Do Universities Accept Higher Certificate Passes?

What Is a Higher Certificate Pass?
It’s the lowest level National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass a student can achieve in matric.

Allows you to pursue Higher Certificate programmes at tertiary institutions.

You cannot directly study for a degree with this pass.

Requirements for a Higher Certificate Pass:
At least 40% in Home Language

At least 40% in two other subjects (excluding Life Orientation)

At least 30% in three other subjects

Can fail only one subject

Must have at least 15 APS points

What Can You Study With a Higher Certificate Pass?
You can enrol in Higher Certificate courses such as:

Insurance

Tax administration

Accounting sciences

Logistics

Education

Duration is typically about three years, depending on your modules.

Institutions Accepting Higher Certificate Passes
Universities:

University of Johannesburg (UJ)

University of South Africa (UNISA)

University of the Free State

Central University of Technology (CUT)

Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

Private institutions:

MANCOSA University

IIE Rosebank College

Varsity College

TVET Colleges:

False Bay TVET College and others

Career Options Without a Higher Certificate Pass
Childcare

Wedding planning

Tourism

And other practical skills-based careers

Benefits of a Higher Certificate
Builds practical skills

Opens pathways to further studies and career advancement

Can later be a stepping stone to diploma or degree studies