What Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass

By Tevait Feanle •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

The South Africa matric exams prepare students to embrace a bit of the reality of life. Upon knowing where you find yourself after your matric results, you can determine what life has for you in the next stage. 

Writing the matric exams might be like a real academic battle but with a great focus, you can successfully complete it. The anticipation builds up when you are yet to find out your performance.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

With this, there are a lot of questions that come among many individuals on what they can study and what they can be offered. In most cases, every student thinks about what they want and not what they can be offered.

And it is the same way where most would also want to find themselves in top-class universities. But in every aspect of life, there are alternatives available. When you pass your matric, there are many options for you, and even with a fail, you can have a backup plan.

But the rationale behind your performance can alter your decision on where to study and what to study.

In this blog post, we will explore what some of the pass levels in matric has to offer you. 

What Is A Higher Certificate Pass?

In South Africa, there are different pass levels in the high school system. Each level of pass refers to an academic achievement. This standardized performance and achievement must be met in order for students to graduate.

The higher certificate pass is an example of the pass level in the high school system in South Africa. To get a higher certificate pass, students must meet some terms and conditions in their final exams. This includes students meeting the minimum academic requirements, which includes getting a particular score in the subjects written. 

The higher certificate is considered to be the third lowest pass in the matric exams. It is structured to give students the needed capabilities, foundation, and skills to progress in life. 

Although one may obtain a higher certificate pass, it does not guarantee admission into tertiary. Having a higher certificate pass means you have successfully completed your Grade 12 education. 

How Many Points Is A Higher Certificate Pass?

Are you curious about the points that need to be accumulated in order to obtain a higher certificate? Are you concerned about your next tertiary education? Here is what you need to know.

In every matric exam written, the final scores are converted into points; each point has a range in the percentage score. For example, scoring between 80% to 100% in Mathematics can get you 7 points. Each score has a benchmark and points allocated to it.

At the end of your matric results, these points are put together to determine your overall APS. These points can serve as a gateway to your next educational level. 

Also, each level of the pass is associated with an APS score. Knowing your APS score can help you prepare for your academic life. In a higher certificate, a minimum of 15 points is considered. By the Department of Education, anyone who gets an APS score of 15 to 16 points can be classified into the higher certificate pass.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Is It Possible To Go To University With A Higher Certificate Pass?

Going to the university after the matric exam is considered to be the dream of major students. However, the outcome of your matric results does not determine your worth in life. It is important to grab life as it comes at you and make good use of it.

Higher certificates pass confirm the successful completion of your matric exams but do not guarantee admission into the university. If you are planning to go to the university with a higher certificate, it is unlikely for that to happen.

Most universities in South Africa do not consider students with a higher certificate pass. Going to the university with only a higher certificate pass is impossible. 

Is A Higher Certificate Pass A Fail?

It is common to have a lot of people think about their failures and success. And this includes the thought of a higher certificate pass being a fail. 

To firmly answer the most asked question about a higher certificate being a fail, it is a big No. 

The higher certificate ass represents your overall achievement in the matric exams. This is awarded to individuals who performed to certain criteria in their various subjects. 

Obtaining a higher certificate can give you the opportunity to get into other tertiary institutions if not the university. 

Certainly, a higher certificate is not a failure. It is considered to be a pass and qualifies you to get your senior high school certificate. 

Which College Can I Study With A Higher Certificate Pass?

A Higher Certificate is a common academic credential at South African universities and colleges. A Higher Certificate may not have the same weight as a diploma or degree, but it is still a worthwhile credential for those looking to advance their education or enter the workforce.

There are colleges and universities that offer courses to individuals with a higher certificate. 

Here are a few college one can study using a higher certificate pass.

Matric College allows you to study NATED courses, ICB courses, and short courses.

Few examples of colleges that you can study with a higher certificate pass.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Are The Four Matric Pass Levels?

What Are The Four Matric Pass Levels?

What are the different levels of matric passes? This article explains everything you want to know about the four matric pass levels.

When Does Matric Marking End?

When Does Matric Marking End?

When Does Matric Marking End? This article explains everything you want to know about the Matric marking process.

Matric Symbols And Levels

Matric Symbols And Levels

Matric Symbols and Levels. Here’s how the letter grades and percentages match up on a matric pass.

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 Calculate Matric Points

How to Calculate Matric Points

We will explore some of the common questions asked about matric points, the subject involved, and average scores in the matric exams.

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

Full Matric Exam Timetable

Full Matric Exam Timetable

Full Matric Exam Timetable. The class of %currentyear% will begin writing their matric examinations on Monday, 30 October

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. 

How Much It Costs to Have Your Matric Exam Remarked?

How Much It Costs to Have Your Matric Exam Remarked?

How Much It Costs to Have Your Matric Exam Remarked. Here’s what you should know about the cost, process, and when it is worth doing.

What Is A Good AP Score?

What Is A Good AP Score?

What Is A Good AP Score? The admission point score serves the purpose of offering institutions a standardized method to fairly

Matric Marking

Matric Marking

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final Exams For 2025?

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final Exams For 2025?

How Many Days Are Left Before Matric Final. Here’s what you need to know about the last few days before your matric examinations start.

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass?

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass?

What Are the Requirements For A Matric Bachelors Pass? Read on to learn everything you want to know about a matric bachelor’s pass level. 

How to Get Your 2024/25 Matric Results Via SMS & USSD

How to Get Your 2024/25 Matric Results Via SMS & USSD

With a few button clicks, you can get your matric results delivered directly to your phone or even read them online.

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