What is a Bachelor pass in South Africa?
A Bachelor pass (sometimes called a Bachelor’s Degree pass) is a Matric pass level that can allow you to apply for a Bachelor’s degree at a university — but it does not guarantee admission. Universities still look at your APS score, subject requirements, and available space.
Minimum requirements for a Bachelor pass
To get a Bachelor pass, you generally need:
- Home Language: 40% or more
- Four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation): 50% or more
- Two other subjects: 30% or more
- You must pass at least 6 of your 7 subjects
What can you study with a Bachelor pass?
A Bachelor pass can allow you to apply for:
- BA degrees (Humanities / Social Sciences)
- BCom degrees (Commerce) (often needs Maths)
- BSc degrees (Science) (usually needs Maths and sometimes Science subjects)
- Education degrees (BEd) (requirements depend on phase/major)
Some degrees are highly competitive, so you may need a high APS and strong marks.
Next step: calculate your APS
Admission is often based on APS + subject requirements.
Try the APS Calculator.