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
Advice for Parents when aiming for Degree Studies
Please make sure that you do your own research and familiarize yourself with the admission requirements of your child's preferred university or tertiary institution. Remember every tertiary institution has their own set of criteria and they have the last say in how to qualify for admission to a specific course and faculty.
A student with a GED at NQF Level 4 (without matric exemption) can apply to study at a tertiary institution in South Africa, but whether they qualify depends on the specific university and program requirements - there are no guarantees! They are usually evaluated on a case by case basis. South African universities may require additional qualifications for GED holders to meet admission standards, like a Higher Certificate (NQF Level 5) in a specific field.
Aim for Strong Academic Performance
✅ Advice for Parents:
Many universities require higher pass marks than just the basic GED Passing Score (145).
Encourage your child to work towards a College Ready Pass (165 - 174) in all 4 subjects.
Or even a College Ready + Credit Pass (175-200). Depending on the program you apply to, you may be able to earn up to:
3 credits in Math
3 credits in Science
3 credits in Social Studies and
1 credit in Humanities
By earning college credit, you have the ability to bypass certain required classes which ultimately saves you time and money (this only applies to an US university/college).
Research University Requirements Early
Each university has different admission policies for GED students. Some accept GED only for higher certificates, while others allow degree admission under strict conditions and if your child has a strong and well rounded academic profile (e.g. Work experience, Life Experience, previous learning and completed courses and other factors).
✅ Advice for Parents:
Check university admission requirements before enrolling in a GED program.
Contact universities directly to confirm if they accept the GED for degree studies.
Look into bridging programs or alternative pathways if necessary.
Consider Alternative Entry Routes
If your child does not qualify for admission to a degree course immediately after the GED, they can start with a Higher Certificate or Diploma, then move into a degree later.
✅ Advice for Parents:
Higher Certificates (1 year) → Can lead to a Diploma or Degree.
Diplomas (2–3 years) → Some allow entry into a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field.
Some universities offer Foundation or Bridging Programs for students who don’t meet
direct degree entry requirements.
Develop Career Awareness
University isn’t the only pathway to success. If your child is more practical and hands-on, they
might find more success in TVET training, entrepreneurship, or specialized skills programs
rather than pushing for a university degree.
✅ Advice for Parents:
Encourage their child to explore career options early. Do a Career Screening and find your child's Career Pathway.
Support your child in choosing a path based on their strengths and interests, not just societal pressure to go to university.
Look at the South African NC(V) as an alternative to the GED, if it is a better fit and pathway to success https://www.eunoiahomeschoolacademy.com/post/a-south-african-alternative-the-national-certificate-vocational-ncv
The GED can be a stepping stone to university or your tertiary institution of choice, but careful planning is essential. Parents should ensure their child:
✔ Chooses the right school exit and Matric Pathway early.
✔ Meet the requirements from SAQA and USAf for matric exemption.
✔ Achieves good marks and a GED College Ready Pass Level.
✔ Research university admission policies early.
✔ Considers alternative pathways if needed.
You are welcome to contact me for support or if you have any questions.
If you need some help to figure out your child’s Career Aptitude & Interests to map out their Career Path – then this is for you!
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