Can I pass Matric with 5 subjects

Can I pass Matric with 5 subjects

No, five subjects are not enough to pass the conventional Matriculation (National Senior Certificate) in South Africa. The Department of Basic Education requires students to sit for exams in seven subjects as part of the standard Matric program. This requirement ensures that students have a broad and balanced education covering different fields, preparing them for various opportunities after school. You don’t have to pass all seven subjects to pass Matric, but you do need to pass at least six out of the seven. This means you are allowed to fail one subject and still meet the requirements to receive your National Senior Certificate. However, failing more than one subject disqualifies you from passing the conventional Matric.

If you narrowly fail one subject, you might still pass through a system called condonation. Condonation is when the Department of Education allows a low mark in one subject to be overlooked under specific conditions, giving students a chance to pass if their overall results are strong. This rule is different for Adult Matric learners. For adults who didn’t finish school the first time, the Adult Matric Course requires only six subjects. Passing five of those subjects with satisfactory marks is enough to earn the certificate. The Adult Matric program provides a more flexible path for completing your secondary education later in life.

Even though you might be allowed to fail one subject, it’s always best to aim for passing all the subjects with good grades. Doing well across your subjects increases your chances of getting into university or other further education programs. Universities often look at your overall performance and subject choices when considering your application. Understanding these requirements early helps you plan your studies well and set clear goals. By committing to your studies, focusing on all your subjects, and aiming for good marks, you can successfully pass Matric and open doors to exciting opportunities after school.

Read Also: What is Matric in South Africa?

What Are The 4 Compulsory Subjects

You need to study seven subjects to pass the Matric. Three of these subjects are optional, while the other four are required. The following subjects must be among your required coursework:

Home Language subject
Life Orientation
First Additional Language subject
Mathematical subject

Matric compulsory subjects:

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

Additionally, you ought to pick elective courses. As long as you pick three (3), you can choose whatever subjects you want to study.

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

Read On: Is Grade 12 the same as Matric?

What Are The Requirements To Pass Matric

There are 4 pass levels you can obtain to pass Matric. You must gain the following marks to pass:

To achieve a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you need at least 40% in your home language, 50% in four subjects, and 30% in two other subjects.
For a Diploma Pass, you must score a minimum of 40% in your home language, 40% in four subjects, and 30% in two other subjects.
A Higher Certificate Pass requires at least 40% in your home language, 40% in two subjects, and 30% in four other subjects.
For a National Senior Certificate Pass, you need 40% in your home language, 30% in two other subjects, and 30% in three additional subjects. You are allowed to fail one subject.

How Matric Points Are Calculated

Based on the subjects you have, your matric points are determined. You are awarded points for various grades. Your points are accepted by various universities whenever they reach a particular threshold.

You will have a better chance of attending a university if, for instance, your APS Score is higher than 35. You can see how matric points are determined below:

If you score between 80-100%, it’s considered an Outstanding Achievement, earning you 7 points.
A score of 70-79% is regarded as a Meritorious Achievement, which gives you 6 points.
For 60-69%, you achieve Substantial Achievement, resulting in 5 points.
Scoring 50-59% qualifies as an Adequate Achievement, worth 4 points.
A score of 40-49% is termed a Moderate Achievement, awarding 3 points.
If you score 30-39%, it’s considered an Elementary Achievement, earning 2 points.
Any score between 0-29% is classified as Not achieved, which gives you just 1 point.

What You Can Study If You Fail Matric

At Matric College, you can choose paths that help you get better marks, pass your Matric, or even study further without having a Matric certificate. Here are some courses you can study if you failed Matric:

Matric Rewrite Course

This course lets you rewrite the Matric subjects you didn’t pass or want to improve. With the help of tutors and study materials, you can work towards earning your National Senior Certificate and open up more opportunities for your future.

Adult Matric Course

If you are 21 years or older, you can enroll in the Adult Matric program. This option allows you to complete your high school qualification at your own pace, making it easier to further your studies or enhance your job prospects.

ICB Courses

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offers courses in areas like bookkeeping, business management, and office administration. These accredited qualifications don’t require a Matric certificate and can help you start a career or continue studying in finance or business fields.

Short Courses

There are various short courses to choose from, such as beauty therapy, events management, first aid, and child care. These practical, skills-based courses help you gain hands-on experience, find work quickly, or even start your own small business.

At Matric College, you have the flexibility to pick the path that suits your goals best, whether that means rewriting your Matric exams, completing Adult Matric, or exploring new career directions without a Matric certificate.

Passing matric with just five subjects isn’t officially recognized in the South African educational system. However, there are options for students who have difficulty with certain subjects. You can consider rewriting exams, applying for an adult matric, or seeking condonation in specific cases. If you have passed five subjects but failed two, it is important to look into these alternatives to ensure you still pass the required subjects. I hope the provided information is helpful and efficient for you. Share your suggestions and questions in the comment section below for a response as soon as possible.

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