2020 Matric Results-How To Understand Them

  • You first need to understand the pass rates before understanding your Matric results
  • NSC levels are the codes between 1 to 7 next to each subject
  • High credit subjects are rated higher than other subjects by universities
  • The pass levels are designed to indicate on what level you passed and where you will be able to apply for further education 

To understand your Matric results, you need to know what NSC levels, high credit subjects, and pass levels are. Here is an explanation of what your Matric results mean:

  • NSC levels
  • High credit subjects
  • Pass levels

NSC Levels

When you receive your Matric results you will find that there are codes between 1 to 7 next to each subject. 

You would have seen these numbers throughout your high school years when you received your report card, but maybe you never understood them.

matric results

How The NSC Levels Work

Percentage  NSC Level
80 – 100 % 7
70 – 79 % 6
60 – 69 % 5
50 – 59 % 4
40 – 49 % 3
30 – 39 % 2
0 – 29 % 1

These levels are set to provide you with two types of information – your achievements standard and a pass level.

Achievement Standard

The first is to give you an idea of your achievement standard. Here are the achievement standards for each level (keep in mind that these are just predictions and should not be taken too seriously).

  • Level 7: Outstanding achievement
  • Level 6: Meritorious achievement
  • Level 5: Substantial achievement
  • Level 4: Moderate achievement
  • Level 3: Adequate achievement
  • Level 2: Elementary achievement
  • Level 1: Fail

Pass Levels

The pass levels are designed to indicate on what level you passed. The pass levels include:

NSC Pass

A National Senior Certificate Pass means that you passed Matric. NSC Levels required for this pass level are:

  • Home language: 3
  • Two other subjects: 3
  • Four other subjects: 2
  • APS score: 14

You are allowed to fail a subject, but if you do you must have at least 30 % for your other 6 subjects. You will also pass if you get an average of 33.3 %.

HC Pass

The Higher Certificate Pass will allow you to apply for a higher certificate programme.  NSC Levels required for this pass level are:

  • Home language: 3
  • Two other subjects: 3
  • Three other subjects: 2
  • APS score: 15

Take a look at ICB and NATED courses. These courses are ideal if you have an HC Pass. 

Diploma Pass

If you receive a Diploma Pass you will gain provisional entrance to a university or college to study towards a diploma. 

NSC Levels required for this pass level:

  • Home language: 3
  • Four other high credit subjects: 3
  • Two other subjects: 2
  • APS score: 19

NATED courses are excellent options.

Bachelor Pass

By gaining a Bachelor Pass you will have provisional entrance to a university and will be able to study towards a degree.

NSC Levels required for this pass level:

  • Home language: 3
  • Four high credit subjects: 4
  • Two other subjects: 2
  • APS score: 23

High Credit Subjects

High credit subjects are school subjects that receive a higher rating when you apply for university. These subjects are valued higher than low credit subjects.

High Credit Subjects

  • Languages
  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Science
  • Business Studies
  • Consumer Studies
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Economics
  • Engineering Graphics & Design
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Music
  • Physical Sciences
  • Religion Studies
  • Visual Arts

Low Credit Subjects

  • Agricultural Management Practices
  • Agricultural Technology
  • Civil Technology
  • Computer Applications Technology
  • Dance Studies
  • Design Studies
  • Electrical Technology
  • Hospitality Studies
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Tourism

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