Your future starts now! Know what to do next with your matric results

Passing matric is one of the most important milestones of your life – the first step on your road to your dream career.

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements have changed quite a bit with the introduction of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), which revolve around 3 pass levels that determine your future study options.

The 3 levels and their respective requirements are:

• Higher Certificate Pass
  • You’ll need to pass 6 of your 7 subjects.
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 40% for your Home Language (compulsory).
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 40% for 2 subjects and at least 30% for the other 3.
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 30% in your Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)
  • If you fail a maximum of 1 subject, your School-based Assessment (SBA) items like tests and assignments will be used to evaluate your pass.
• Diploma Pass​
  • You’ll need to pass 6 of your 7 subjects.
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 40% (a level 3 achievement) for 4 Subjects.
  • Subjects include Home Language at 40% compulsory pass and excludes Life Orientation.
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 30% Pass in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT).
• Bachelor’s Certificate Pass 
  • ​You’ll need to pass 6 of your 7 subjects.
  • You’ll need a passmark of at least 50% (level 4 achievement) for 4 Subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
  • You’ll need to achieve a passmark of at least 40% for your Home Language.
  • 30% Pass in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)

How your matric pass can shape your future 

The type of pass level you obtained at the end of matric determines whether you will study at a university, university of technology or TVET college.

If you passed with a Higher Certificate Pass, you can attend any of the following tertiary institutions after you complete Grade 12:

• A bridging course at a TVET college.
• Trade schools like beauty schools, chef schools or IT colleges.
• In-house training in various industries.

You can also apply for manual or administrative positions at various companies. 

If you passed with a Diploma Pass, you can enrol for: 

• Bridging courses at TVET colleges.
• Diploma courses at various universities, and universities of technology.

Since universities of technology focus on practical learning, you'll usually find that a diploma is shorter than a university degree, but includes a much larger practical component. 

If you passed with a Bachelor’s Pass, you can study at any tertiary institution in South Africa, as long as you have met the requirements for your chosen field of study. 

The minimum admission requirements for a Bachelor's degree programme remain the same, namely, a NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education Institution (HEI), coupled with an achievements rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four (4) NSC subject except Life Orientation.

When you have an idea about what you want to study, do a little research about the job security, demand, and work availability in that field so that you can make an informed decision about your future.

Various tertiary institutions offer bursaries (with varying opening and closing dates) that will help you further your studies. You can find some more information here. However, be sure to contact them directly for other alternatives as well.

Evaluate your options

Choosing a career path can be intimidating and overwhelming. Chat to your family before making decisions so that you get the full view of things you need to consider.

Remember, your perfect career and future starts with evaluating yourself and determining what you enjoy, the work environments that appeal to you and whether your personality matches your career choice.

Take some time to do research and consider your options. Visit career websites and newspapers and consider job shadowing, learnerships, or volunteering in your field of choice before making your final decision.

Here are some ideas and options.