Yes, Matric is a qualification. Your Matric Certificate is usually the school-leaving qualification you receive at the end of your Matric year at the end of high school. For some, it is the qualification you receive after studying for your Adult Matric.
What Level Of Education Is A Matric Certificate?
A Matric Certificate is NQF level 4. Any other qualification at NQF level 4 is considered a Matric Equivalent Qualification.
What Does Bachelor In Matric Mean?
A Bachelor’s Degree pass is the highest pass level you can achieve in Matric. There are four passing levels, and they are:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass
- Diploma pass
- Higher Certificate pass
- NSC pass/Matric pass
Each level has its own set of requirements. A Bachelor’s Degree pass has the highest requirements and is the most difficult pass level to achieve. A Matric pass has the lowest requirements and is the easiest passing level to achieve.
Is A Bachelor's Pass Higher Than A Diploma Pass?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree is a higher qualification than a Diploma. A Bachelor’s Degree is NQF level 7, and a Diploma is NQF level 6. There are 10 NQF levels:
NQF Level | Educational Level |
1 | Grade 9 |
2 | Grade 10 |
3 | Grade 11 |
4 | Matric |
5 | Higher Certificate |
6 | Diploma/Advanced Certificate |
7 | Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma |
8 | Honour’s Degree |
9 | Master’s Degree |
10 | Doctoral Degree |
NQF stands for National Qualifications Framework. This is a system designed by SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) to determine the educational level of any qualification. This is so that educational institutions and potential employers can know your qualification level.
What Is A Matric Equivalent In South Africa?
A Matric Equivalent Qualification is any qualification at NQF level 4 that is not a Matric Certificate.
What Qualification Is A Higher Certificate?
A Higher Certificate is the NQF level above Matric. Matric is NQF level 4 and a Higher Certificate is NQF level 5. You can study for a Higher Certificate if you achieve a Higher Certificate pass or higher in Matric.
What Is The Difference Between NSC And Senior Certificate?
NSC stands for National Senior Certificate. SC stands for Senior Certificate. NSC is the qualification you receive at the end of your Matric year in high school. Senior Certificate is the qualification you receive at the end of completing your Adult Matric.
NSC is awarded to those who complete Matric when they are under the age of 21. SC is awarded to those who complete their Matric when they are over the age of 21. SC is referred to as Senior Certificate (Amended).
Can I Combine SC And NSC?
Yes, you can combine your NSC and your SC if you have both. This is if you wrote your Matric exams at the end of your Matric year, and upgraded your Matric results later.
How Do I Combine My Results?
You can apply for a combination of certificates at the Department of Education. You will do this by applying for a Replacement Certificate: Change of Status.
To apply, you need to do the following:
- Have all of your results from all exam sittings
- Have your original ID and a certified copy of your ID
- Fill in the application form
- You must pay the application fee of R153. You can pay online or via the post office. If you also need a Statement of Results, this will cost an extra fee of R55. Note that these prices are valid until 31 March 2023
- All applications have moved online because of the pandemic. You need to upload all the documentation. Remember to include your proof of payment
For both a replacement and a re-issue, it will take four to six weeks from the time your application is received to when you will be able to fetch your Certificate.
Can I Go To University With A Senior Certificate?
Yes, you can go to University with a Senior Certificate. Adult Matric and school Matric qualifications work exactly the same way.
However, note that many universities will have their own entry requirements. Check with the university you are applying to about their specific requirements for the course you want to study.
Can You Do Matric In 3 Months?
No, you cannot do Matric in three months. Any Matric Qualification will take at least 12 months to complete, and can take up to three years to complete.
What Have We Learned?
- Matric Certificate is an NQF level 4 qualification
- A Higher Certificate is NQF level 5
- A Diploma is NQF level 6
- A Bachelor’s Degree is NQF level 7
- Each qualification has its own requirements for passing Matric
- NSC is a school Matric and SC is an Adult Matric. They work exactly the same way
- You can combine the results if you have both an NSC and an SC
- You can go to university with an SC
- You cannot do Matric in three months
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Published by: Sive Ncanywa
Published date: June 28, 2022