Bachelor’s Pass

A bachelor’s pass can help you gain entrance to study a degree programme at a university or other higher learning institution. Learn more about what you can get out of a bachelor’s pass right here.

How do you get a Bachelor’s Pass? 

To achieve a bachelor’s pass, you don’t just need to pass matric. You need to pass it well. If you are aiming for a bachelor’s pass, you need to get at least: 

  • 40% for your Home Language 
  • 50% for four other High Credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation 
  • 30% for two other subjects 

You also need to pass six out of the seven subjects. It’s important to bear in mind that each tertiary learning institution has its own set of requirements. This means that passing with a bachelor’s pass doesn’t automatically give you entrance into a university or technikon. 

What Subjects are Compulsory? 

Not sure what subjects qualify as compulsory? These are the subjects needed to for any matric student to pass: 

  • Home Language
  • First Additional Language 
  • Maths or Maths Lit 
  • Life Orientation
  • Either English or Afrikaans as one of your languages 

High Credit Subjects

Besides the four compulsory subjects, you also need three high credit subjects to make up your seven. These include some of the following: 

  • Accounting 
  • Business Studies
  • Economics 
  • Geography 
  • History 
  • Consumer Studies 
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Information Technology 

What do the Matric Symbols Mean?  

The percentage you receive per subject determines the code you get. This can help you calculate your APS if you want to study at a university or technikon. 

80 – 100% Level 7

70 – 79%  Level 6

60 – 69%  Level 5 

50 – 59%  Level 4

40 – 49%  Level 3 

30 – 39%  Level 2

0 – 29% Level 1

How are Matric Points Calculated? 

Before you apply to study at a university or technikon, you need to know what your APS is and how it is calculated. 

What is an APS? 

APS stands for Admission Point Score. It’s a single number that is used to determine which courses you qualify for at different universities. Your final matric marks are assessed and the percentages of your top six subjects are converted using this system. 

Purpose of an APS

Universities use the APS system to identify if an applicant qualifies for the programme that they are applying for. The higher your score, the more likely you are of getting accepted into the course of your choice. 

What can I Study With a Bachelor’s Pass? 

A Bachelor’s Pass gives you a wider variety of options to choose from when it comes to where and what to study. You don’t necessarily have to apply to study for a degree at a university or technikon. There are other options available to you, such as distance learning courses. 

Skills Academy is a distance learning institution that offers both accredited and non-accredited courses. These courses cover a range of topics and can be done from anywhere and on your time. 

Accredited Courses 

If you are looking for a credible qualification, then an accredited course is the way to go. They are nationally recognised by employers and can help your CV stand out from the rest. 

NATED – These courses provide you with a mix of theory and practical knowledge in your field of choice. Our NATED courses cover a range of subjects such as Marketing Management and Financial Management

Non-accredited (Provider Programmes) 

Our provider programmes are aimed at giving students without a matric certificate the chance to further their studies. All you need to qualify is be able to read and write in English, as well as understand the language. 

Popular Provider Programmes: 

How do I Pass Matric? 

There is a lot of work that goes into passing your matric year. It takes time, discipline and the right frame of mind to prepare yourself. When it comes to planning for your exams, it’s important to have some kind of schedule so you can stay on track. 

Stay Organised 

Organisation is the key to achieving your study goals. The more organised you are, the more efficient you will be. It also helps when it comes to recalling information and arranging revision notes. 

Avoid Cramming

It doesn’t help to force yourself to memorise chunks of information all at once. This is why it’s important to break your work into manageable pieces and make sure that you have enough time before an exam. 

Eat Healthy Snacks 

Instead of reaching for an unhealthy snack, grab a healthy option in its place. Avoid energy drinks with high sugar content. Drink a glass of water or green tea instead. 

Manage Your Time Well 

Set time aside for each subject. Make sure that you assign more time to a subject or topic that you are struggling with. Creating a study timetable can help with this. 

Practice 

If you want to ace your exams, you need to practice answering old exam question papers. This will help you get familiar with the layout and type of content you need to know. 

Stay Focused 

It can be easy to get distracted while studying. This is why it’s important to set up a study space that is free from distractions. 

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Put Your Bachelor’s Pass to Good use and Sign up With us!

 

If you’ve earned your Bachelor’s Pass, you’re one step closer to a brighter future. Take the next step by joining one of our accredited courses through Skills Academy. Start building the career you deserve—from the comfort of your home.

Speak to a course expert to register with us. You can make use of any of the options below:

  • Call us for free on 0800 39 00 27
  • Fill in this registration form
  • Chat to us on WhatsApp at 070 4381 926

People Also Ask

Yes, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing a diploma, often with the possibility of receiving credit for relevant coursework done during your diploma.

While distinctions can strengthen your application and open up scholarship opportunities, they are not mandatory for a bachelor’s pass. The main factor for university admission is your Admission Points Score (APS), usually between 21 and 25. While certain subjects might have specific requirements, having distinctions can make your application more competitive.

A bachelor pass typically requires an APS (Admission Points Score) of at least 23, but this can vary depending on the institution and specific program requirements.

Yes, it is possible to receive a Bachelor’s Degree Pass even if you fail one subject. In the criteria for a Bachelor’s Pass, you can pass with 30% in two subjects, and it’s permissible to fail one of these. 

However, it’s important to aim for success in all subjects, as each contributes significantly to your overall education and future opportunities.

Obtaining a bachelor’s pass opens up more opportunities for higher education, allowing access to university studies and potentially leading to more advanced career options and higher earning potential.

Last Updated: 8 May 2025

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