Matric Results Pass Symbols, Levels, Mark Percentage, And Their Meanings

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Understanding the matric pass symbols, levels, and meanings is crucial for high school students in South Africa as they eagerly await their matric results. This comprehensive guide aims to provide detailed information on matric pass symbols, levels, mark percentages, and their meanings. By delving into the various symbols and levels, students can clearly understand their matric certificates and the implications for their future educational pursuits. This guide will also explain the calculation of final matric marks and the different types of certificates students can receive upon matric.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Matric Results Pass Symbols, Levels, Mark Percentage, And Their Meanings

Matric results in South Africa are represented by various symbols indicating achievement and performance. The matric pass symbols, along with their mark percentages and corresponding achievement levels, are as follows:

These symbols reflect the performance of students in their final matric examinations. Each symbol represents a specific range of mark percentages and is associated with an achievement level indicating academic accomplishment. Achieving higher symbols, such as A+ or A, demonstrates exceptional performance, while lower symbols, such as D or E, indicate a more moderate level of achievement.

What Are Matric Symbols?

Matric symbols represent the grades awarded to students in their final matric examinations. These symbols are categorized alphabetically, with A being the highest symbol and G being the lowest. Each symbol corresponds to a specific range of marks in the final examination.

The matric symbols and their meanings are as follows:

These symbols provide a standardized way to represent students’ performance and achievements in their matric examinations. They are used to determine admission requirements for further education and can be essential in determining eligibility for specific study programs and institutions.

What Are The 4 Types Of Certificates You Can Get In Matric (Pass Level)?

Students can receive four types of certificates in matric, represent ing different levels of achievement and eligibility for further education. These certificates are as follows:

- ADVERTISEMENT -
  1. Bachelor’s Degree Pass (B):
    • Conditions: Pupils must achieve a minimum of forty percent in their mother tongue, fifty percent in four subjects, and thirty percent in two additional disciplines. Students can apply for degree programs at universities or technological universities if they fulfill these criteria.
  2. Diploma Pass (D):
    • Requirements: A student can fail only one subject, pass six of the seven subjects, pass the home language with at least 40%, and pass four other subjects with 40%.
  3. Higher Certificate Pass (H):
    • Requirements: A student must pass the home language with at least 40%, pass two subjects with at least 40%, and pass six of the seven subjects with an average of not less than 33⅓%.
  4. National Senior Certificate Pass:
    • Conditions: The prerequisites for students include obtaining a minimum score of 40% in their native language, as well as achieving a minimum score of 30% in two additional subjects and three other subjects. One subject, including the First Additional Language, can fail and still obtain this pass level.

These different pass levels provide students various opportunities for further education and career paths, depending on their aspirations and abilities.

How Is Your Final Matric Mark Calculated?

The calculation of the final matric mark considers both the School-Based Assessments (SBA) and the final examination marks. The results are divided into 25% and 75% assessment criteria, making up 100%.

The computation is composed of the following elements:

  1. SBA: The SBA category constitutes a quarter (25%) of the overall grade. It includes projects, tests, and assignments students complete during the year before the final examinations.
  2. Final Examination: The final examination contributes 75% to the final mark. It is based on student’s performance in their chosen subjects for Grade 12.

It is important to note that the calculation of the final matric mark may vary slightly depending on specific subject requirements and the policies of individual schools or examination bodies. To calculate the final mark, the SBA marks are weighted by 25%, and the final examination marks are weighted by 75%. The weighted marks are then combined to determine the overall final mark for each subject.

As mentioned above, it’s crucial to note that the calculation of the final matric mark may vary depending on the subject and the specific assessment criteria set by the Department of Basic Education. Therefore, students should consult their teachers or the examination guidelines provided by the Department of Basic Education for detailed information on how their specific subject marks are calculated.

By comprehensively understanding the calculation process for the final matriculation mark, students can enhance their comprehension of their academic performance and the various factors that influence their overall outcomes. This knowledge can assist individuals in evaluating their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to make well-informed decisions regarding their future academic pursuits.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

When Does Matric Rewrite Registration Closing?

When Does Matric Rewrite Registration Closing?

This information will answer queries like the matric rewrite registration closing date, the needed details to apply for matric rewrite

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Matric Results?

How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Matric Results?

This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results.      

Schools With the Best Matric Results In South Africa

Schools With the Best Matric Results In South Africa

Matriculants in South Africa have the option of writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations or the Independent Examination Board (IEB) exams

How to Register For Matric Rewrite At the Department Of Education

How to Register For Matric Rewrite At the Department Of Education

In this blog post, we will dive into matric registration at the Department of Education, how to register for a matric rewrite, and many more. 

What Can I Study If I Don’t Have Matric?

What Can I Study If I Don’t Have Matric?

What Can I Study If I Don't Have Matric? Not having a Matric certificate does not mean your educational and career aspirations are forever gone

How to Apply For A New Matric Certificate?

How to Apply For A New Matric Certificate?

The process of applying for a new certificate differs from one province to the other. Read on to learn how to apply for a new matric certificate. 

When Matric Rewrite Results Will Be Released In Provinces

When Matric Rewrite Results Will Be Released In Provinces

How Much Does It Cost to Combine Matric Results

How Much Does It Cost to Combine Matric Results

This guide will provide information on the cost of combining matric results, the process involved, and where to make the payment.

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. 

Why is it Important to Pass Matric with Good Results?

Why is it Important to Pass Matric with Good Results?

Why is it Important to Pass Matric with Good Results? Here’s why you should pass matric with the best results you can.

How to Apply For IEB Matric Rewrite

How to Apply For IEB Matric Rewrite

How to Calculate Matric Average

How to Calculate Matric Average

How to Calculate Matric Average. Keep on reading to learn how to calculate your Matric average.

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Johannesburg

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in Johannesburg

Which Schools Have the Highest Pass Rate in Johannesburg. If you’re looking for the best school for your child, this post is for you. 

How to Apply For Upgrading Matric Results

How to Apply For Upgrading Matric Results

We will guide you on how to apply for upgrading matric results, things needed to apply for matric upgrade, the matric upgrade online

How to Check Matric Result

How to Check Matric Result

There are different methods you can use to check your results across the country. Read on to learn how you can check your matric result.