What NQF Level Is Matric? Facts in South Africa
Introduction
The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a system that classifies qualifications in South Africa according to their level of difficulty and complexity. The NQF has 10 levels, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 10 being the highest. Matric, also known as the National Senior Certificate (NSC), is a qualification that is awarded to students who have successfully completed their secondary education in South Africa. In this article, we will explore the NQF level of Matric and provide facts about this qualification in South Africa.
NQF Level of Matric
Matric is classified as a Level 4 qualification on the NQF. This means that it is considered to be a higher education qualification, but it is not as advanced as a university degree or diploma. Matric is typically completed over a period of three years, from Grade 10 to Grade 12. Students who successfully complete Matric are eligible to apply for further education and training, such as university, college, or vocational training.
Facts about Matric in South Africa
- History: Matric was first introduced in South Africa in 1910. It was initially known as the Junior Certificate Examination, and it was only open to white students. In 1953, the Junior Certificate Examination was replaced by the Matriculation Examination, which was open to all students. The Matriculation Examination was later renamed the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in 1994.
- Curriculum: The Matric curriculum is divided into two streams: the Academic Stream and the Technical Stream. The Academic Stream is designed for students who plan to pursue further education at university, while the Technical Stream is designed for students who plan to enter the workforce after Matric.
- Subjects: The Matric curriculum includes a variety of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Economics, and Life Orientation. Students are required to take a certain number of compulsory subjects, as well as a number of elective subjects.
- Assessment: Matric students are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations are held at the end of each year, and they cover the material that has been taught throughout the year. Coursework includes assignments, projects, and presentations.
- Pass Rate: The pass rate for Matric varies from year to year. In 2021, the pass rate was 76.4%. This means that out of every 100 students who wrote Matric, 76 students passed.
- University Entrance: Matric is the minimum qualification required for admission to university in South Africa. However, some universities may require students to have achieved certain grades in specific subjects in order to be eligible for admission.
- Career Opportunities: Matric opens up a wide range of career opportunities for students. Graduates can find employment in a variety of fields, including business, education, healthcare, engineering, and information technology.
- Further Education and Training: Matric is also a pathway to further education and training. Graduates can pursue a variety of post-secondary qualifications, such as diplomas, degrees, and apprenticeships.
Conclusion
Matric is a Level 4 qualification on the NQF. It is a higher education qualification that is typically completed over a period of three years. Matric is a requirement for university entrance and opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates.