The GED® program is an internationally recognized higher secondary certificate available in over 85 countries and accepted by nearly all universities in the U.S. and many across the world. The GED is the American alternative to the South African National Senior Certificate, Cambridge/Edexcel exams, HSC, New Zealand’s NCEA, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and other higher secondary credentials.
The GED is recognized in South Africa as a NQF4 matric equivalent and it means you get a National Senior Certificate Pass, but you do not qualify for Matric Exemption – which is needed to apply to a South African university for degree studies. Matric Exemption requires a Bachelor’s Degree Pass in South Africa per USAf's requirements.
If needed, you can apply with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) who evaluates each submission of the GED as a foreign qualification on a case by case basis, and then provide you with a Certificate of Evaluation. The GED® is eligible for evaluation as a South African National Senior Certificate or NQF Level 4.
What exactly are Matric Pass Levels in South Africa?
Many students are not properly informed about matric pass levels and requirements.
There are 4 Matric Pass Levels in South Africa:
1. National Senior Certificate Pass
2. Higher Certificate Pass
○Higher Certificate Pass – Will gain you provisional entrance into any College or Certificate course.
3. Diploma Pass
○Diploma Pass – Will gain you provisional entrance into any Technikon or Diploma course.
4. Bachelor’s Degree Pass (commonly known as an Matric Exemption).
○Bachelors Degree Pass– Will gain you provisional entrance into any University or Degree course.
Here are the pass requirements for each of these Levels:
1. National Senior Certificate Pass
□This is the bare minimum needed to pass your matric year.
□An APS score of at least 3 in your home language
□An APS score of at least 3 in 2 other subjects
□An APS score of 2 in 4 other subjects
□A total APS score of 14.
2. Higher Certificate Pass Requirements
□Must obtain 40% in your Home Language.
□Must obtain at least 40% in two other subjects.
□Must obtain at least 30% for three other subjects.
□It is important to note that one of your languages must either be English or Afrikaans to qualify for a Higher Certificate.
□A total APS score of 15.
3. Diploma Pass Requirements
□Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
□Must obtain at least 40% for three other High Credit subjects (Four, including your home language.).
□Must obtain at least 30% for two other subjects.
□A total APS score of 19.
4. Bachelor’s Degree Pass Requirements (*Matric Exemption)
□Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
□Must obtain at least 50% for four other High Credit subjects.
□Must obtain at least 30% for two other subjects.
□A total APS score of 23.
You can use this APS calculator to calculate your score: https://whatcanistudy.co.za/
How to bridge the gap
Entering the institution of your choice can be a stressful experience, especially if your matriculation marks fall below the minimum requirements. While this setback may seem discouraging, there is no need to panic. Challenges like these are not insurmountable obstacles but rather opportunities for personal growth. Past students have faced similar hurdles and successfully pursued careers in their desired fields. There is no shame in revisiting subjects that need improvement. So, how can you enhance your performance in specific matriculation subjects?
1. DO A BRIDGING COURSE
A bridging course is a short course that allows a matriculant to redo matric subjects and get a solid pre-degree/diploma foundation. It’s designed to upgrade certain matric marks.
See list of bridging courses:
Universities that offer bridging courses:
2. MATURE AGE
If a student is over the age of 23 they may also apply for a conditional exemption from USAf based on mature age. See this link: https://mb.usaf.ac.za/faqs/
3. GET A HIGHER CERTIFICATE
If you do not meet the relevant admission requirements for the diploma or bachelor’s degree of choice, you are encouraged to apply for admission to a Higher Certificate.
In South Africa, if you complete the GED® or a matric without exemption, and then follow it with a Higher Certificate course that is on the NQF level 5 and is a minimum of 120 credits, you may be eligible to apply for complete exemption from USAf. Complete exemption would enable you to apply for admission to a degree course, provided that you meet the entrance requirements of the university and the faculty that offers the degree.
There are no guarantees, so please always check and contact the institution and faculty of your choice, to ensure that the route you are pursuing will achieve your end-goals. Each university has the final say and their own criteria for acceptance.
Here is a list of a few higher certificates that students can study. There are many more options to choose from at colleges and universities around South Africa and it varies from online, part-time and fulltime and most take 1 academic year to complete:
CPUT Higher Certificates
South African College of Applied Psychology Higher Certificates
Academy of Digital Arts: Friends of Design Higher Certificates
SAE Institute Higher Certificates in Animation, Audio, Film & Games
In conclusion, the GED is a low demand, neurodivergent-friendly homeschool exit for students with learning barriers, neuro-differences and/or learning differences with the added benefit that you can still bridge the gap and qualify for matric exemption in South Africa to gain access to our local universities.
For more information on the GED as a Homeschool Exit see: https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/post/the-ged-as-a-homeschool-exit
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