Can I Get A Matric Certificate With 5 Subjects? - Together We Pass (2024)

You can get an Adult Matric with five subjects, but not a traditional Matric. When writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, you will write for seven subjects, and you must pass six of them, including Life Orientation.

When writing Adult Matric exams, it is recommended that you take six subjects, and you will have to pass five of them.

Can You Pass Matric If You Fail One Subject?

Yes, you can pass Matric if you have failed one subject, however to pass, you must:

• Get at least 30% or more for 6 other subjects, including Life Orientation
• You cannot fail Life Orientation
• Your average must be 33.3%

How Are Matric Points Calculated?

Matric points, or APS, are calculated based on your Matric marks. Each percentage bracket counts for a certain number of points.

Your Life Orientation mark does not count towards your APS. No matter what your mark for LO is, it will be given one point.

Below is a table showing what percentage brackets equal how many points:

What Are The Percentages Equivalent To

*If you add up these APS scores you will get the score that determines whether you pass or fail.

APS For Each Pass Level

Bachelor’s Degree pass

To receive a Bachelor’s Degree pass, you must have the following:

• 40% or above for English Home Language
• 50% or above for Mathematics, OR 60% or above for Mathematical Literacy
• 50% or above for three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
• 30% or above for Life Orientation
• 30% or above for one other subject

APS total = 23

This is the minimum entry requirement for a Bachelor’s Degree at a university.

Diploma pass

To receive a Diploma pass, you must have the following:

• 40 % or above for English Home Language
• 40 % or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
• 40% or above for three other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
• 30% or above for Life Orientation
• 30% or above for one other subject

APS total = 19

This is the minimum entry requirement for a Diploma at a university.

Higher Certificate pass

To receive a Higher Certificate pass, you must have the following:

• 40% or above for English Home Language
• 40% or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
• 40% or above for one other subject
• 30% or above for Life Orientation
• 30% or above for two other subjects

APS total = 15

This is the minimum entry requirement for a Higher Certificate at a college.

NSC pass

To receive an NSC pass, you must have the following:

• 40% or above for English Home Language
• 40% or above for Mathematics, OR 50% or above for Mathematical Literacy
• 40% or above for one other subject
• 30% or above for Life Orientation
• 30% or above for three other subjects

APS total = 14

This is the minimum requirement to pass matric, but will not admit you into any university or higher certificate courses.

How Many Points Do You Need To Pass Matric?

You need a total of 14 points to pass Matric. This is the bare minimum to pass Matric. It is called a National Senior Certificate pass or a Matric Pass.

What Is A Distinction In Matric?

In South Africa a distinction in Matric is 80%.

The Adult Matric exam for 2022 will be written in May and June of 2022. Registration for these exams closed on 13 February. If you want to write a Matric Upgrade or Adult Matric, remember to register for the 2023 exams as soon as registration opens in November 2022.

NQF Levels Explained

NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework. This is the system used in South Africa to determine the different levels of learning achievements. SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) is the oversight body of the NQF and makes sure that certain standards are met.

Here is an image of the NQF Levels explained:

Is NQF Level 4 The Same As Matric?

Yes, an NQF Level 4 is the same academic level as a Matric. NQF level 4 is not a Matric Certificate.

Is ABET Level 4 The Same As Matric?

No, ABET Level 4 is NOT the same as Matric. The General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) ABET Levels are often mistaken for NQF Levels.

The GETC: ABET Level 4 is registered under the NQF Level 1. It is an adult qualification, meaning ABET Level 4 is equivalent to Grade 9 or the old Standard 7.

There are four levels that lead to the GETC: ABET Level 4 qualification. Here is all you need to know:

Matric Equivalent Certificates

Matric College offers ICB courses that are academically on the same level as Matric (NQF level 4). These courses are called Matric Equivalent courses. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers offers Matric Equivalent courses in business and financial management.

Their courses are recognised both nationally and internationally. All of their qualifications are regarded as scarce skills in South Africa.

These are the two courses that double as Matric Equivalent Certificates:

• FET Certificate in Bookkeeping
• National Certificate in Small Business Financial Management

Here is everything you need to know about these courses:

Where To Study These Courses:

You can study these Matric-equivalent courses at the following colleges (colleges where you can study from home):

• Matric College
• Ember Academy
• Skills Academy
• Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
• Learning Group

What Is An Amended Senior Certificate?

An Amended Senior Certificate is for students who are older than 21 and have not completed school. This is also called Adult Matric. Adult Matric is often known as Senior Certificate (Amended).

An Adult Matric certificate and high school Matric student certificate is issued to you by Umalusi. This means that an Adult Matric Certificate is the same certificate as for learners who completed their Matric in school. An Adult Matric course takes between 12-24 months to complete.

The CEO of Matric College explains all you need to know about Adult Matric on Youtube.

Who Qualifies For An Amended Senior Certificate?

This is what you need to qualify for an Amended Senior Certificate:

• You need to be 21 years and older, AND
• Have a Grade 9 certificate, OR
• Have a Grade 9 equivalent certificate (General Education and Training Certificate: ABET Level 4), OR
• Have an incomplete Matric certificate

Note that the only exceptions for out of school learners 18-21 years old, are for students who could not complete Matric due to unforeseen circ*mstances. This should be verified by the Head of Department in the Provincial Education Department.

Where Can I Get An Amended Senior Certificate

You can do your Adult Matric at Matric College.

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass An Amended Senior Certificate?

You must select a minimum of 6 subjects but you only need to pass 5 subjects.

This Is What Your Results Should Look Like

• 40% for your Home Language
• 30% for two other subjects
• You must have a minimum of 20% for the failed sixth subject

Can I Go To College With An Amended Senior Certificate?

Yes, some colleges accept Amended Senior Certificates. Each College has their own requirements. Matric College is one of the colleges that accept students with this certificate.

Do Universities Accept Amended Senior Certificate

Yes, some universities accept Amended Senior Certificates. Each university has its own requirements, this even applies to people who have an NSC.

ASC also qualifies for admission to Bachelors, Diploma, or Higher Certificate programmes at educational institutions.

What Is The Difference Between NSC And ASC?

These two certificates are easily mistaken for the same thing but there is a difference.

The main difference is that to write NSC exams, you must be applying through your high school and be under 21 years old. To write ASC exams, you must be over 21 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Buy A Matric Certificate?

No, you cannot buy a Matric Certificate. The only way you can get your Matric Certificate is through hard work. Only Umalusi can issue a Matric Certificate. Buying (and selling) a Matric Certificate is a criminal offence.

How To Get A Matric Certificate Fast?

The quickest time you can complete your Matric in 12 to 24 months. You can do this with a Matric Upgrade, Matric Rewrite or Adult Matric at Matric College.

If you have lost or damaged your Matric Certificate, this is what you can do:

• Complete the application form: You can obtain this from the Department of education or at the website of the National Department of Basic Education. Remember to be clear with the necessary details (e.g year, name, surname and school name, etc.)
• An affidavit: Go to the police station and clearly state how your Matric Certificate got lost or damaged
• A certified copy of your ID: You can get your ID certified at the police station or attorneys office
• Proof of payment of admin fees: The accredited assessment body will inform you about the amount payable. The fee is reviewed annually
• Add the damaged certificate: You have to add your damaged certificate with your application. Whether it has water damage, torn etc.