South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) is awarded to students who successfully complete their Grade 12 examinations.

There are 3 pass levels:

  1. Higher certificate
  2. Diploma
  3. Bachelors pass (previously known as an exemption)

1.  Higher certificate pass requirements: enables you to study towards a skills certificate

  • Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language,
  • Must obtain at least 40% for two other subjects,
  • Must obtain at least 30% for four other subjects.
  • Must past at least 6 out of 7 subjects

2. Diploma pass requirements:  which will qualify you to study for a diploma at a TVET college or university of technology

  • Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language,
  • Must obtain at least 40% for three other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
  • Must obtain at least 30% for the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary institution,
  • Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

3.  Bachelors pass requirements:  enables you to study towards a degree at a university or university of technology

  • Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language (compulsory),
  • Must obtain at least 50% for four other subjects excluding Life Orientation,
  • Must obtain at least 30% for Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the tertiary institution,
  • Must obtain at least 30% for one other subject,
  • Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

Grade levels:

  • Level 7: 80–100% (Outstanding achievement)
  • Level 6: 70–79% (Meritorious achievement)
  • Level 5: 60–69% (Substantial achievement)
  • Level 4: 50–59% (Moderate achievement)
  • Level 3: 40–49% (Adequate achievement)
  • Level 2: 30–39% (Elementary achievement)
  • Level 1: 0–29% (Not achieved: Fail)