National Senior Certificate (NSC) Diploma:
* Minimum Pass: A basic pass requires achieving a minimum aggregate score to gain admission to a Further Education and Training (FET) college for a diploma program. This minimum varies between colleges and provinces but typically requires achieving a certain number of credits in the required subjects. A simple pass wouldn't typically grant access to university.
* Subject Requirements: Specific subjects are mandatory depending on the chosen diploma. For example, a diploma in engineering would likely require mathematics and physical science at a certain level, while a business diploma might prioritize accounting or business studies.
* Admission Requirements: Colleges often have their own specific admission criteria beyond the NSC results, possibly including interviews or portfolio submissions.
* Matriculation Exemption: A diploma program usually *does not* grant matriculation exemption, meaning it won't automatically allow access to university-level studies without further qualifications.
University Degree:
* Minimum Pass (Matriculation): University admission requires a higher level of achievement in the NSC than a mere pass. You need to achieve a specific minimum score and often specific subject passes with certain marks (e.g., a certain level in mathematics or English). This ensures candidates have the necessary foundation for university-level studies. The specific requirements are determined by the university and the chosen degree program. Some universities have higher admission requirements than others.
* Subject Requirements: University degree programs have strict subject prerequisites. For example, medicine demands high marks in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Engineering usually requires mathematics and physical science. The subject requirements are highly specific to the chosen degree.
* APS Score (Admission Point Score): Many South African universities use an APS score to assess applicants, combining the marks obtained in different subjects according to their weighting. The required APS score varies depending on the university, the degree program's popularity, and the overall number of applicants.
* Benchmarking: Universities may also benchmark their admissions against previous cohorts to maintain specific academic standards.
In short: A pass for an NSC diploma is a much lower threshold than the requirements for university degree admission. A pass for a diploma might allow you to pursue further vocational education and training, while a successful NSC with the required subject passes and marks (sufficient APS score) allows access to university-level study. Always check the specific requirements of the individual institution and the specific program you are applying for – whether it's a college diploma or a university degree.