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

How to Write A CV Without Matric

How to Write A CV Without Matric

How to Write A CV Without Matric. In this guide, we'll walk you through crafting a compelling CV without matric.

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade?

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade?

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade? Here’s everything you need to know about both.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Matric Results?

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Matric Results?

You can opt to upgrade your matric through an adult matric program and improve those marks. Cost to Upgrade Matric Results

How to Identify A Fake Matric Certificate Easily

How to Identify A Fake Matric Certificate Easily

This article explores the various aspects of fake matric certificates, including how to identify them, the steps to verify authenticity

Can You Combine Matric Results After Upgrading?

Can You Combine Matric Results After Upgrading?

We will be taking you through the possibility of combining matric results after upgrading, and if so, how to combine the matric results

Can You Join the Army Without Matric?

Can You Join the Army Without Matric?

Can You Join the Army Without Matric? This blog post will detail the possibility of joining the army without a matric.

How to Apply For Marking Matric Papers 2026

How to Apply For Marking Matric Papers 2026

By following this guide, prospective markers and individuals seeking information about the matric marking process

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 Are the Matric Pass Requirements?

What Are the Matric Pass Requirements?

We’ve simply broken the matric pass requirements down for you so they are easier to understand.

Matric Exam Rewrite Application Closing Date

Matric Exam Rewrite Application Closing Date

Matric Exam Rewrite Application Closing Date. We will explore the closing date for matric rewrite 2024, the registration opening date

How to Register for a Matric Remark and Recheck Online

How to Register for a Matric Remark and Recheck Online

Matric Remark and Recheck Online. Read on to learn everything you need to know about remarking or rechecking your papers. 

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

Getting A Matric Certificate Outside High School

Getting A Matric Certificate Outside High School

Get a matric certificate outside high school? This and many more of these questions will be addressed as you keep reading. 

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in North West?

Schools With the Highest Matric Pass Rate in North West?

This article provides a list of what we believe constitute the best 10 schools in the North West Province, although you can always look further.

How Much Does Matric Final Exam Count Toward My Final Mark?

How Much Does Matric Final Exam Count Toward My Final Mark?

How Much Does Matric Final Exam Count Toward My Final Mark? Read on to learn how your final matric mark is calculated.