The National Senior Certificate (NSC) plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in South Africa. As part of the amended Senior Certificate, the NSC outlines specific subjects that candidates must take to qualify for their high school diploma. This guide provides an overview of the subjects offered under the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), ensuring students, parents, and educators understand the options available.
To earn the Senior Certificate, candidates must choose six subjects from a list of 34 adapted National Senior Certificate subjects. This includes a variety of subjects categorized into four main areas: languages, agricultural sciences, business and commerce, human and social studies, and physical, mathematical, computer, and life sciences.
Table A: Official languages at Home and First Additional level
SUBJECT | NUMBER |
Afrikaans Home language | 13300019 |
Afrikaans First Additional Language | 13310029 |
English Home Language | 13300039 |
English First Additional Language | 13310049 |
IsiNdebele Home Language | 13300059 |
IsiNdebele First Additional Language | 13310069 |
IsiXhosa Home Language | 13300079 |
IsiXhosa First Additional Language | 13310090 |
IsiZulu Home Language | 13300099 |
IsiZulu First Additional Language | 13310109 |
Sepedi Home Language | 13300119 |
Sepedi First Additional Language | 13310129 |
Sesotho Home Language | 13300139 |
Sesotho First Additional Language | 13310149 |
Setswana Home Language | 13300159 |
Setswana First Additional Language | 13310169 |
SiSwati Home Language | 13300179 |
SiSwati First Additional Language | 13310189 |
Tshivenda Home Language | 13300199 |
Tshivenda First Additional Language | 13310209 |
Xitsonga Home Language | 13300219 |
Xitsonga First Additional Language | 13310229 |
Table B1: Agriculture
SUBJECT | NUMBER |
Agricultural Sciences | 10320239 |
Table B2: Business, Commerce and Management Studies
SUBJECT | NUMBER |
Accounting | 12320249 |
Business Studies | 12320269 |
Economics | 12320269 |
Table B3: Human and Social Studies
SUBJECT | NUMBER |
Geography | 16320279 |
History | 16320289 |
Religion Studies | 16320299 |
Table B4: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
SUBJECT | NUMBER |
Computer Applications Technology | 19320309 |
Information Technology | 19320319 |
Life Sciences | 19320329 |
Mathematical Literacy | 19320339 |
Mathematics | 19320349 |
Physical Sciences | 19320359 |
Subjects to be recognized
Senior Certificate subjects credits that were passed prior to June 2015, at Higher Grade and Standard Grade levels, excluding Lower Grade conversions, will be recognized.
With the exception of Business English N3, Second Language, and/or Sakeafrikaans N3, Second Language, no N3 subjects will be recognised.
In the case of learners, who have attempted the National Senior Certificate examination, but were unable to complete all the subject requirements, such candidates will have all their previous credits recognised.
Examinations
The Senior Certificate examination is written in May/June of each year. Candidates writing the Senior Certificate will be exempt from School Based Assessment(SBA), and this implies that the examination in the subject will constitute 100% of the final mark.
Examinations will be administered at designated examination centres determined by the Provincial Education Department. The examination may also be offered by the independent assessment bodies accredited by Umalusi.
Promotion requirements
A Senior Certificate will be achieved by an adult candidate who satisfies the following requirements in these examinations:
- Pass three subjects at 40%, one of which must be an official language at Home Language level.
- Pass two subjects at 30%, one of which must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level.
- Obtain a subminimum of 20% in the sixth subject.
FAQs on Senior Certificate
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question- Question: I wrote my matric in 2013 but did not gain university exemption. I would like to rewrite some of the subjects that I failed so as to gain entry into university. Will writing the SC help me?
Answer: Yes, the SC exam certificate does offer the opportunity to enter any higher education institution.
- Question: I failed 2 subjects when I wrote my matric in 1999. If I write the SC examinations will I be able to combine my 1999 SC results with the SC results?
Answer: Yes you can, but keep in mind that only selected subjects are available and you have to comply with the subject choice requirements.
- Question: I wrote 3 subjects in the 2018 SC exams and wrote 3 more in the 2019 SC exams but on my statement of results it is written ‘incomplete’. Must I write more subjects?
Answer: Not necessarily. You have to apply for a combination of results and you have to comply with the subject choice and pass requirements.
- Question: I want a matric certificate but the subjects I want to offer are not on the SC Subject list. What options do I have?
Answer: Unfortunately, subjects with a practical component cannot be made available, because candidates are not receiving full time tuition.
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.