The South African schooling system is divided into two stages – the General Education and Training (GET) stage from Grade R to Grade 9 and the Further Education and Training (FET) stage, from Grade 10 to 12.
After Grade 9, some students continue the FET stage in the schools system to Grade 12. Others opt for a technical and vocational route through TVET colleges.
Those who successfully complete the final year of schooling, Grade 12, will earn a National Senior Certificate (NSC), known also as a “Matric Certificate” or “School Leaving Certificate”. Students completing the Grade 12 year are often referred to as matriculants. The National Senior Certificate is at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Those who complete a 3-year TVET programme will earn a National Certificate Vocational (NCV), also at level 4 on the NQF and also a “School Leaving Certificate” but not a “Matric Certificate”. The difference between the NSC and the NCV is that the NCV is directed at vocational study skills in a specific area of work, while the NSC or matric certificate gives learners more of a general education with a stronger focus on academics.
The main focus of this article is on the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Matric Certificate. How to get a Matric Certificate? Keep reading and I will explain you exactly how.
There are various avenues one can take to attain a matric certificate at NQF level 4:
The National Senior Certificate is issued after Grade 12. Learners attending public schools and some independent schools will complete the examinations set and administered by the Department of Basic Education. Many independent schools will cover the same DBE curriculum but their learners will complete the examinations set and administered by the Independent Examination Board (IEB). Yet others will complete their studies through home schooling or through accredited private colleges and academies – their examinations may be set and administered by SACAI.
The Senior Certificate was the official school-leaving certificate until it was replaced by the National Senior Certificate in 2008. It has been phased out in the schooling system, but adults over 21 can still complete an amended version of it. It is sometimes referred to as “Adult Matric”. It is the equivalent of the NSC, and the certificates look exactly the same. The main difference is that there is no school-based assessment (SBA) component – the examination counts 100%.
A National Technical Certificate is completed through a TVET College and can be also completed by correspondence or online. Subjects are technical (eg Mechanical Engineering, Boiler Making, Motor and Diesel), and are mainly for those wanting to pursue a career in Engineering. To convert from an N3 to an N4, and the equivalent of NSC, learners must also complete Business English and Business Afrikaans (Sake Afrikaans).
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is responsible for the schooling system up to Grade 12. It decides on education policy, the curriculum to be covered and administers the national matric examinations.
The Department of Higher Education and Training oversees universities and other post-school education, including the TVET colleges. It administers the examinations for the National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is responsible for the National Qualifications Framework – the NQF. The NQF is a national guideline to integrate education and training and to allocate a value of one qualification against another. All education and training in South Africa fits within this framework. It ensures that the same standards are applied by training and education providers throughout the country. There are ten levels on the framework, divided into three bands:
Umalusi is responsible for accrediting service providers for education. If you want to study at any institution outside of public schools, make sure that it has been accredited by Umalusi – https://www.umalusi-online.org.za/enquiries.
Umalusi is also responsible for the quality assurance of assessment for Grade 12. It ensures the correct standards are applied in the setting of examination questions, administration of the examinations and in marking and evaluation of both external and school-based assessment.
Umalusi issues both the National Senior Certificate and the National Certificate Vocational to successful candidates. It retains the academic records of all candidates from November 1992 and will verify the correctness of certificates (for example to a potential employer who wants to check that a candidate actually has a matric qualification). Records from before 1992 are kept by the Department of Basic Education.
Umalusi also re-issues certificates that have been lost, but you cannot apply directly to Umalusi. You will have to apply through a Provincial Education Department to get a replacement certificate.
The Independent Examination Board (IEB) is a private assessment board, accredited by Umalusi to set and assess matric examinations. Many independent schools choose the IEB system which gives focus to developing critical thinking skills in learners. IEB is said to encourage the “how” and “why” rather than just the “what” of the content of the curriculum.
SACAI, established in 2012, is a non-profit company, accredited by Umalusi. It provides National Senior Certificate (NSC) assessment services to independent schools and also to distance learning institutions and for home schooling.
Everyone has to complete seven subjects for matric. Four of these are compulsory:
At least three others can be chosen from a list of 25 optional subjects.
The choice is important as it may define the route that the learner will be able to take after school. This is especially important for admission for higher education.
Table 1: Matric subject choices for later admission to University or University of Technology
| Entry to University Achievement rating of 4 or better in at least 4 of the designated subjects | Entry to University of Technology Achievement rating of 3 or better in at least 4 of the designated subjects |
| Accounting Agricultural Sciences Business Studies Dramatic Arts Economics Engineering Graphics and Design Geography History Consumer Studies InformationTechnology Languages (refer to institution websites for their language entry requirements) Life Sciences Mathematics Mathematical Literacy Music Physical Sciences Religion studies Visual Arts | Accounting Agricultural Management Practices Agricultural Sciences Agricultural technology Business Studies Civil Technology Computer Applications Technology Consumer Studies Dance Studies Dramatic Arts Economics Electrical Technology Engineering Graphics and Design Geography History Hospitality Studies Information Technology Languages (refer to institution websites for their language requirements) Life Sciences Mechanical Technology Mathematics Mathematical Literacy Music Physical Sciences Religion Studies Tourism Visual Arts |
Selecting so-called “gateway subjects” such as mathematics, physical science, economics and accounting allows for more tertiary study and career options, especially for careers related to engineering, health sciences, science and commerce.
A key decision is whether to take pure mathematics or maths literacy. Most degrees in science, engineering or the health sciences require pure maths. However, maths literacy is adequate for studies in Humanities (BA courses), some law and commerce degrees, and most education degrees.
The final promotion mark in all of the subjects offered for the NSC or Matric Certificate is a combination of a national public examination and a School-based Assessment (SBA).
The SBA constitutes a minimum of 25% of the final mark, and is even higher for certain subjects, especially those with a practical component, and up to 80% of the final mark for Life Orientation.
The results will show both the percentage achieved for each subject as well as the relevant level, as follows:
There are three types of matric certificate passes:
The minimum requirements to receive a matric certificate (also called Higher Certificate pass) are:
This means that you can fail (at Level 1) only one subject of the seven taken.
A Higher Certificate pass gives you access to certificate courses at TVET Colleges, trade schools like beauty schools, chef schools nursing or IT colleges, and in-house training in various industries. It is also the minimum educational requirement for many jobs.
A Diploma pass allows you access to post-school National Diploma courses at Universities of Technology, TVET Colleges and institutes for Distance Learning.
A Bachelor pass is a minimum requirement for degree studies at a university.
To be considered for admission to a specific course at a university, is necessary to achieve a Bachelor pass, have the correct choice of subjects and achieve the Admission Point Score (APS) for that course. Many universities also require an entry test such as the National Benchmark Test.
Each University calculates the APS in its own way but, generally, the percentage marks for your top 7 subjects or your top 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation) are converted into points and added together to give one score. A minimum cut-off is required for each course of study. When you first apply, if you do not already have your final NSC marks, you must submit your Grade 11 marks.
It should be noted that the results for the IEB Advanced Programmes in Mathematics and Languages are not considered for APS purposes.
This is an example for Wits University:
Table 2: APS calculation for Wits University – example
| NSC Scale of achievement | NSC % | WITS APS | WITS APS % | WITS APS for Maths and English | WITS APS for Life Orientation | WITS APS for other subjects |
| 8 | 90 – 100 | 8+2 = 10 | 4 | 8 | ||
| 7 | 80 – 99 | 7 | 80 – 99 | 7+2 = 9 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | 70 – 79 | 6 | 70 – 79 | 6+2 = 8 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 60 – 69 | 5 | 60 – 69 | 5 + 2 = 7 | 1 | 5 |
| 4 | 50 – 59 | 4 | 50 – 59 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | 40 – 49 | 3 | 40 – 49 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | 30 – 39 | 0 | 30 – 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 0 – 29 | 0 | 0 – 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The total must reach a minimum cut-off, depending on the course. So, for example, a BCom (Accounting) requires 39+ points, a BCom (Accounting Science) requires 42+ and a BCom (Law) requires 43+.
The APS is an initial screening tool for universities and achieving the minimum cut-off is not a guarantee of acceptance to a university.
Adult Matric is for anyone above the age of 21 who for some reason did not pass matric or did not reach that level of schooling. Generally, candidates will complete the examinations for the Amended Senior Certificate. Registrations are open between October and January and examinations are written in June. Candidates can register at any education district office or online at www.eservices.gov.za
Candidates must be above the age of 21 as at the date of writing the examinations. This means that younger candidates can register and commence their studies, but will not be allowed to write the examinations until they turn 21.
The following candidates are eligible for adult matric:
Certified copies of documents proving minimum qualifications must be provided. This includes the Statements of Results for any previous attempts at Grade 12.
Minimum 1 year. Most Colleges provide a 3-year programme, covering Grades 10 to 12.
For further information
See https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/SeniorCertificate.aspx
All matric certificates since 1992 have been issued and certified by Umalusi. All replacement certificates since that date are also issued by Umalusi. Requests must be made via the DBE / Provincial Education offices or via IEB or SACAI and not directly to Umalusi.
The main reasons for replacements include:
You will have to fill in the correct application form, attach the documents listed on that form and pay the required fee. You can take all the documents plus proof of payment to the nearest DBE or PED (Provincial Education Department) office. It doesn’t have to be an office in the same region as where you completed your studies. Alternatively you can post them to Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.
If you completed a matric through the IEB or SACAI systems, then applications should be directed through their offices and not via the DBE or PED offices.
It will take between 4 and 6 weeks to receive the replacement certificate. You can ask for a Statement of Results as an interim record immediately.
Download the application forms here:
Fees valid from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021:
You can pay with a postal order or cash at the DBE/PED office or online at www.eservices.gov.za
Contact details for provincial and national departments are as follows:
| EASTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Exam Centre 30 Durban Street King Williams’s Town 5600 Tel: 043 604 7724 Thobeka.Dumbisa@edu.ecprov.gov.za | FREE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 55 Elizabeth Street, 1st Floor Fidel Castro Building, Bloemfontein Tel: 051 404 8252 M.Monnaruri@fseducation.gov.za |
| GAUTENG EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 111 Commissioner Street Johannesburg Tel: 011 355 0611 Nomthandazo.Malinga@gauteng.gov.za | KWAZULU-NATAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 72 Stanger Street Margate Building Durban Tel: 031 327 0312 Bongani.Chiliza@kzndoe.gov.za |
| MPUMALANGA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Beta Building SADC Street Middelburg Tel: 013 766 0051 m.viljoen@education.mpu.gov.za | NORTHERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Buckley road Ex-Perseverance college Kimberley Tel: 053 839 6503 nicolettefredericks@ncdoe.gov.za |
| LIMPOPO EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Cnr 113 Biccard & 24 Excelsior Streets Polokwane Tel: 015 290 7740 ThomasE@edu.limpopo.gov.za | NORTHWEST EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 90 Van Der Hoff Potchefstroom Tel : 018 388 0827 Bkeetile@nwpg.gov.za |
| WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Grand Central Towers Lower Parliament Street Cape Town Tel: 021 467 2936 Desmond.Botes@westerncape.gov.za | DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION 222 Struben Street Sol Plaatjie building Pretoria Central Tel: 012 357 3255 Nene.T@dbe.gov.za |
| DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION 222 Struben Street Sol Plaatjie building Pretoria Central Tel: 012 357 3255 Visser.M@dbe.gov.za | SACAI 278 Serene Street Garsfontein 0042 Tel: 012 348 5650 karendw@sacai.org.za |
| IEB Johannesburg Tel: 011 483 9736 dladlas@ieb.co.za | ERCO Certification@umalusi.org.za |
For more information see our article “How To Check your Matric Results Online And What To Do If You Failed Your Matric”
The National Career Advice Portal, known as Khetha, is an online self-help tool to facilitate informed career and study choices. It provides career information, guidance and advice by telephone and also responds to queries received by telephone, SMS, ‘Please Call Me’, E-mail, Facebook and Twitter.
Call them on: 086 999 0123
SMS or send them a PLEASE CALL ME (they will call you back) on: 072 204 5056
Email them on: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za
Tweet them on: http://twitter.com/rsacareerhelp
Talk to them on: www.facebook.com/careerhelp
Making decisions about your career does not have to be difficult. You should know what you enjoy doing and what careers appeal to you. Try a Career Quizif you need some clarity.
A matric certificate is either a National Senior Certificate or an Amended Senior Certificate. Both are at level 4 on the NQF. Matric certificates are issued by Umalusi.
A Statement of Results document is issued when the results are released by DBE, IEB or SACAI. While this document reflects the candidate’s results, it is not a certificate. It is a temporary document to be used for employment and/or further studies, until it is replaced by the official Umalusi matric certificate which is usually issued by July of the year following your final examinations.
Usually matric results are available during the first week of January. Because of the COVID 19 disruptions during 2020, the 2020 examinations were completed only on 15 December, the marking of papers will happen between 4 and 22 January 2021, and results will be available on 23 February 2021.
This depends on your pace and study needs.
For example, if you are doing a Technical Matric (N3 plus 2 languages), the usual time is 8 – 12 months. The actual contact time needed to complete the N3 section is 6 months. There is a trimester system and national examinations are written 3 times per year, in April, August and November. So, you could complete the course in 6 months.
Similarly, if you are studying online or by correspondence, you can complete the course at your own pace. The thing to note is the date by which you have to register to write the official examinations – this is usually 8 to 9 months before the date of the examinations. Colleges may also have their own rules for the period of time they expect you to be registered.
Most students complete their matric at public or private/independent high schools. Those who have not completed via school will have to register with some kind of formal learning institution, and can study part-time or full-time, via distance learning (correspondence or online) or with contact sessions.
Some of the better-known institutions in South Africa that will allow you to repeat or upgrade your matric marks include Damelin, Matric College, Intec, Oxbridge Academy, Taal-Net Training Institute, College of Cape Town, Abbotts College, Brainline, ICESA.
Many jobs require skills and experience rather than qualifications. You can complete an introductory course to help you find employment in the field of work you want. You can also repeat your Grade 12 year or upgrade some or all of your subjects.
For more information see our article “How To Check your Matric Results Online And What To Do If You Failed Your Matric”
No, you require a matric certificate to be considered for degree studies at any university in South Africa, including Unisa.
Damelin is one of the better-known education institutions where you can upgrade your matric results.
You can register to study and rewrite some or all of your subjects, provided you have completed SBA (School Based Assessment) component for all the subjects and you can provide the official Grade 12 Statement of results confirming the subjects you have previously written.
Duration: 1 year minimum