Matric Results and University Admission – What You Need to Know
From Matric Results to University Registration
Matric results day is one of the most significant moments for South African learners. Your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results directly determine your university admission through CAO and shape your career prospects. This guide covers everything you need to know about how matric results affect your CAO application, from understanding your results to securing your university place.
Understanding Your Matric Results
NSC Achievement Levels
Your results are reported as achievement levels (1-7) for each subject, with corresponding percentage ranges:
| Level | Percentage | Description | APS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 80-100% | Outstanding | 7 |
| 6 | 70-79% | Meritorious | 6 |
| 5 | 60-69% | Substantial | 5 |
| 4 | 50-59% | Adequate | 4 |
| 3 | 40-49% | Moderate | 3 |
| 2 | 30-39% | Elementary | 2 |
| 1 | 0-29% | Not Achieved | 1 |
Types of NSC Pass
Your overall pass type determines which programmes you can access:
- Bachelor's Pass: Qualifies you for degree programmes at universities. Requires 40% in your home language, 50% in four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation), and at least 30% in two other subjects.
- Diploma Pass: Qualifies you for diploma programmes at universities and universities of technology like DUT and MUT. Requires 40% in your home language, 40% in four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation), and at least 30% in two other subjects.
- Higher Certificate Pass: Qualifies you for higher certificate programmes at some institutions. Requires 40% in your home language and 40% in two other subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
Calculating Your APS from Final Results
Your Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated by adding the achievement levels of your six best subjects, typically excluding Life Orientation (though some institutions include it at half value). For example, if your levels are 6+5+5+4+4+3 = 27 APS. Use our APS calculator to quickly determine your score and compare it with UKZN, DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU requirements.
What Happens After Results Are Released
If Your Results Match or Exceed Your Preliminary Results
If you achieved what was expected (or better), your provisional acceptance should become a firm offer. Check your CAO status – it should update within a few days of results being released. If accepted, proceed with registration immediately. If your results improved significantly, you might now qualify for programmes you were previously rejected from or waitlisted for.
If Your Results Are Lower Than Expected
If your final results are lower than your preliminary results, your provisional acceptance may be at risk. Contact the university admissions office immediately. Be honest about your situation and ask what options are available. Some universities show flexibility for students who narrowly miss conditions. Explore alternatives outlined in our guide on what to do if unsuccessful.
If You Are Applying with Final Results (No Preliminary Application)
If you did not apply through CAO before results were released, you can still submit a late application (higher fee may apply). Some universities accept walk-in applications during their late registration period. Competition for remaining spaces is intense, so act quickly.
Registration Process
Once accepted, you typically need to register within a specified window (usually late January to early February). Registration requirements usually include your original matric certificate or statement of results, a certified copy of your ID, proof of funding (NSFAS approval letter, bursary letter, or proof of payment), registration fee, and accommodation confirmation (if applicable).
Remarking and Rechecking
If you believe your results are incorrect, you can apply for a remark or recheck through your school within 30 days of results release. A recheck verifies that all questions were marked and marks were added correctly. A remark involves your paper being re-marked by a different examiner. Both involve fees that may be refunded if your mark changes. Be aware that remarks can result in marks going up or down. If a remark improves your results enough to meet admission requirements, submit the updated results to CAO and the relevant university immediately.
Supplementary Examinations
If you failed one or two subjects, you may qualify for supplementary exams (usually held in March). Passing these can change your pass type and potentially qualify you for university admission. However, this means late registration, which is not available at all universities or for all programmes.
Improving Results for Future Applications
If your matric results do not qualify you for your chosen programme, you can improve your APS by rewriting specific subjects through the Department of Education's second-chance programme. Combined with a productive gap year, improved results can lead to a successful CAO application the following year.
Use our APS calculator to assess your options and check your eligibility for programmes across KZN universities.