Bachelor Pass Requirements: Matric Pass Types Explained (2026)

our matric (National Senior Certificate) result shows one of four pass types. The type decides what you can apply to study next. Here’s what each one needs, in plain language.

The four matric pass types

Pass type	Home Language	Other subjects	What it lets you apply for
Bachelor pass	40% or more	50% or more in 4 subjects (not Life Orientation), 30% in 2 others	Degree courses at universities
Diploma pass	40% or more	40% or more in 4 subjects (not Life Orientation), 30% in 2 others	Diploma courses at universities of technology and colleges
Higher Certificate pass	40% or more	40% or more in 2 subjects, 30% in 3 others	Higher certificate courses at colleges and some universities
NSC pass	40% or more	40% or more in 2 subjects, 30% in 3 others	Finishing school. You can’t go straight into higher education with this pass.

For all four pass types you must pass at least 6 of your 7 subjects. For Bachelor, Diploma and Higher Certificate passes you also need at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching (the language you wrote your exams in, usually English or Afrikaans).

What “Bachelor pass” really means

A Bachelor pass (sometimes still called “exemption”) means you meet the minimum to apply for a degree. It doesn’t guarantee a place. Each university and course sets its own:

• Minimum APS score. Work yours out with our free APS calculator.
• Subject requirements, for example Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) for engineering or accounting.
• Minimum marks in specific subjects, for example 60% in Physical Sciences.

Always check the prospectus of the course you want.

Bachelor vs diploma pass: the key difference

The only difference is 50% versus 40% in your four main subjects. If one of those subjects is just under 50%, you may get a Diploma pass instead of a Bachelor pass. A rewrite or supplementary exam in that subject can change that.

Life Orientation doesn’t count

Life Orientation must be passed, but it’s not one of the four subjects used for a Bachelor or Diploma pass. Most universities also leave it out of your APS.

Didn’t get the pass you need?

You have options:

1. Re-mark or re-check a paper if you think a mark is wrong. Apply quickly: the window opens on results day and closes about two weeks later. This year’s dates and fees are in our matric rewrite guide.
2. Rewrite or upgrade subjects through the free Second Chance Matric Programme.
3. Start with a higher certificate or a TVET course and move up later.
4. Look at learnerships. Many need only a matric (NSC) pass or Grade 12: see Learnerships.

Guide details

• Last checked on: 10 November 2026
• Official source link: https://www.education.gov.za