The main differences between a Bachelor’s pass and a Diploma pass, are the requirements and the level at which you can begin to further your studies after Matric.
What Is Required For A Bachelor's Pass?
The requirements to achieve a Bachelor’s pass are as follows:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 50% or above for four subjects
- 30% or above for two other subjects
Note that these are only the minimum requirements. This means that achieving this does not guarantee your admission into any university courses.
Many universities have their own entry requirements, and many courses will also have higher requirements or subject requirements. Check with the university you are applying to for any additional requirements.
What Are The Requirements For A Diploma Pass?
The requirements to achieve a Diploma pass are as follows:
- 40% or above for your Home Language subject
- 40% or above for four other subjects
- 30% or above for two other subjects
Note that these are only the minimum requirements. This does not guarantee your entry into any university courses.
What Is A Bachelor Pass?
A Bachelor’s pass is the highest passing level you can achieve at the end of Matric. There are four passing levels at the end of Matric.
What Is A Diploma Pass?
A Diploma pass is the second-highest passing level you can achieve at the end of Matric. There are four passing levels you can achieve.
What Are The Four Matric Pass Levels?
The four passing levels you can achieve at the end of Matric are:
- Bachelor’s pass
- Diploma pass
- Higher Certificate pass
- NSC pass/Matric pass
Each passing level has its own minimum requirements, and a Matric pass is the minimum requirement to pass Matric. If you do not achieve a Matric pass, it means you have not passed Matric.
Is A Bachelor's Pass Better Than A Diploma Pass?
Yes, a Bachelor’s pass is better than a Diploma pass. This is because the requirements to achieve a Bachelor’s pass are higher, and a Bachelor’s pass will give you more opportunities of what you can study after Matric.
Which Pass Level Is Best For Me?
Both a Bachelor’s pass and a Diploma pass are good passing levels. Deciding which passing level is best for you depends on the course you intend to take.
If you intend to further your studies after Matric with a Diploma course, then a Diploma pass is perfect for you. If you intend to further your studies with a Degree course, then a Bachelor’s pass is best for you.
What Is Higher Than A Bachelor's Pass?
There is no Matric passing level higher than a Bachelor’s pass. A Bachelor’s pass is also known as “Passed with Exemption”.
Why Is A Bachelor's Pass So Important?
A Bachelor’s pass gives you the most choices when it comes to what you can study after Matric. However, you can still go to university with a Diploma pass or a Higher Certificate pass. It only means that your options will be slightly more limited than if you have a Bachelor’s pass.
Can You Go To University With A Diploma Pass?
Yes, you can go to university with a Diploma pass. A Diploma pass will allow you to study Diploma courses. It only means that you cannot study for a Bachelor’s Degree.
However, if you are below the requirements by one or two points, some universities will allow you to begin studying for a Diploma and transfer into a Bachelor’s Degree later, depending on how well you do.
How Many Points Is A Bachelor Degree?
The minimum APS requirement for a Bachelor’s pass is 23.
How Many Points Is A Diploma?
The minimum APS for a Diploma pass is 19. Each of the four passing levels has its own APS requirements:
- Bachelor’s pass – APS 23
- Diploma pass – APS 19
- Higher Certificate pass – APS 15
- NSC pass/Matric pass – APS 14
You can learn to calculate your own APS, or you can calculate it online. Remember to enter Life Orientation in the single point bracket, no matter what your mark really was. This is because Life Orientation does not count toward your APS.
What Mark Is A Distinction In South Africa?
In South Africa, a distinction is different in school and in university. In school, a distinction is 80% and above. Out of school, a distinction is 75% and above.
What If I Do Not Have My Matric?
If you do not have your Matric and you are over the age of 21, you can study online for your Adult Matric. Once you have successfully completed your Adult Matric, you will receive your Senior Certificate (Amended). This works exactly the same way as a school Matric.
If you wrote Matric but failed, and you are over the age of 21, you can do a Matric Upgrade through distance learning. You can apply as early as 19, but you must be over the age of 21 to write the exams because you will write the Adult Matric exams.
If you wrote Matric but failed, and you are under the age of 21, you can do a Matric Rewrite. Note that you may only rewrite four subjects. This means that if you cannot pass by improving the marks in four subjects or fewer, you will not be allowed to rewrite.
You can also study for a Matric Equivalent qualification. This is a course at NQF level 4, the same as Matric, but is not a Matric Certificate. Or you can study accredited ICB courses, which do not require Matric to apply, and go up to the Diploma level.
No matter what you choose, there are many options available even if you do not have your Matric.
What Have We Learned?
- The differences between a Bachelor’s pass and a Diploma pass are the achievement requirements and the level at which you can further your studies
- There are four Matric passing levels. There is no Matric passing level higher than a Bachelor’s pass
- You can go to university with a Diploma pass. You can also go to university with a Higher Certificate pass
- Each passing level has its own subject achievement requirements
- Each passing level also has its own APS requirements
- A distinction in school is 80% and above. A distinction in university is 75% and above
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Details: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 9, 2022
I just want to know about the results
I did my matric in 2021 right so I decided to upgrade my results
So I’m 2021 my results were like this
Isixhosa64%
English fal 58%
Maths lit 34%
History 61 %
Lo54 %
Life science 30 %
Agriculture 29 %
The when I upgraded I got 50 % maths lit and 35 life sciences so my question is does my statement remain as higher certificate or it changes ?
When you get your new certification, your certificate will show your upgraded marks and your certificate.
To have a diploma pass, you need to meet the following requirements:
• Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language,
• Must obtain at least 40% for three other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
• Must obtain at least 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary institution (Higher Education Institution),
• Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.