Your matric results play a big role in what you can study after school. In South Africa, these results determine your NQF level, which then affects your study options after matric.
Many students feel confused by terms like Higher Certificate, Diploma pass, or Bachelor’s pass.
This guide explains how matric results affect NQF level, what each pass level means, and how you can still move forward in higher education, even if your results were not perfect.
Most important to note: your matric does not define your future — it simply helps determine your next step.
What NQF level is equivalent to matric?
Matric, officially called the National Senior Certificate NSC, is classified as NQF Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The NQF levels explained simply:
- They range from NQF Level 1 to Level 10
- Each level shows how advanced a qualification is
- The higher the NQF level, the more complex the learning
Matric is an important foundation because it allows access to higher education, which offers many benefits for your future. However, not all matric passes give the same opportunities.
Your home language result, overall average, and subject choices all matter. This is why two students with matric certificates may qualify for different courses.
Is every matric certificate considered NQF Level 4?
Yes. Every National Senior Certificate NSC is classified as NQF Level 4.
However, not every matric certificate gives access to the same type of qualification. This is where matric pass levels in South Africa become important.
Your results determine whether you qualify for:
- A Higher Certificate
- A Diploma
- Or a Bachelor’s degree
So while the NQF level stays the same, your study options after matric change based on your marks.
How do matric results affect what NQF-level qualification you can study?
Your matric results decide how far you can progress academically at first — but they do not stop long-term success.
Here’s how it works:
Higher Certificate pass (Entry to NQF Level 5)
A Higher Certificate is usually your starting point if your marks are lower.
- This is the most accessible pass level
- It leads to NQF Level 5
- Ideal if you did not meet Diploma or degree requirements
This option ultimately supports academic progression and helps you build confidence.
Diploma pass (Entry to NQF Level 6)
The next qualification you can qualify for is a diploma. The key differences in a Higher Certificate pass vs Diploma pass are the following:
- Diploma passes require stronger results
- They allow entry into NQF Level 6 qualifications
- Universities of technology often offer many different types of diplomas
Bachelor’s pass (Entry to NQF Level 7)
Now, let’s talk about a Bachelor’s pass:
- Bachelor’s passes allow you to study a Bachelor’s degree
- Requires higher averages and subject requirements
- Leads to NQF Level 7
Important to note: Even if you don’t qualify for a degree immediately, you can still work your way up through NQF levels step by step. For example, you can study for a Higher Certificate, which can then grant you entry into a degree programme.
Many students study full-time, while others choose flexible options, such as distance learning, to balance work and studies in South Africa.
Can I upgrade my matric results to qualify for higher-level study?
Yes, you can upgrade your matric results to qualify for higher education, including a Higher Certificate, a Diploma, and even a Bachelor’s degree.
You can do so by following these steps:
- Rewrite matric subjects
- Improve key subjects like Mathematics or home language
- Upgrade your results through recognised programmes
Another option is to start with a Higher Certificate, then progress to higher NQF levels over time. This is a common and successful pathway in higher education.
What to study at REGENT
If you’re interested in studying with REGENT, you can consider these options based on what you qualify for:
If you have a Higher Certificate pass
Some of REGENT’s Higher Certificates include:
- Higher Certificate in Business Management: A good starting point if you want to work in business, administration, or management.
- Higher Certificate in Marketing or Public Management: Ideal if you’re interested in communication, marketing, or the public sector.
- Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship: Perfect for individuals who want to start their own businesses.
These qualifications are usually NQF Level 5 and can lead to further study.
If you have a Diploma pass
You may qualify to study NQF Level 6 Diploma programmes at REGENT Business School, including:
- Diploma in Financial Management: Prepares students for careers in finance by developing skills in budgeting, financial reporting, and business decision-making.
- Diploma in Public Relations Management: Focuses on communication, media relations, and brand reputation management in corporate and public-sector environments.
If you have a Bachelor’s pass
You may qualify to study toward a Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) at REGENT Business School, including:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): A broad business degree that builds knowledge in management, finance, economics, and business strategy.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting: Prepares students for careers in accounting and finance by focusing on financial reporting, taxation, and auditing principles.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management: Develops skills in people management, recruitment, labour relations, and organisational development.
- Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management: Focuses on procurement, logistics, operations, and managing the flow of goods and services in modern businesses.
FAQs
What pathways exist if I only have a Higher Certificate pass?
If you have a Higher Certificate pass, you still have strong study options. You can start with a REGENT Business School Higher Certificate, which is usually an NQF Level 5 qualification.
There are many Higher Certificates to choose from, including marketing, finance, business management, and more.
This helps you build academic skills, improve your results, and meet entry requirements for higher-level study. Plus, you can gain entry-level jobs with this qualification.
Once you successfully complete the Higher Certificate, you may also apply to move into a Diploma or, in some cases, a degree, depending on your performance and the programme requirements. This pathway allows steady academic progression without repeating matric.
Can I move from NQF Level 4 to Level 5 and then to a degree?
Yes. This is a common and approved pathway in South Africa. Many students progress step by step:
- NQF Level 4 – Matric (National Senior Certificate)
- NQF Level 5 – Higher Certificate
- NQF Level 6 or 7 – Diploma or Bachelor’s degree
This approach is designed to support students who may not qualify for a degree straight after matric but still want to reach that level through structured academic progression.
Does REGENT offer courses for students with lower pass levels?
Yes. REGENT offers entry-level qualifications specifically designed for students with lower matric pass levels, including short courses and Higher Certificates. These programmes focus on building foundational knowledge, academic confidence, and practical skills.
They provide clear study options after matric and allow students to move into higher NQF-level qualifications once they meet progression requirements. This makes higher education more accessible, even if your matric results were limited.
Pursue higher education at REGENT
Your matric results are the beginning of your higher education journey. Whether you start with a Higher Certificate or work toward a Bachelor’s degree, REGENT provides clear pathways for academic progression SA.
With flexible study options, strong academic support, and recognised qualifications, you can move up the NQF level system step by step. If you’re ready to invest in your future and grow your career in South Africa, REGENT can help you get there.
Have a look at REGENT’s undergraduate programmes here.
