:
- Get 40% for your Home Language
- Get 40% for four other High Credit subjects
- Get 30% for two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate. For the Amended Senior Certificate obtain 30% for one other subject.
Higher Certificate Pass
A Higher Certificate Pass allows students to enrol at a college or distance learning college. It is a recognised pass level that opens doors to further study and skills development.
The minimum requirements to get this certificate is as follows:
- Get 40% in your Home Language – Note: One of your Home Languages must be English or Afrikaans to qualify for this certificate
- Get 40% in two other subjects
- Get 30% for three other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
National Senior Certificate Pass
The National Senior Certificate Pass is the basic Matric pass level that still gives you a full certificate. It allows you to study further or apply for skills-based training programmes.
The minimum requirements to get this certificate are as follows:
- Pass at least (3) three subjects with 40%. One of these subjects should be an official Home Language.
- Pass at least (2) two subjects with 30%. One of these subjects should be a First Additional Language or Home Language. Obtain 40% in two other subjects for the National Senior Certificate
- You are allowed to fail 1 subject. The minimum percentage you can get for this subject is 20%. For the National Senior Certificate 30% in three other subjects. You can fail one subject, but you must get 30% or more for the rest of the subjects
Every pass level matters, but each takes you somewhere different. Don’t just settle, see what your results really mean for your future.
What is APS?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. The APS Score is used to calculate the score that you will have achieved in your exam. This score also determines the pass level that you will have achieved for your Matric.
In turn, the pass level will also determine what you can study with your Matric. This leads us to another difference between the Bachelor’s Degree Pass and a Diploma Matric Pass. It is their APS scores.
How Is The APS Score Calculated?
You calculate your APS Score by adding the points of your six best subjects. This is because with Adult Matric Courses you write six subjects only. The percentage that you got in each of your subjects determines the points that you will have scored. The total number of points for your six subjects is your APS.
Here are the points for the respective percentage mark you can use to calculate an APS Score:
% MARKS | POINTS |
| 7 |
| 6 |
| 5 |
| 4 |
| 3 |
| 2 |
| 1 |
What is the APS score for bachelor pass?
To achieve a Bachelor’s Pass in matric, you need a minimum APS score of 23 points. APS stands for Admission Point Score, and it is used by universities to decide if you qualify for a degree course. The higher your APS, the more study options you will have.
APS Requirements for a Bachelor’s Pass:
- At least 40% in your Home Language
- At least 50% in four subjects from the designated list
- At least 30% in two other subjects
- You must pass 7 subjects in total
Each subject gives you points based on your marks. The total APS is calculated by adding the points from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation (some universities include it, but most do not).
Why Is A Bachelors Pass Important?
A Bachelor’s Pass is important because it gives you a wide range of opportunities for further studies. It gives you access to study towards a Bachelor’s Degree at university. You can also qualify for Diploma Courses if you have a Bachelor’s Pass.
What you must remember is that the APS Score of 23 is the minimum. The highest possible score is 42 points. Depending on your degree choice, there might be other requirements for you to fulfil.
This could be higher points than the minimum, or you must have passed certain subjects. What you will need to do is to find out the specific requirements for your course from the university of your choice. Here is the list of all South African universities.
What do you need for a bachelor's pass?
To get a Bachelor’s Pass in matric, you must meet certain subject and mark requirements. This pass is the highest level of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and allows you to apply for Bachelor’s Degree programmes at universities.
Here’s what you need for a Bachelor’s Pass:
- At least 40% in your Home Language You must pass your Home Language with a minimum of 40%.
- At least 50% in four subjects These subjects must be from the designated list used for university entrance (such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, Business Studies, etc.).
- At least 30% in two other subjects These can be any other approved NSC subjects.
- Pass 7 subjects in total You must write and pass seven subjects in your matric year.
This pass does not guarantee automatic entry to university, but it gives you the minimum qualification needed to apply. Universities may have their own requirements depending on the course and number of spaces available.
Don’t stop at the basics, see what else you’ll need for the course you want. Your Bachelor’s Pass is powerful when paired with the right subjects
What Course Can I Study With A Diploma Pass?
A Diploma Pass gives you access to many career-focused study options. It allows you to enrol in courses that can build your skills and improve your job prospects.
With a Diploma Pass, you can study the following courses at Matric College:
- NATED Courses
- ICB Courses (Scarce skills Courses)
These courses are practical and in demand in the job market. They are a great choice if you want to gain skills and enter the workforce quickly.
NATED Courses
NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. NATED Courses are also known as National Qualifications. They are a creation of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and they include a practical component. This was after the Department had noticed a skills gap in the job market.
These courses build on each other. This means that you cannot move to the next course unless you have completed the previous one. Here are the NATED Courses that you can study with a Diploma Pass:
Scarce Skills Courses
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offers (ICB) scarce skills courses, these courses are in demand. These courses build on each other. They are career-oriented. Here are the ICB Courses that you can study with your Diploma Matric Pass:
| Courses | Qualifications |
| Business Management NATED ourses |
|
| Marketing Management NATED ourses |
|
| Management Assistant NATED ourses |
|
| Human Resources Management NATED ourses |
|
| Financial Management NATED Courses |
|
| Legal Secretary NATED Courses |
|
Can You Go To University With A Diploma Pass?
Yes, you can go to university with a Diploma Pass but you may only apply for a Diploma course. You can also only go to university with a Bachelor’s Matric Pass and study for a Bachelor’s Degree. You can however upgrade your Matric results if you want to achieve a Bachelor’s Pass. Matric College offers the Matric Upgrade Courses.
Matric College is an awesome distance learning College. Everything is just a breeze. Registration was so easy and I got my textbooks and study material just 5 days after registration. I am enjoying studying with them every step of the way – Collin W
How Many Points Is A Diploma?
A Diploma is 19 points for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and 17 points for the Senior Certificate – SC. Here are the minimum points for the different Matric Level Passes:
Matric Pass | National Senior Certificate Minimum APS Points | Senior Certificate (Amended) Minimum APS Points |
Bachelor’s Degree Matric Pass | 23 points | 21 points |
Diploma Matric Pass | 19 points | 17 points |
Higher Certificate Matric Pass | 15 points | 13 points |
National Senior Certificate Matric Pass | 14 points | 12 points |
Your Diploma Pass has opened the door. Now it’s time to choose the path business, management, finance, or HR. Where will you start
Matric pass levels are linked to specific symbols on your certificate. These symbols help show which level you have achieved. A Diploma Pass symbol is D.
Here are the symbols for the rest of the Matric Level Passes:
- Bachelor’s Degree Matric Pass – B
- Diploma Matric Pass – D
- Higher Certificate Matric Pass – H
- National Senior Certificate Matric Pass
What Are High Credit Subjects?
High credit subjects are those subjects that have higher ratings when you apply for a place to study at a university. For example, Mathematics is rated higher than Computer Application Technology. Here is a list of the high credit subjects:
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- IsiNdebele
- isiXhosa
- Isizulu
- Sepedi
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- Siswati
- Tshivenda
- Xitsonga
Non-Languages
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
Choosing high credit subjects like Maths or Sciences can change everything. The stronger your subjects, the stronger your future options
People Also Ask
If you want to pursue a better career path or gain access to more study options, the Matric Upgrade Course helps you rewrite the subjects you got fewer marks.
You also have the option to add new subjects to your certificate, allowing you to study new subjects with a better understanding and have enough APS points to receive a Bachelor’s degree.
No, a National Senior Certificate pass is the lowest matric pass you can receive. It can only grant you access to some colleges, since the APS score is much smaller than what is required in university. However, since it is a matric pass, you are allowed to study all of our available courses, like:
- Matric Upgrade
- NATED Courses
- ICB Courses
- Short Courses
NATED courses offer 7 different qualifications that can help you get the knowledge and skills you will need to start your career on a high note. With this course selection and your goals and dreams in mind, you can choose the course you resonate with, for example:
| NATED Courses | What each course is about: |
| Business Management NATED Courses | This is a course for anyone passionate about how a business works and would like to learn the skills to run and succeed in a business. |
| Marketing Management NATED Courses | If you want to learn about the many functions of marketing, for example: branding and advertising and how to manage these functions, this is the perfect course for you. |
| Management Assistant NATED Courses | If you see yourself in a management position and would love to learn the ins and outs of operating a business, try this course. |
| Human Resources Management NATED Courses | Managing the employees of a business is not an easy task, but with this course, you can learn how to do that effectively and efficiently. |
| Financial Management NATED Courses | For those who love working with numbers, calculations and being an organised person in an office space, this course will take you places in the world of Financial Accounting. |
| Legal Secretary NATED Courses | Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in a court case? You can learn the skills to help lawyers work to their fullest and climb up the law and order ladder. |
If you are someone who is 21 or over and would like to take a chance on your education without having to let go of your daily responsibilities, these courses are designed to be flexible and make sure you can understand your work.
We include study materials to help you study from home without any hassle and with our tutors to guide and support you throughout your journey, achieving your bachelor’s pass is a possibility that will allow you to reach your goals and dreams.
It depends on your goals. A Bachelor’s Degree is more academic and usually required for high-level or specialised careers. A Diploma is shorter, more practical, and gets you into the job market faster. If you want to start working sooner or prefer hands-on learning, a diploma might be better. If you’re aiming for long-term academic growth or professional roles, go for the degree.
Yes, a diploma pass is a solid achievement. It means you qualified for diploma-level studies at a university of technology or college. While it’s not the highest Matric pass, it still opens doors to further education and career opportunities. If you want to improve your options later, you can always upgrade your results.
You don’t need any distinctions to get a Bachelor’s Pass in Matric. What matters is getting at least 50% in four designated subjects, 40% in your Home Language, and meeting minimum requirements in the rest. Distinctions (80% and above) help with university admission and bursaries, but they’re not required to pass with a Bachelor’s.
No, a 3-year diploma is not the same as a degree. A diploma is a qualification that focuses on practical, career-specific skills, usually offered at colleges or universities of technology. A degree, on the other hand, is more academic and theory-based, and it often takes longer to complete. While both are respected qualifications, a degree generally carries more weight for higher-level job opportunities or postgraduate studies.
No, a Bachelor Pass is not the same as a distinction. A Bachelor Pass is a Matric pass level that qualifies you to apply for degree studies at university. A distinction, however, refers to the marks you achieve in an individual subject (usually 80% and above). You can earn distinctions in your subjects without achieving a Bachelor Pass, and you can achieve a Bachelor Pass without distinctions
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Caitlin Roux
Date: June 15, 2022