How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?

Matric, or the National Senior Certificate (NSC), is the final year of secondary school in South Africa.

It is a major exam that determines your eligibility for further studies or employment.

To pass Matric, you are required to take a total of seven subjects.

However, the number of subjects you need to pass to obtain your certificate is slightly different.

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass To Get A Matric Certificate?

To obtain a Matric certificate, you need to successfully complete at least six out of the seven subjects you undertake.

This might sound straightforward, but there are many things to consider.

The subjects you choose to study will influence your overall Matric performance and potential future study options.

The standard Matric curriculum includes a compulsory Home Language, a First Additional Language, a Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics, Life Orientation, and three elective subjects.

While you must pass six subjects overall, the specific requirements for different levels of achievement (Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree) vary.

These levels determine the type of tertiary institution you can apply to.

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric For A Higher Certificate?

A Higher Certificate is the entry qualification for many TVET colleges and some basic certificate courses.

To achieve this level, you must:

1. Obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
2. Achieve at least 40% in two other subjects.
3. Score at least 30% in four other subjects.
4. Pass a total of at least six subjects.

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass For A Diploma?

A Diploma is a higher qualification than a Higher Certificate and often requires admission to a university or university of technology.

To qualify for a Diploma, you need to:

1. Obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
2. Achieve at least 40% in three other subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
3. Score at least 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary institution.
4. Pass a total of at least six subjects.

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass For A Bachelor’s Degree?

If your goal is to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree, the requirements are more stringent.

You will need to achieve a higher overall percentage and specific subject marks.

The exact requirements may vary between universities, but generally, you will need:

1. A good pass in your Home Language.
2. Strong results in several other subjects, including Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
3. A sufficient number of points based on the Admission Points Score (APS) system.

Is It Possible To Pass Matric With Only 5 Subjects?

Technically, no. You need to pass at least six subjects to obtain a Matric certificate.

However, if you fail one subject, you might be able to rewrite it the following year or explore other options like supplementary exams.

What Happens If I Fail One Subject In Matric?

Failing one subject doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your educational journey.

You have several options to help yourself out.

You can rewrite the failed subject the following year.

In some cases, you might be eligible for a supplementary exam.

If you fail more than one subject, you might need to rewrite the entire Matric year.

And if all else fails, you can always consider vocational or trade-based options.

What Are The Compulsory Subjects For Matric?

The compulsory subjects for Matric are:

1. Home Language
2. First Additional Language
3. Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics
4. Life Orientation

Remember, the specific requirements and regulations for Matric can change over time so make sure to stay updated with the latest information from the Department of Basic Education.