What Is The Highest Matric Qualification In 2026

What Is The Highest Matric Qualification

What Is The Highest Matric Qualification In 2026

What Is The Highest Matric Qualification In 2026

In 2026, the highest matric qualification in South Africa remains the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement. This certificate is essential for learners who wish to enter university or certain professional programs. To earn the NSC, learners must pass at least seven subjects, meeting the minimum required achievement levels in important areas such as the language of learning and mathematics. The degree endorsement specifically allows access to undergraduate degree studies at higher education institutions across the country. The NSC is regulated by Umalusi, the official quality assurance body, and serves as the main qualification for tertiary admission in South Africa. Universities such as Stellenbosch, the University of Cape Town (UCT), Unisa, and Fort Hare use the Admission Points Score (APS) system to evaluate applicants based on their NSC results.

This system calculates points from the combined results of six or seven NSC subjects, while excluding Life Orientation, to determine whether a student qualifies for specific degree programs. Each university and program may have its own APS requirements, but generally, a minimum APS of about 26 is needed for entry into degree studies. Students who hold the NSC with degree endorsement can choose from a wide variety of academic paths, including undergraduate certificates, diplomas, and Bachelor’s degrees. The specific options available depend on their final subject marks and overall APS.

Those who do not meet the requirements for a degree endorsement may still qualify for diploma or certificate courses, depending on their scores. For adult learners, alternatives like the revised Senior Certificate remain available, but the NSC is still the primary matric qualification for school learners looking to progress to higher education or the workforce. In 2026, universities continue to place strong emphasis on students’ subject performance, especially in core subjects like language and mathematics, as well as their overall APS.

Read Also: Is Grade 12 the same as Matric?

Matric Qualification Pass Levels

In South Africa, matric qualifications are categorised into four different pass levels:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass:

To achieve this, a student must score at least 40% in their Home Language, 50% or more in four other subjects, and at least 30% in two additional subjects.

Diploma Pass:

This requires a minimum of 40% in the Home Language, 40% or more in four other subjects, and at least 30% in two additional subjects.

Higher Certificate Pass:

To earn this pass, a student must achieve 40% in their Home Language, 40% or more in two other subjects, and at least 30% in three additional subjects.

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Pass/Matric Pass:

For this pass, a student needs 40% in their Home Language, 40% or more in two other subjects, and at least 30% in the remaining subjects. A student is allowed to fail one subject and still pass at this level.

How Are Matric Results Calculated?

For the Senior Certificate (Amended), the final results are entirely based on the exam, with 100% of the grade coming from the exam score. In contrast, for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the final results are a combination of school-based assessments and exam marks.

School-based assessments, which include tests, projects, and assignments completed throughout the year, make up 25% of the final grade. The remaining 75% is determined by the final exam mark for each subject. A distinction in the Matric exam is awarded for a score between 80% and 100%.

What does APS Stand For

Admission Points Score is referred to as APS. You receive a score for your Matric mark when it is marked. By entering your mark in the APS calculator’s 1–7 range, you can get your mark’s point or score. Your eligibility for admission to universities and other higher education institutions is determined by your APS Score.

APS Levels:

Level 8: 90 – 100%
Level 7: 80 – 89%
Level 6: 70 – 79%
Level 5: 60 – 69%
Level 4: 50 – 59%
Level 3: 40 – 49%
Level 2: 30 – 39%
Level 0: 0 – 29%

APS Requirements

APS Requirements for the Different NSC National Senior Certificate (basic matric pass):

APS of 3 in home language
APS of 3 in the other two subjects
APS of 2 in 4 other subjects
APS total points: 14

What APS Scores Do I Need to Pass Matric?

Here are the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) requirements to pass Matric:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass

To qualify for a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, you need:

An APS score of at least 4 in four high-credit subjects.
An APS score of at least 3 in your home language.
An APS score of 2 in any two other subjects.

Total APS Score: 23

Diploma Pass

For a Diploma Pass, the requirements are:

An APS score of at least 3 in your home language.
An APS score of at least 3 in four high-credit subjects.
An APS score of 2 in any two other subjects.

Total APS Score: 19

Higher Certificate Pass

To earn a Higher Certificate Pass, you need:

An APS score of at least 3 in your home language.
An APS score of at least 3 in two other subjects.
An APS score of 2 in any three other subjects.

Total APS Score: 15

Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass

For the Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass, you must have:

An APS score of at least 3 in your home language.
An APS score of at least 3 in two other subjects.
An APS score of 2 in any four other subjects.

Total APS Score: 14

The APS score necessary to pass Matric differs based on the qualification level a student wishes to attain, such as a Bachelor’s Degree Pass, Diploma Pass, Higher Certificate Pass, or Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass. Each qualification comes with specific minimum subject scores, with the Bachelor’s Pass demanding the highest APS score and criteria.

The highest matric qualification in South Africa in 2026 is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement. This qualification is key for university entrance and many professional programs, providing access to a variety of higher education opportunities. It remains the standard pathway for school learners aiming to further their studies or enter the job market. Familiarising oneself with these requirements is essential for students aspiring to achieve their educational and career objectives following Grade 12. I hope the provided information is helpful and easy to understand. Share your suggestions and questions in the comment section below.

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