How Many Points Is A Diploma

How Many Points Is A Diploma

When planning your path after high school, one question many students ask is, “How many points do I need to get a diploma?” Understanding the points or credit system can sometimes be confusing because it varies depending on the institution, the location, and the specific diploma program you want to pursue. However, knowing how many points are required is essential for planning your studies and making sure you meet the qualifications for your chosen diploma. A diploma is a qualification awarded after completing a set amount of study, usually measured in points or credits. These points reflect the workload and learning involved in the program. Different colleges and universities set their requirements, so the number of points needed to earn a diploma can differ.

For example, in South Africa, many diploma programs require a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of around 19 points, but this can vary depending on the course and institution. The APS system is a way of translating your matric results into points that universities and colleges use to assess your eligibility for different programs. It takes into account your marks in various subjects and converts them into a score that reflects your academic readiness. Diploma programs generally have lower APS requirements than bachelor’s degrees, making them a good option for students who want to further their education but may not meet the higher point thresholds for degree programs.

This post will explain how many points you typically need to qualify for a diploma and what the APS system means for your study options. Whether you’re interested in fields like business, engineering, health sciences, or hospitality, understanding the points required for a diploma will help you choose the right program and take the next step toward your career goals. Knowing this information makes it easier to plan and succeed in your higher education journey.

READ ALSO: What Can I Do With 15 APS Score

Required Points for Diploma Programs in South Africa

In South Africa, different qualification levels have specific Admission Point Score (APS) requirements. Understanding these helps you know what you need to qualify for your desired program:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass (also called an exemption): Requires a minimum of 23 points.
Diploma Pass: Requires at least 19 points.
Higher Certificate Pass: Requires a minimum of 15 points.

A diploma pass means you have met the necessary APS score of 19 points, allowing you to apply for diploma courses at universities of technology or TVET colleges.

Diploma Pass Requirements

To earn a Diploma Pass, students must meet specific academic standards in their matriculation results. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s needed:

Subject Requirements

Home Language: Achieve at least 40% in your Home Language subject.
High-Credit Subjects: Obtain at least 40% in four other high-credit subjects.

Additional Subjects:

For the National Senior Certificate (NSC): Get at least 30% in two additional subjects.
For the Senior Certificate (Amended) [SC(A)]: Get at least 30% in one additional subject.

APS (Admission Point Score) Requirements

National Senior Certificate (NSC): You need a minimum of 19 APS points to qualify for a diploma pass.
Senior Certificate (Amended) [SC(A)]: The minimum requirement is 17 APS points.

How To Get a Diploma Pass

Understanding the requirements for a diploma pass is essential for students aiming to continue their education or enter the workforce. Knowing exactly what you need to achieve helps you focus your efforts and plan your studies effectively. Below is a clear guide on how to get a diploma pass and what it means for your academic and career opportunities:

You can fail one subject and still receive a diploma pass.
You must achieve at least 40% in four subjects with higher credits.
You need to score at least 30% in three subjects with lower credits.
To pass, you must complete six out of seven subjects offered.
Among the six passed subjects, four must have a minimum of 40% (level 3 achievement).
One of these four subjects must be your Home Language, with a compulsory pass of at least 40%.
Life Orientation is excluded from the diploma pass requirements.
You must pass the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) with at least 30%.
With a diploma pass, you can register for diploma programs at universities of technology or take bridging courses at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

Steps to Apply for a Diploma Course

Applying for a diploma course can seem overwhelming at first, but breaking the process down into clear steps makes it much easier to manage. Utilise these steps and apply for a diploma course:

Research Your Options: Start by exploring different diploma courses and institutions that offer them. Check the admission requirements to make sure you qualify, especially your APS score.
Prepare Your Documents: Collect all necessary paperwork such as your matric certificate, ID, and any other certificates or proof of experience required by the institution.
Fill Out the Application: Complete the application form, either online or on paper, depending on the institution’s process. Make sure all information is accurate and complete.
Submit Your Application: Send your application and supporting documents to the college or university before the deadline. Some institutions may require you to submit applications through the Department of Higher Education.
Follow Up and Confirm: After submitting, keep track of your application status. Once accepted, you’ll receive information on registration, fees, and when your course starts.

Diploma courses

The knowledge and skills that businesses want are taught in diploma programs. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and the Department of Higher and Tertiary Education (DHTE) jointly developed Matric College’s diploma programs. The Matric College provides the following 11 diploma programs:

Business Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
Management Assistant NATED N6 National Diploma
Human Resource Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
Financial Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
Educare NATED N6 National Diploma
Legal Secretary NATED N6 National Diploma
Office Administration: ICB National Diploma
Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Business Management Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma/What is a diploma pass in SA