How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Passing an exam is the desire of every student looking to excel. While others may pass, others may also fail, but what are the consequences when failure comes?

Many students will always want to weigh their options before the exams; this is for them to look at what lies ahead of them in terms of education. Once they look to continue their education at another level, they must be concerned about the subjects they may pass or fail.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Students who are not always ready or prepared will have a plan b to upgrade their matrics. And students who are prepared will be looking forward to furthering their education. 

These choices, desires, and indications lie with many students in high school in South Africa.

They are left with the only choice to pass their matric and move to another stage in their education. But what happens if they fail? What is the passing mark for the subjects studied at the matric level?

Well, in this blog post, we will look at some of the questions relating to passing your matric and failing your matric. 

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

Students who prepare to write their final matric may wonder about the requirement when it comes to the number of subjects to pass matric. This is a speculative and collective measure by most students to analyze their outcomes.

In every institution, there are pass marks and also credit hours, but when it comes to matric exams, the number of subjects passed is considered the benchmark.

So how many subjects are needed to pass matric? – let us find out more.

The minimum requirement to pass a matric may vary among countries and educational systems. However, in South Africa, matric passing is attributed to the number of subjects one passes. There are over 20 subjects in South African high schools, but only 7 are recognized to be the final selection by students. Among the 7 there are 4 compulsory and 3 electric subjects to be done. 

It is compulsory for every student to write all these 7 subjects in their final exams. Students are entitled to pass at least 6 out of the 7 subjects in order to pass matric. If you fail more than 1 subject, you can not pass the matric exams. 

Can you fail a subject and still pass?

Failing a subject does not conclude your academic ambitions. It simply means you could not meet the set standard. Students who are preparing for matric exams have a requirement that needs to be met in order for them to be considered as “pass”. 

As part of the requirements, students must write all 7 subjects, which include 4 compulsory and 3 electives.

In the case where a student fails a subject, they are guaranteed a pass in the matric exams. Failing a subject in this context means you failed one subject, which could be an elective or a compulsory subject. If you want to pass your matric exams, you must pass all subjects or at least not have more than 1 failed subject. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How many subjects do you need to pass Grade 12?

Passing all subjects is certainly the wish of every serious student in Grade 12. Once you have prepared for your matric exams, the next deed is to pass all subjects. In grade 12, which is considered as the final level for high school students, there are required to pass at least 6 subjects. This standard has been set by the Department of basic education to equip students. 

Once you have all your 7 subjects written in grade 12, you are required to pass at least 6 out of the 7 subjects.

How are Matric marks calculated?

Mark calculation can be one of the tedious parts of every examination. But in most cases, it becomes tedious for the markers or tutors. 

Students are only required to write the exams and pass well, irrespective of the knowledge of their marks. 

It is common for students to inquire about how the matric marks are calculated. These concerns are genuine and also provide them with a fair idea of what they can expect at the final part of the matric results.

To calculate the matric marks, you need to look at your test or assignment done in the regular session of the class work and also the final exams written in Grade 12. 

Each of these has a role to play in the final matric marks and must be well calculated. 

All tests, homework, and assignment done in the classroom are calculated to be 25% of your final mark for the matric, while the main matrix exams constitute 75% of the final marks. 

It is important to put in all effort in order to score higher marks in both areas. The results are divided into two parts: a 25% assessment criteria and a 75% assessment criteria, which together make up the total of 100%.

How many times can you write Matric?

This is a common question asked by students who may have failed their matric exams and looking forward to writing again. Certainly, someone preparing for new matric exams may not be looking to rewrite again but to pass once and for all.

If you are wondering the number of times you can apply for the matric exams, then here is the right answer for you. Students or individuals have the chance to write the matric exams as many times as they want to. You can choose to rewrite whatever number of matric exams until your desired results are achieved. 

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How to Find A Job Without Matric

How to Find A Job Without Matric

In this guide, we'll explore how to find a job without matric, address whether it's possible to succeed without a grade 12 certificate and more

What Is Equivalent to A Matric Certificate In South Africa

What Is Equivalent to A Matric Certificate In South Africa

In this blog post, we will explore certificates that are equal to the matric, how one can explore other options without matric, and many more.

How to Send Matric Papers for Remarking

How to Send Matric Papers for Remarking

This article explains what you should know before sending your matric papers for remarking.   

What Does ‘999’ On Matric Certificate Mean

What Does ‘999’ On Matric Certificate Mean

What Does '999' On Matric Certificate Mean. The matric results determine a lot about the students but are not the final determinant

How to Add Matric Subjects to Matric Certificate

How to Add Matric Subjects to Matric Certificate

How to Add Matric Subjects to Matric Certificate. In this blog post, we will delve more into how matric subjects can be added to matric certificates

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading

How to Combine Matric Results After Upgrading. Here’s what you should know about this process.

How To Access Your Matric Results Online

How To Access Your Matric Results Online

How To Access Your Matric Results Online. Looking to write matric exams? Are you prepared for matric results - then keep reading to find out more. 

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate

How to Get A Matric Certificate. We will be exploring more about matric certificates. 

How to Apply for Adult Matric Easily

How to Apply for Adult Matric Easily

How to Apply for Adult Matric. Did you leave school without passing matric? In South Africa, it is very common for people, especially older people

How to Calculate Matric APS Score Points

How to Calculate Matric APS Score Points

How to Calculate Matric APS Score Points. Today we are looking at the APS in more detail.

Can I Still Upgrade My Matric Marks If I Pass?

Can I Still Upgrade My Matric Marks If I Pass?

This blog post will look at how the matric upgrade works, the requirements, the process, and other related information. 

How to Find Your Matric Examination Number

How to Find Your Matric Examination Number

It’s very important that you retain your matric examination number and can access it when needed. Here’s how to find it.

How to Get  Matric Results Sent to Your Phone

How to Get Matric Results Sent to Your Phone

For many South African learners, getting their results on their phones will be the most convenient. Here’s how to do it.

What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass

What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass

What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass. In this blog post, we will explore what some of the pass levels in matric has to offer you. 

What Next After Failing One Matric Subject?

What Next After Failing One Matric Subject?

In this article, we will explore the consequences of failing one subject in matric, the requirements to pass matric and more