Matric symbols play a crucial role in the South African education system since they are linked to the matric pass levels that determine the matriculants’ next step in their higher learning careers. To be able to choose an appropriate course to study at a tertiary institution, one must understand how they function. This article explains everything you want to know about Matric pass symbols.
What Does Matric Pass Symbols Mean?
Matric passes are divided into four broad levels: the Bachelor’s Degree Pass, Diploma Pass, National Senior Certificate, and Higher Certificate. The Matric symbols are categorised as follows:
- Code 7 (A): 80 – 100% (Outstanding)
- Code 6 (B): 70 – 79% (Meritorious)
- Code 5 (C): 60 – 69% (Substantial)
- Code 4 (D): 50 – 59% (Moderate)
- Code 3 (E): 40 – 49% (Adequate)
- Code 2 (F): 30 – 39% (Elementary)
- Code 1 (FF): 0 – 29% (Not achieved)
The Matric symbols provide a provisional acceptance to students who want to pursue specific study programs. For instance, if you achieve a Bachelor’s Pass (B), you can get a place to study any program you want at University. However, you need to meet other admission requirements on top of your outstanding pass mark.
A Diploma pass (D) allows you to study a diploma course or attend a TVET or Technikon College. With a Higher Certificate (H), you can get a provisional entrance into a certificate course or college. High school students who fail to attain the minimum pass requirements in their subjects will not get a Matric or National Senior Certificate. Therefore, the Matric symbols can significantly affect your plans since they determine the type of program you can study.
You need to get a specific matric symbol to apply for a place to study at a university or college. However, you should know that a certain percentage of marks is required to achieve this. Here are the percentages required for different Matric symbols.
Bachelor’s Pass
- If you want to enroll in a degree program at a university, you must obtain at least 40% in your home language.
- Minimum of 50% in four other high-credit subjects
- At least 30% for the language at the University where you want to study
Diploma Pass
To get a Diploma Pass, you must meet all the requirements for National Senior Certificate. You should have 40% for your home language. You must get 40% in the other four subjects.
National Senior certificate
- At least 40% in your home language and three other subjects
- A minimum of 30% in three other subjects
Higher Certificate
Your higher certificate pass should include the requirements for NSC and 40% for your home language. You must have 30% in the other six subjects. However, you should note that a Higher Certificate comes with limited career opportunities. For instance, if you want to attend college or pursue a better career, you’ll need to first improve your results.
What Are the Symbols for Matric Results?
The symbols for Matric results represent the student’s achievement in a particular subject. The following are the Matric pass symbols recognised across South Africa and their meanings.
- Code 7 (A): 80 – 100% (Outstanding)
- Code 6 (B): 70 – 79% (Meritorious)
- Code 5 (C): 60 – 69% (Substantial)
- Code 4 (D): 50 – 59% (Moderate)
- Code 3 (E): 40 – 49% (Adequate)
- Code 2 (F): 30 – 39% (Elementary)
- Code 1 (FF): 0 – 29% (Not achieved)
The percentage you get for a specific subject is also used to determine the code you get. These codes help calculate your admission point system (APS) if you want to study at a TVET/Technikon college or University.
What Does Aggregate Symbol Mean?
An aggregate symbol refers to the total marks obtained by the candidate in a Matric exam comprising six subjects. Life orientation is not included in the calculation of the aggregate. If the students write more than six subjects, their aggregate will be the total marks obtained in the best two subjects derived from Group A, including the first language. The minimum aggregate for one to pass Matric is 950 marks.
What Marks Do You Need to Get a Bachelor’s Pass in Matric?
A bachelor’s pass in Matric is the highest score a student can achieve at this level. With this pass, you can get a place to pursue a course you want at a university. You can also gain acceptance into a degree program at any higher-learning institution. It is essential to pass your Matric with high grades to get a Bachelor’s Pass which also determines your APS.
You should get the following passes to obtain a bachelor’s pass.
- At least 40% in your home language
- A minimum of 50% in the other four high credit subjects except for life orientation
- 30% in two other subjects
Students are also expected to pass at least six out of the seven subjects and achieve a minimum APS of 23. However, you should remember that each learning institution has certain admission requirements, and these are not universal. If you get a bachelor’s pass, this does not necessarily mean that you are guaranteed to get a place to study at a technikon or University.
Another vital aspect you should know about getting a bachelor’s pass in Matric is that there are four compulsory subjects which you should write. These include the following:
- Home language
- Either Afrikaans or English as your second language
- Maths or Maths Literature
- Life Orientation
On top of these four compulsory subjects, each student must write three high-credit subjects to make them seven. High credit subjects include:
- Business Studies
- Accounting
- Economics
- History
- Geography
- Consumer Studies
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Information Technology
- Tourism
If you intend to study at the University of Technikon, you should aim to obtain high matric pass symbols. With high grades, you can choose a degree program you want at a university of technikon. Good Matric passes also contribute to your total APS, determining your future academic career.
