Categories: Matric questions

Is Grade 12 the same as Matric

YES, Grade 12 is commonly known as “Matric” in South Africa, short for “Matriculation.” This designation marks the completion of secondary education and the qualifications necessary for higher education entry. In this final year, students take the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, often referred to as the Matric exams.

During Grade 12, students engage in a variety of subjects, including English, Afrikaans, mathematics, science, history, geography, and life orientation. This year is important, as it encompasses all the coursework and assessments that contribute to their final qualifications.

In South Africa, Grade 12 is a significant milestone in a student’s educational journey, influencing future academic and career opportunities. A strong performance in Grade 12 can lead to admission to universities and further studies. Institutions typically consider a student’s overall Grade 12 results, including final and June marks, along with the Matric Certificate, to assess eligibility for various programs.

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In South Africa, What Is The 12th Grade Called?

The South African school-leaving certificate is known as the National Senior Certificate or NSC. It is equivalent to a high school diploma. Given that grade 12 is the matriculation grade, this document is frequently referred to as the matriculation (matric) certificate.

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric in South Africa?

In South Africa, you need to study seven (7) subjects to complete Matric. While you can pass with just six (6) subjects, it is advisable to aim for passing all seven, as doing so enhances your chances of successful university admission.

For the Adult Matric Course, you need to complete six (6) subjects. You can technically pass with only five (5) subjects, but it is recommended to pass all to strengthen your university application.

To gain admission to universities, you’ll need to achieve good marks and secure a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. Acceptance into programs will also depend on meeting additional criteria set by the institutions.

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How Many Subjects Are in Matriculation

In Matric, there are numerous subjects. You must study seven (7) subjects, though. There must be both required and optional subjects among the seven subjects. A list of the required subjects is provided below.

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

There are elective subjects as well. You may choose any three (3) of the following subjects to study; there are no restrictions on this:

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

What Is the Highest Level to Pass Matric?

The highest pass level in Matric is referred to as the Bachelor’s Degree Pass, which qualifies you for university study, provided you meet the additional requirements set by the institution.

To achieve a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

40% in your home language
50% in four subjects
30% in two additional subjects

Grade 12 is the last year of high school, and Matric is the certificate students get when they finish that year and pass their exams. In South Africa, completing Grade 12 and getting a Matric certificate is a big achievement that helps students move on to higher education and job opportunities. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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