The meaning of “matric” in South Africa

Matric is a high school-leaving qualification in South Africa. Gaining this qualification allows you to further your education or gain entry-level employment.

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Last Updated : April 25, 2024

The term Matric in South Africa refers to the last grade in High School which is known as Grade 12. Matric is a highly valued grade. This is because you need to pass Matric in order to be awarded a Matric Certificate, which is the qualification needed to study at university.

What Level Is Matric?

Matric is at NQF Level 4. You get awarded a Matric Certificate once you pass Matric. When a qualification is registered on the NQF system, it is recognised in South Africa. You can use your Matric Certificate to further your education or find work.

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What Does The Matriculation Year Mean?

The Matriculation year means that it is the year in which you study the Matric class. If you pass Matric, you are said to have matriculated. This is a very important year in which you must dedicate yourself to your studies. The good results you earn will be worth the hard work. 

What Is The Difference Between Matric And Grade 12?

There is no difference between Matric and Grade 12. Both terms mean the same thing. Grade 12 or Matric refers to the last class in High School.

How Many Subjects Are There In Matric?

There are many subjects in Matric. However, you need to study seven (7) subjects. From the seven subjects, you must have compulsory and elective subjects. Below is a list of the compulsory subjects. You must choose four (4) subjects, which are: 

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

These are the compulsory subjects: 

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Additionele 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
  • Life Orientation 
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy

Additionally, there are elective subjects. There is no restriction on the subjects you can study, as long as you choose three (3):

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

Four (4) compulsory subjects and three (3) elective subjects will add up to the seven (7) subjects you need to study Matric. Please note that each school offers different elective subjects as well as different phases. For example, If you choose to be a science student, you must choose Maths as one of your subjects.

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How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric In South Africa?

You need seven (7) subjects to study Matric in South Africa. In order to complete Matric, you can pass only six (6) subjects out of seven. However, this is not recommended because you need to pass each subject so that you can easily study at university. 

For the Adult Matric Course which you can study at Matric College, you need to complete six (6) subjects. You can pass only five (5) subjects and complete the course. However, you are advised to pass all subjects, as this will help you when you apply to university. 

Universities will accept you if you have passed with good marks. They require that you have a Bachelor’s Degree Pass to apply. Your acceptance depends on whether you meet other requirements that they have in place.

How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated?

Your Matric final results are calculated based on the following things: 

School-Based Assessments

The school-based assessments are those you complete throughout the year. These assessments are out of 25%. You must partake in all assessments to gain marks. These marks are used to boost your final marks. These are the school-based assessments you must compete: 

  • Tests 
  • Assignments
  • June Examination 
  • Trial examinations 
  • Oral presentations 

Final Examination

The final examination is the one usually written in November/December. This is the most important assessment because it contributes 75% to your final mark. You must do well in your final exam in order to pass. 

The marks you earn in your school-based assessments are combined with the marks you earn in your final exam. This then creates your final pass mark.

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How Can I Pass Matric?

You can pass your Matric if you obtain one of the following pass levels: 

Requirements For A 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

Requirements For A 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

Requirements For A 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 

Requirements For A 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 other subjects 
  • You can fail one subject

What Is The Highest Level To Pass Matric?

The highest pass level in Matric is known as the Bachelor’s Degree Pass. This pass level helps you study at university. This is if you meet other requirements that the university has put in place. 

To obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you must pass with a minimum of: 

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

What Should I Do After Matric?

After Matric, you can study at the following places: 

College

You can use a Matric Certificate of any pass level to study at Matric College. We have many courses that you can choose from. These are: 

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NATED Courses

You can study our NATED Courses with a Matric Certificate. These are courses that are created to help South African youth get employed. This is why the courses include work experience and knowledge as their components. 

When you complete a NATED Course, you are equipped with work experience and knowledge that helps you get employed. These are the NATED Courses we offer: 

ICB Courses

You can use a Matric Qualification to enrol for the ICB Courses. These courses are created to help you gain skills and knowledge that are essential in business. This is whether you are working for a business or owning one yourself. 

When you complete an ICB Course, you are qualified to get employed because you are equipped with skills and knowledge. These are the ICB Courses you can study: 

Short Courses

You can use your Matric Certificate to study for our Short Courses. These are courses that prepare you for employment or business by equipping you with skills that are valued in the workplace. You can use these skills to open a business or get employed. 

These are the Short Courses you can study: 

University

There are many universities in South Africa where you can study. This applies if you passed with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. Your acceptance depends on whether you meet the requirements set by the university. If accepted, you will be able to study for a Degree, Diploma, Higher Certificate or Certificate course.

Your options are endless if you have a Matric Qualification in South Africa. This opens up opportunities for further studies as well as employment opportunities. Do not allow not having Matric or failing Matric to stop you from achieving your career goals.

Study our Adult Matric Course, if you have not completed Matric. Study our Matric Upgrade Course, if you have failed Matric or need to improve your Matric marks.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: July 04 , 2022