When your matric results arrive, your statement says you qualified for a Bachelor's, Diploma or Higher Certificate pass. Or it says you did not qualify for any of them. Many students and parents read those words without being sure what they actually mean for the future. This guide explains each pass level in plain language, what it opens up, and what it does not.
The pass level on your statement of results is the starting point, not the full story
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is awarded to learners who meet the minimum pass requirements across their seven subjects. Within the NSC there are three levels of pass, and each one sets a different minimum standard for further study. Your pass level matters, but it is only one of several things universities and colleges look at.
The Three NSC Pass Levels
Here is a quick overview. The percentages below are a summary of the minimum requirements, so always confirm the full rules in the Department of Basic Education's official NSC policy, especially subject combinations and how the Home Language and the language of learning and teaching are treated.
| Pass Level | Summary of Minimum Marks | Generally Qualifies You For |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Pass | At least 50% in four subjects from the designated list, 40% in Home Language and two other subjects, and 30% in the language of learning and teaching | Degree study (subject to each programme's own requirements) |
| Diploma Pass | At least 40% in four subjects (including Home Language) and 30% in two other subjects | Diploma study |
| Higher Certificate Pass | At least 40% in Home Language and two other subjects, and 30% in three other subjects | Higher Certificate study |
Good to Know
- Your statement of results states which pass level you achieved. If it does not show any of the three, you have not yet met the NSC pass requirements.
- The IEB, which sets its own exams, follows the same pass levels for the NSC.
- The pass level is separate from your APS. You can have a Bachelor's pass and still fall below the APS needed for a particular degree.
What a Bachelor's Pass Means
A Bachelor's pass (sometimes written as "Bachelor's Degree pass") is the minimum NSC requirement for applying to a university degree programme. It tells institutions that you reached the baseline academic standard for degree study.
It does not guarantee a place. Every degree has its own APS requirement and often specific subject requirements as well. For example, a BCom in Accounting, an Engineering degree, or a Medicine programme will usually require particular subjects, such as pure Mathematics or Physical Sciences, at a certain level. A Bachelor's pass simply means the door to degree applications is open.
With a Bachelor's pass you can also apply for diplomas and higher certificates, and for most TVET and private college programmes. Having the highest pass level never limits you to degrees only.
What a Diploma Pass Means
A Diploma pass qualifies you to apply for diploma programmes at universities of technology, comprehensive universities and other institutions. Diplomas are typically more practical and career-focused than degrees, with a strong link to industry and often a work-integrated learning component.
Fields commonly offered as diplomas include Engineering (national diplomas), Information Technology, Business Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Nursing, Journalism, and Hospitality. Many of these qualifications lead directly to employment, and some can lead on to further study.
As with the Bachelor's pass, meeting the pass level is the minimum. Each diploma still sets its own APS and subject requirements, and popular diplomas can be very competitive.
What a Higher Certificate Pass Means
A Higher Certificate pass is the lowest of the three NSC pass levels, but it is a real qualification and a genuine route into further education. It qualifies you to apply for Higher Certificate programmes, which are one-year qualifications offered at universities, universities of technology and some private institutions.
Higher Certificates are designed to give you a foundation in a field and, in many cases, a pathway into a diploma. Students often use them to build confidence, improve their study skills, and prove themselves academically before moving up.
A Higher Certificate pass also keeps TVET colleges and many private colleges open to you. TVET colleges in particular have flexible entry requirements, and you can read more in our guide to TVET college versus university.
A Pass Level Is Not an Admission
One of the most common misunderstandings is thinking that a pass level equals acceptance. In reality, getting into a programme usually requires meeting all of the following:
What Institutions Actually Check
- The right NSC pass level for the type of qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate).
- The programme's minimum APS, which differs between institutions and courses.
- Subject-specific requirements, such as a minimum mark in Mathematics, English or a science.
- Extra selection criteria where used, such as NBT results, interviews, or portfolios.
- Available space, since popular programmes receive far more applicants than places.
Use the Matric2Succes APS calculator to see your score, and read our guide on how to calculate your APS to understand how each university counts it.
Qualification Levels Explained
South African qualifications are placed on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which ranks them by level. It helps to see how the pass levels line up with the qualifications they lead to:
| Qualification | NQF Level | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate | 5 | 1 year |
| Diploma (and Advanced Certificate) | 6 | 3 years |
| Bachelor's Degree (and Advanced Diploma) | 7 | 3 to 4 years (Advanced Diploma: 1 year) |
| Honours Degree / Postgraduate Diploma | 8 | 1 year |
| Master's Degree | 9 | 1 to 2 years |
Durations vary by institution and field, so treat these as typical guides rather than fixed rules.
How to Move Up Later
Your pass level does not lock you into one level of qualification forever. There are several ways to move upward:
Higher Certificate to Diploma. Many Higher Certificate programmes are designed to feed into a related diploma. Ask the institution whether your credits will be recognised and what marks you need.
Diploma to Advanced Diploma or degree. After a diploma you can often study an Advanced Diploma or apply for a related degree. Some universities give credit for completed diploma modules, while others require you to start the degree from the beginning.
Improve your results. You can rewrite subjects to upgrade your pass level and raise your APS. Our guide on what to do if your APS is too low covers remarks, rewrites and other options.
Use articulation pathways. Credit transfer rules differ between institutions. Always ask the admissions office for the written articulation policy before you rely on a pathway.
Common Myths About Pass Levels
Myths and Realities
- Myth: A Bachelor's pass means you will get into university.
Reality: It only meets the minimum requirement. APS and subject requirements still decide admission. - Myth: A Diploma or Higher Certificate pass means your future is limited.
Reality: Many successful professionals started with diplomas or higher certificates and built up their qualifications over time. - Myth: You can only apply for the level of qualification that matches your pass.
Reality: A higher pass level lets you apply to lower-level qualifications too. A Bachelor's pass can apply for diplomas and higher certificates. - Myth: If you did not get a pass level, you cannot study further.
Reality: You can rewrite subjects, complete the Second Chance Matric Programme, or explore TVET and other pathways.
What to Do Next
Once you understand your pass level, here is a sensible order for planning your next steps:
Read your statement of results carefully and note your pass level and each subject mark.
Calculate your APS using the method each institution uses.
Match your pass level and APS to the types of qualification you can apply for, then check the subject requirements for each one.
Apply to several options, including a backup route, and check every closing date.
Apply for funding early. Our NSFAS application guide walks you through it.
Enter your marks into the Matric2Succes tool to see the programmes and institutions you qualify for, based on your own results.
Your pass level describes where you stand today. It is not a label for your intelligence or your future. Whether you hold a Bachelor's, Diploma or Higher Certificate pass, there is a route forward, and many of the best routes are the ones that start a little lower and build up step by step.