Getting your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results is a massive milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you passed with flying colours or fell short of your expectations, this guide walks you through every step you need to take right now so you can move forward with confidence.
South African students celebrating their achievements
Every year, hundreds of thousands of South African learners sit for their matric examinations. When results day arrives, the excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty can hit all at once. What courses can you apply for? What if you didn't get the marks you needed? What bursaries are available? This guide answers all of it — clearly, practically, and without the fluff.
The most important thing to understand right away is this: your matric results are a starting point, not a final verdict on your future. South Africa has a rich and varied post-school landscape — from traditional universities to universities of technology, private colleges, TVET colleges, online qualifications, and learnerships. No matter what your results look like, there is a meaningful path forward.
Step 1: Understand What Your Results Actually Mean
Before you do anything else, you need to understand what your results are telling you. Your matric certificate shows your performance in each subject on a scale of 1 to 7, and these results are used to calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) — the number that most South African universities and colleges use to determine whether you qualify for a specific course.
Rather than comparing raw percentage scores directly, institutions convert your percentages into APS points and then add those values together. Each institution sets its own minimum APS for each programme, so a student with 28 APS might qualify for dozens of programmes at some institutions while being below the threshold at others.
How to Calculate Your APS Score
Your APS is calculated using your percentage in each subject, converted to a points value. Life Orientation counts at some institutions but not all. Here is the standard conversion table used by most South African universities:
| Percentage | NSC Level | APS Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 – 100% | 7 | 7 | Outstanding Achievement |
| 70 – 79% | 6 | 6 | Meritorious Achievement |
| 60 – 69% | 5 | 5 | Substantial Achievement |
| 50 – 59% | 4 | 4 | Adequate Achievement |
| 40 – 49% | 3 | 3 | Moderate Achievement |
| 30 – 39% | 2 | 2 | Elementary Achievement |
| 0 – 29% | 1 | 1 | Not Achieved |
For example: 75% in Maths = 6 pts, 65% in English = 5 pts, 58% in Physical Science = 4 pts, 55% in Life Sciences = 4 pts, 62% in Geography = 5 pts, 70% in Afrikaans = 6 pts. Total APS = 30 points — which opens doors to a wide range of courses at universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.
"Your APS score isn't a judgement on your intelligence — it's simply a key that opens certain doors. The right door for you is out there."
Step 2: Know What Type of Pass You Have
South Africa's NSC has different levels of achievement, each unlocking different post-school pathways. It's critical to know which pass type you received before you start applying anywhere, because applying for a programme you don't qualify for wastes your application fee and your time.
NSC Pass Types Explained
- Bachelor's Pass: Min 40% in 4 subjects including English, and 50% in 3 other designated subjects. Qualifies you for Bachelor's degree programmes.
- Diploma Pass: Min 40% in 4 subjects including English, and 40% in 3 others. Qualifies you for diploma and certificate programmes.
- Higher Certificate Pass: A basic pass. Qualifies you for higher certificate programmes at further education institutions.
- NSC Pass (no endorsement): You passed matric but cannot proceed to higher education without supplementary exams or upgrading.
Step 3: Find Courses You Qualify For
This is where Matric2Succes comes in. Instead of spending hours scrolling through university websites and trying to decode dense prospectus documents, you can enter your matric results directly into our tool and instantly see every course you qualify for across South Africa's universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges.
Don't overlook TVET colleges. South Africa has 50 TVET colleges across all nine provinces. Their programmes are shorter, more affordable, and lead directly to employment. Many TVET graduates out-earn university graduates within a few years.
Consider a University of Technology. Institutions like TUT, DUT, and CPUT offer excellent diploma and degree programmes that are more industry-focused than many traditional university offerings.
Private colleges are a legitimate path. Boston City Campus, Rosebank College, and Damelin offer nationally recognised qualifications with more flexible entry requirements and rolling admissions.
Online qualifications are growing. UNISA is one of the largest universities in the world and offers thousands of programmes across South Africa via distance learning.
Step 4: Apply — And Apply Early
Most universities have already closed their main application windows by the time January results arrive, but late applications are often accepted for programmes that haven't filled up. Check each institution's website directly for their late application status.
Documents You'll Need to Apply
- Certified copy of your NSC / matric certificate or Grade 12 results
- Certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
- Certified copy of your parent or guardian's ID
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement)
- Application fee (varies per institution — some are free online)
- Motivational letter (required by some courses)
Certification means having a commissioner of oaths — available at most police stations, post offices, and some banks — stamp and sign your document copies. Make at least 5 certified copies of everything. Don't pay anyone other than the official institution to certify documents for you.
Step 5: Sort Out Your Funding
Funding is often the biggest barrier between a student and their future. The good news is that South Africa has several options — but the window to apply is often short.
NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the government's primary financial aid programme for students from households earning less than R350,000 per year. It covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges. Apply at nsfas.org.za as early as possible.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Beyond NSFAS, hundreds of private bursaries from companies like Sasol, Anglo American, Old Mutual, and Investec go unclaimed every year. Your chosen university's financial aid office is also a great place to ask — they often know about institution-specific scholarships that aren't widely advertised online.
Step 6: What If You Didn't Get the Results You Needed?
Not getting the marks you hoped for does not mean the end of the road. South Africa has several mechanisms to help you improve your results. Supplementary examinations are offered in February/March. Matric upgrading lets you rewrite your exams through a private college or the Department of Basic Education. Many universities also offer extended curriculum programmes (ECP) for students who narrowly missed entry requirements.
Step 7: Take Care of Your Mental Health
The post-matric period is genuinely stressful. The pressure from family, peers, and society to immediately know what you're doing with your life is enormous — and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. Remember: a gap year is not failure. Many successful South Africans have taken time after matric to work, volunteer, or simply figure out what they want.
If you're struggling emotionally, reach out to someone. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers free counselling accessible to all South Africans. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Your Post-Matric Checklist
Calculate your APS using the table above or the Matric2Succes tool.
Identify your pass type — Bachelor's, Diploma, or Higher Certificate.
Enter your results into Matric2Succes to see all qualifying courses.
Shortlist 3–5 courses and institutions that match your interests and goals.
Gather and certify your documents — get at least 5 certified copies.
Apply to your chosen institutions — even late applications count.
Apply for NSFAS or bursaries immediately if you need financial help.
Register for supplementary exams or upgrading if you need better marks.
Speak to someone if the pressure is getting to you — your future is still bright.
South Africa needs educated, skilled, and ambitious young people — and that includes you, regardless of what your results look like right now. The path forward exists. You just have to take the first step. Matric2Succes is here to help you find it.