Can You Pass Matric With 14 Points

Can You Pass Matric With 14 Points

The accomplishment of earning APS 14 matric points is amazing and opens up a world of academic opportunities. If you have 14 points, you have a lot of options, whether you’re just out of high school or considering furthering your studies. In the South African education system, matric marks are converted into points, which has an impact on determining a student’s passing status and eligibility for further studies. Scoring 14 points may cause concern, as it is considered a relatively low total.

Many students are left wondering whether this will meet the basic requirements for passing the National Senior Certificate. It’s important to understand how these points are calculated and their impact on your academic future. APS scores under 23 are frequently viewed as lower in South Africa. To help you decide how to proceed with your academic future, use the 14 points you have earned to research the many fields and courses you can enroll in.

This article will explain whether 14 points are enough to pass matric and what steps you can take if your score falls short. Having this knowledge will help you plan your next move, whether it involves rewriting subjects or pursuing alternative educational options.

Understanding Matric With 14 Points

Matric 14 Points refers to the total score of 14 points achieved by a student in their matric exams, under the National Senior Certificate system. These points are calculated based on the grades obtained in various subjects, with higher marks earning more points. Having 14 points in matric may seem limiting, but it does not mean you have no options. In South Africa, your points are based on the marks you get in each subject.

The higher your marks, the more points you earn. If you have 14 points, your results are on the lower end, which may not meet university entry requirements. However, there are still good paths you can follow. Many TVET colleges accept students with 14 points for National Certificate Vocational (NCV) or NATED programmes. These courses are practical and job-focused. You can also consider short courses, learnerships, or apprenticeships to gain skills and experience.

If you are not happy with your results, you can always upgrade your matric marks. While 14 points might feel discouraging, it can still lead to growth and opportunity. What matters most is choosing the right path for your goals and moving forward.

Is It Possible to Pass Matric with 14 Points?

Yes, it is possible to pass the matric with 14 points in South Africa. This is the minimum requirement for a basic matric pass, officially known as the Senior Certificate (Amended). Although it may not qualify you for university or diploma programmes, it still means you have met the standard to receive a matric certificate.

A 14-point pass usually includes at least 40% in your home language, 30% or more in a few other subjects, and allows you to fail one subject. While your options may be limited, this pass still gives you access to opportunities such as vocational training, TVET college courses, learnerships, and short skills programmes. If you would like to pursue further studies, you can consider upgrading your marks to improve your chances. Earning 14 points is a starting point, and with effort and the right choices, you can still build a strong future from it.

Is 14 Points A Fail? 

No, 14 points is not a fail. It is considered a pass at the most basic level in South Africa’s education system. This type of pass falls under the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Senior Certificate (Amended), and it shows that you met the minimum subject requirements. To pass with 14 points, you need at least 40% in your Home Language, 40% in two other subjects, and 30% in three additional subjects. You are allowed to fail one subject as long as your results in the others meet the requirements.

Although this pass will not qualify you for university, it is still a recognised certificate that proves you completed your matric year. You can use it to apply for vocational courses, short programmes, or entry-level jobs. If you are unhappy with your marks, you can always rewrite some subjects and improve your score to qualify for more advanced opportunities.

APS 14 Programs You Can Study

No, you don’t pass matric with APS 14, but there are programs you can study with an APS of 14 or less as follows:

NATED courses (requires APS 14, as NATED courses require Matric or Matric Equivalent)
ICB courses
Short courses
Rewrite Matric
Upgrade Matric

What Can I Study With 14 Points?

Even though 14 points do not qualify you for a university degree, there are still plenty of learning options available. One path is to enrol in a Higher Certificate programme, which is a one-year course offered by some universities and private colleges. These programmes can help you build basic academic skills and may open the door to more advanced studies later on. You can also apply to a TVET college and take vocational courses such as engineering, hospitality, office administration, or business studies.

These programmes are practical and job-focused, helping you enter the workforce with hands-on training. Short courses, learnerships, and apprenticeships are also excellent choices if you want to develop skills in a specific trade or industry. These learning paths focus more on practical experience than academic performance, and they can lead to full-time work or further study. With 14 points, your options are still wide open.

Study Programmes With APS 15| Can You Pass Matric With 14 Points

Short courses can be studied using a 15-point APS. These courses can be of interest to students who desire to learn a variety of skills that can be utilized to start businesses and find employment. The best courses are those that are short, concentrated, and don’t include assessments. The following short courses have openings:

Salon Management Course
Nail Care Courses
Make-up Courses
Facial Skincare Courses
Beauty Therapy Courses
First Aid Course Courses
Crèche Management Courses
Child Day Care Courses
Child Psychology Courses
Tourism Management Courses
Guest House Management Courses
Events Management Courses
Wedding Planning Courses

APS Scores and Levels In South Africa

The APS method is used by universities to first determine your ability to apply to study there.

Your APS is based on your final Matric grades. The following are the lowest possible APS scores:

14 – National Senior Certificate / Senior Certificate Pass
15 – Higher Certificate Pass
17 – Diploma Pass
21 – Bachelor’s Pass

READ: How Much Does Matric Rewrite Cost

Does 14 Points Qualify Me For University? 

No, 14 points do not qualify you for university study. In South Africa, universities require a higher level of matric pass, either a diploma or a bachelor’s pass. These passes usually demand a higher APS (Admission Point Score) along with strong marks in key subjects like English, Mathematics, or other required subjects, depending on the course. A 14-point score falls under the basic NSC or Senior Certificate (Amended) category, which is not accepted for direct entry into degree or diploma programmes.

However, that does not mean your academic journey has to end. You can start by enrolling in a Higher Certificate course or a TVET college programme. After completing a Higher Certificate, many institutions will allow you to apply for diploma studies. You also have the option to rewrite your matric subjects to improve your results and reach the required APS for university in the future.

National Senior Certificate Pass

With this Matric Pass Level, you can study for any qualification that requires a general Matric pass. To achieve this Matric pass Level, here is what you need:

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass, also known as the General Matric Pass, allows you to apply for qualifications that do not require a diploma or degree entry. It is the minimum level needed to pass matric in South Africa.

To achieve this pass, you need at least 40% in your Home Language and 40% in two other subjects. You must also get at least 30% in three additional subjects. You are allowed to fail one subject, even if it is your First Additional Language, as long as you meet the minimum requirements in the others.

For those writing the Senior Certificate Amended (SC(A)), the requirements are similar. You need at least 40% in three subjects, including one official Home Language, and 30% in two other subjects. You can fail one subject, but your mark must not be below 20%.

Your total APS score must be at least 14 for the NSC or 12 for the SC(A).

Can I Register For The Matric Rewrite Now?

It is still possible to enroll in a Matric Rewrite Course at Matric College. Anytime during the year, you can sign up with us for a Matric Rewrite Course.
You’ll receive your study materials after registering, allowing you to get started on your exam prep.
Although you can sign up for a Matric Rewrite Course at any time of the year, there are deadlines for signing up to write the Matric Exam with the Department of Basic Education.

What Can You Do With an NSC Pass?

Earning a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass opens several doors for learners in South Africa. While it marks the end of your school journey, it also lays the foundation for what comes next, whether in education, work, or skills development. With an NSC pass, you can explore further education opportunities. Depending on your final results, you may qualify for a higher certificate, diploma, or even a bachelor’s degree. These options are available at universities, TVET colleges, and other training institutions.

This pass can also help you enter the job market. Many employers accept the NSC as a minimum requirement for entry-level roles. It can also help you qualify for workplace training and internships that build real-world experience.
Beyond that, the NSC opens the door to alternative pathways like vocational training, apprenticeships, or even starting a small business. It gives you the basic foundation to grow and move forward in the direction you choose.

Can I Get A Job With 14 Matric Points?

Yes, you can get a job with 14 matric points. While this level of pass may not qualify you for careers that need a university degree or diploma, it is still accepted by many employers for entry-level positions. Jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and administration often only require a basic matric certificate. Some employers also offer on-the-job training or entry into learnerships and internships where you can gain experience while earning.

Having your matric shows that you completed school and have essential skills like reading, writing, and basic communication. Even if your results are not high, they are still valid and can help you get started in the working world. Over time, you can gain more qualifications, take short courses, or even return to school to upgrade your results. Many successful people began with a basic pass and worked their way up through learning and experience.

Can I Upgrade My Matric Results? 

Yes, you can upgrade your matric results if you want to improve your marks or increase your APS (Admission Point Score). Many learners choose this route when they want to qualify for university or get into a better study programme. Upgrading allows you to rewrite specific subjects where your marks were too low. You can do this at public adult education centres or through private colleges that offer matric upgrade courses.

These programmes help you prepare for your exams, and you can take them part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule. Upgrading is a great option if you are motivated to improve your results and expand your opportunities. It can open doors to diploma or degree-level study, better job prospects, or personal growth. There is no time limit on when you can upgrade, so even if you finished matric years ago, you can still return and work toward a higher pass.

Receiving 14 points on your matriculation tests is a fantastic accomplishment that sets the stage for your future academic and professional success. Whether you are interested in formal education, professional development, the creative arts, or business, there are numerous possibilities to think about. kindly submit a comment below. Visit the website for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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