South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Key facts

• To pass, a candidate needs 40% in three subjects, one of them an official language at Home Language level, and 30% in three other subjects, as the policy sets out. (Source: Department of Basic Education, South Africa)

How universities use it

• Higher Certificate: an NSC with at least 30% in the institution's language of learning and teaching. (Source: Department of Basic Education, South Africa)
• Diploma: as above, plus a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. (Source: Department of Basic Education, South Africa)
• Bachelor's degree: as above, plus a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects. Institutions and programmes can ask for more. (Source: Department of Basic Education, South Africa)

Applying in another country

The country where you apply decides how these results count. Official routes we have confirmed:

• Uganda: Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB): equating of foreign results
• Kenya: Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA): alignment and validation
• Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Education
• United Kingdom: Universities, through UCAS

Details for each country →