The National Senior Certificate (NSC) plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in South Africa. As part of the amended Senior Certificate, the NSC outlines specific subjects that candidates must take to qualify for their high school diploma. This guide provides an overview of the subjects offered under the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), ensuring students, parents, and educators understand the options available.
To earn the Senior Certificate, candidates must choose six subjects from a list of 34 adapted National Senior Certificate subjects. This includes a variety of subjects categorized into four main areas: languages, agricultural sciences, business and commerce, human and social studies, and physical, mathematical, computer, and life sciences.
Table A: Official languages at Home and First Additional level
| SUBJECT | NUMBER |
| Afrikaans Home language | 13300019 |
| Afrikaans First Additional Language | 13310029 |
| English Home Language | 13300039 |
| English First Additional Language | 13310049 |
| IsiNdebele Home Language | 13300059 |
| IsiNdebele First Additional Language | 13310069 |
| IsiXhosa Home Language | 13300079 |
| IsiXhosa First Additional Language | 13310090 |
| IsiZulu Home Language | 13300099 |
| IsiZulu First Additional Language | 13310109 |
| Sepedi Home Language | 13300119 |
| Sepedi First Additional Language | 13310129 |
| Sesotho Home Language | 13300139 |
| Sesotho First Additional Language | 13310149 |
| Setswana Home Language | 13300159 |
| Setswana First Additional Language | 13310169 |
| SiSwati Home Language | 13300179 |
| SiSwati First Additional Language | 13310189 |
| Tshivenda Home Language | 13300199 |
| Tshivenda First Additional Language | 13310209 |
| Xitsonga Home Language | 13300219 |
| Xitsonga First Additional Language | 13310229 |
Table B1: Agriculture
| SUBJECT | NUMBER |
| Agricultural Sciences | 10320239 |
Table B2: Business, Commerce and Management Studies
| SUBJECT | NUMBER |
| Accounting | 12320249 |
| Business Studies | 12320259 |
| Economics | 12320269 |
Table B3: Human and Social Studies
| SUBJECT | NUMBER |
| Geography | 16320279 |
| History | 16320289 |
| Religion Studies | 16320299 |
Table B4: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
| SUBJECT | NUMBER |
| Computer Applications Technology | 19320309 |
| Information Technology | 19320319 |
| Life Sciences | 19320329 |
| Mathematical Literacy | 19320339 |
| Mathematics | 19320349 |
| Physical Sciences | 19320359 |
Subjects to be recognized
Senior Certificate subjects credits that were passed prior to June 2015, at Higher Grade and Standard Grade levels, excluding Lower Grade conversions, will be recognized.
With the exception of Business English N3, Second Language, and/or Sakeafrikaans N3, Second Language, no N3 subjects will be recognised.
In the case of learners, who have attempted the National Senior Certificate examination, but were unable to complete all the subject requirements, such candidates will have all their previous credits recognised.
Examinations
The Senior Certificate examination is written in May/June of each year. Candidates writing the Senior Certificate will be exempt from School Based Assessment(SBA), and this implies that the examination in the subject will constitute 100% of the final mark.
Examinations will be administered at designated examination centres determined by the Provincial Education Department. The examination may also be offered by the independent assessment bodies accredited by Umalusi.
Promotion requirements
A Senior Certificate will be achieved by an adult candidate who satisfies the following requirements in these examinations:
- Pass three subjects at 40%, one of which must be an official language at Home Language level.
- Pass two subjects at 30%, one of which must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level.
- Obtain a subminimum of 20% in the sixth subject.
FAQs on Senior Certificate
- Question: I wrote my matric in 2013 but did not gain university exemption. I would like to rewrite some of the subjects that I failed so as to gain entry into university. Will writing the SC help me?
Answer: Yes, the SC exam certificate does offer the opportunity to enter any higher education institution.
- Question: I failed 2 subjects when I wrote my matric in 1999. If I write the SC examinations will I be able to combine my 1999 SC results with the SC results?
Answer: Yes you can, but keep in mind that only selected subjects are available and you have to comply with the subject choice requirements.
- Question: I wrote 3 subjects in the 2018 SC exams and wrote 3 more in the 2019 SC exams but on my statement of results it is written ‘incomplete’. Must I write more subjects?
Answer: Not necessarily. You have to apply for a combination of results and you have to comply with the subject choice and pass requirements.
- Question: I want a matric certificate but the subjects I want to offer are not on the SC Subject list. What options do I have?
Answer: Unfortunately, subjects with a practical component cannot be made available, because candidates are not receiving full time tuition.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.