In reality, a matric bachelor’s pass reflects a minimum threshold, since universities apply a far more competitive measure. Understanding this gap is essential for pupils, parents and teachers. So, we now know the pass rate.
We have had the awards ceremony. We have some minor political actors trying to get their time in the press, and in so doing, revealing how far behind they are, by continuing to peddle the 30% issue. The minister has made it very clear that 30% is a myth.
And it is a very tired and boring myth at that. Can we start talking about Admission Point Score (APS), please? Each year, thousands of matriculants celebrate achieving a bachelor’s pass, believing it guarantees them a place at university.
Read Full Article on Daily Maverick
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Yet, more than 10,000 pupils with bachelor’s passes were still left without spaces in South African universities. The prevailing public narrative blames limited spaces alone – but the reality is more complex. The difference between the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements and university admissions based on the APS plays a critical role in determining who gets into higher education.
While the bachelor’s pass is an important gateway, it does not guarantee university admission. Universities apply a far more competitive measure: the APS. Many people assume that a matric bachelor’s pass signals strong academic performance.
In reality, it reflects a minimum threshold. The Department of Basic Education’s published pass-level structure shows that a bachelor’s admission pass corresponds to 23 APS points, which reflects only minimum eligibility, not competitiveness for university spaces. Let us consider a candidate who achieves only the minimum marks needed for a bachelor’s pass: This candidate has technically achieved a bachelor’s pass – but with an APS of 23 their chances of entering university are extremely low.
Most university programmes require a minimum APS of about 28, and selective degrees – including health sciences, commerce and engineering – often require significantly higher APS scores. Even when applicants meet the minimum APS, available spaces are limited. Faculties therefore use ranking systems, prioritising applicants with stronger academic profiles.
As a result, thousands of pupils with bachelor’s passes are left without access, not because they failed, but because their marks did not make them competitive in the ranking process. With an APS of 23 (a bachelor’s admission level pass) a candidate would in all likelihood not gain access to a university degree. They should explore alternative pathways:
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