At the end of Grade 9, you choose the subjects you will study in Grade 10, 11, and 12. These subjects determine which NSC pass type you can achieve, which university programmes you qualify for, and which career paths are open to you. This guide explains how the subject system works, what you must take, what you can choose, and how your choices connect to specific careers and university requirements.
How Many Subjects Do You Take in Grade 10–12?
You take seven subjects in total to qualify for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in Grade 12:
- 4 compulsory subjects (set by the curriculum — you cannot change these)
- 3 elective subjects (you choose these at the end of Grade 9)
Your choice of electives depends partly on what your school offers. Not every school offers every subject.
The Four Compulsory Subjects
Every Grade 10–12 learner in South Africa takes these four subjects under the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS):
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Language | Your strongest official language (e.g. isiZulu, English, Afrikaans, Sesotho) |
| First Additional Language | A second official language, usually English if it is not your Home Language |
| Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | You must choose one — see the section below on why this choice matters |
| Life Orientation | Covers health, citizenship, career guidance, and physical education |
The Elective Subjects You Can Choose
You choose three elective subjects from the approved CAPS list. A maximum of two of your three electives may be additional languages.
The non-language elective subjects available under CAPS include:
| Group | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Sciences | Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Agricultural Science, Technical Sciences |
| Commerce | Accounting, Business Studies, Economics |
| Technology | Information Technology, Computer Applications Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | Geography, History, Religion Studies |
| Services & Practical | Tourism, Hospitality Studies, Consumer Studies, Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Technology |
| Creative Arts | Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music, Dance Studies, Design Studies |
| Sport | Sport and Exercise Science |
| Technical stream | Technical Mathematics, Technical Sciences (offered at technical schools alongside the standard technical subjects) |
Additional specialised subjects (such as Marine Sciences, Nautical Science, and Equine Studies) are available at some schools. Not every school offers every subject. Check with your school which electives are available before making your final selection.
Can You Change Subjects Later?
Yes, within limits. The DBE policy allows:
- Grade 10 and 11: You may change up to two of your elective subjects
- Grade 12: You may change one elective subject
Changing subjects means catching up on missed work, so it is better to choose carefully now than to rely on switching later.
Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy: The Most Important Choice
The choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is the single decision in Grade 9 that affects the most university programmes and career paths.
Mathematics (also called “pure maths” or “core maths”) covers algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and abstract problem-solving. It is a prerequisite for the majority of university degree programmes.
Mathematical Literacy focuses on everyday numeracy — budgets, data handling, measurement, and financial calculations. It is accepted by a narrower range of programmes.
Which Programmes Require Mathematics?
According to Wits University’s entry requirements, Mathematics is compulsory for all programmes in:
- Commerce, Law and Management (BCom, BAccSci, BEconSci)
- Engineering and the Built Environment (all BEng and BSc Engineering degrees)
- Science (all BSc degrees)
- Most Health Sciences programmes (MBBCh, BPharm, physiotherapy, and others)
This pattern holds across South African universities. Any degree in engineering, medicine, actuarial science, computer science, natural sciences, or commerce requires Mathematics — not Mathematical Literacy.
Which Programmes Accept Mathematical Literacy?
Wits states that Mathematical Literacy is considered for LLB (law), Education, and Humanities programmes — except Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, which require Mathematics.
Other universities follow similar patterns. Programmes that typically accept Mathematical Literacy include:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts) degrees in humanities, languages, social sciences
- Some BEd (Bachelor of Education) programmes — specifically for non-maths teaching specialisations
- LLB (law) at some universities
- Some BA Social Work programmes
- Some diploma programmes at universities of technology
The general rule: if you are unsure about your career path, choosing Mathematics keeps more doors open than Mathematical Literacy. You can always take a less maths-intensive degree with Mathematics on your NSC, but you cannot take a maths-intensive degree with Mathematical Literacy.
How Subject Choice Affects Your NSC Pass Type
Your Grade 12 results determine which NSC pass type you receive. The pass type determines what you can study after school:
| Pass Type | Requirements | What It Qualifies You For |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor pass | 30% in language of learning and teaching + achievement level 4 (50–59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects | University degree programmes |
| Diploma pass | 30% in language of learning and teaching + achievement level 3 (40–49%) or better in four 20-credit subjects | Diploma programmes at universities and universities of technology |
| Higher Certificate pass | 30% in language of learning and teaching | Higher certificate programmes only |
Life Orientation is not a 20-credit subject, so it does not count toward the four subjects needed for a bachelor or diploma pass. Your compulsory languages, Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy, and your three electives are the subjects that matter for your pass type.
Choose subjects you can realistically achieve level 4 (50%+) in if you are aiming for a bachelor pass.
How Subject Choice Affects Your APS
The Admission Point Score (APS) is a number universities use to rank applicants. Each university calculates APS differently, but most use your NSC achievement levels from your best six or seven subjects.
For a detailed explanation, see our APS Score Calculator guide.
Key points about APS and subject choice:
- Most universities calculate APS from your six best 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Maximum APS on this scale: 42.
- Wits uses your best seven subjects including Life Orientation and applies its own points scale with a +2 bonus for English and Mathematics.
- UP calculates APS from six recognised 20-credit subjects with a maximum of 42.
- Stellenbosch uses an NSC average: (Language of learning and teaching score + five best 20-credit subject scores, excluding Life Orientation) ÷ 6.
- UCT uses a Faculty Points Score (FPS) that is calculated differently by faculty — out of 600 for Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment, Humanities, and Law; out of 800 for Science (with Mathematics and Physical Sciences percentages doubled); and out of 900 for Health Sciences (the same 600-point subject-percentage aggregate used for Commerce, Engineering, Humanities, and Law, plus National Benchmark Test scores out of 300).
Your APS depends on both which subjects you take and how well you perform in them. Choosing a harder subject where you score level 4 gives you fewer APS points than an easier subject where you score level 6.
Subject Combinations for Popular Career Paths
The subjects listed below are the standard prerequisites for entry to the relevant university programmes. Specific minimum marks and APS requirements vary by university and change annually — always check the admission requirements at your target university directly.
Engineering (BEng, BSc Engineering)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Engineering Graphics and Design |
| Physical Sciences | Information Technology |
All South African universities require Mathematics and Physical Sciences for engineering programmes. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.
Medicine and Health Sciences (MBBCh, BPharm, BSc Physiotherapy)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | — |
| Physical Sciences | — |
| Life Sciences | — |
Health science careers typically require all three science subjects. Some allied health programmes (occupational therapy, dietetics) may accept Mathematical Literacy at a higher achievement level, but this varies by university.
Chartered Accounting (BAccSci, BCom Accounting)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Accounting |
| — | Economics |
Mathematics is compulsory. Accounting as a school subject is helpful but not always required — check your target university’s specific programme.
Law (LLB)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Strong language results (English and/or Afrikaans) | History |
| — | Business Studies |
Some universities accept Mathematical Literacy for law; others require Mathematics. Wits accepts Mathematical Literacy for LLB.
Teaching (BEd)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Depends on specialisation | Subjects you want to teach |
If you plan to teach Mathematics or Physical Sciences, you need those subjects on your NSC. For Foundation Phase (Grades R–3) or languages teaching, Mathematical Literacy is generally accepted.
IT and Computer Science (BSc Computer Science, BIT)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Information Technology or Computer Applications Technology |
| — | Physical Sciences |
Mathematics is compulsory. Information Technology (programming-focused) and Computer Applications Technology (applications-focused) are different subjects — IT is more relevant for computer science degrees.
Commerce (BCom, BAdmin)
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Accounting |
| — | Economics |
| — | Business Studies |
Mathematics is required for most BCom programmes. Some BAdmin programmes accept Mathematical Literacy.
Nursing
| Required | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Life Sciences |
| — | Physical Sciences |
Requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) vary by university. UJ requires Mathematics level 4 (50%), Physical Sciences level 4, Life Sciences level 4, and English level 5 for a minimum APS of 30; Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Stellenbosch requires an NSC aggregate of at least 60% (level 5) excluding Life Orientation, at least 40% (level 3) for Mathematics OR at least 70% (level 6) for Mathematical Literacy, and at least 50% (level 4) for Life Sciences. Nursing diplomas at TVET colleges and some universities of technology accept Mathematical Literacy. Life Sciences is universally required or strongly recommended — always check your target institution’s specific requirements.
Physical Sciences vs Life Sciences
These are the two main science electives, and many learners take both. Here is when each matters:
Physical Sciences (physics and chemistry) is required for:
- Engineering (all disciplines)
- Medicine (MBBCh)
- Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Most BSc programmes in natural and physical sciences
Life Sciences (biology) is required or strongly recommended for:
- Medicine and allied health (nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
- BSc Biological Sciences, Zoology, Botany, Genetics
- Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Sciences
If you want to study medicine, you need both Physical Sciences and Life Sciences plus Mathematics — all three.
If you are unsure between science and commerce, taking Physical Sciences keeps engineering and science open; taking Accounting and Economics keeps commerce open. You cannot easily go back and add Physical Sciences later.
How Should You Choose Your Subjects?
1. Start with your career interest, then work backwards to subjects. If you want to be an engineer, you need Mathematics and Physical Sciences — that is not negotiable. If you are not sure, choose Mathematics and at least one science to keep the widest range of options open.
2. Check university requirements directly. Each university publishes admission requirements on its website. The requirements listed in this guide are general patterns — your specific programme at your specific university may differ.
3. Be realistic about your strengths. A level 6 in a subject you are good at contributes more to your APS than a level 3 in a subject you struggle with. If you are not coping with Mathematics in Grade 9, discuss with your teacher whether Mathematical Literacy might be a better fit — but understand which doors that closes.
4. Do not choose subjects only because your friends are taking them. Your career path and university requirements should drive the decision, not social convenience.
5. Talk to your school’s career guidance counsellor. If your school does not have one, the NQF and Career Advice Service offers free guidance by phone (086 999 0123), SMS, email, and social media.
6. Remember you can change — but it costs you. The DBE allows subject changes in Grade 10–11 (up to two subjects) and Grade 12 (one subject), but switching means catching up on missed content. Choose well now to avoid that disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subjects do I need for matric?
Seven: four compulsory subjects (two languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation) plus three electives you choose at the end of Grade 9.
Can I take both Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy?
No. You choose one or the other as your compulsory mathematics subject. Technical Mathematics is a separate subject listed under the CAPS FET curriculum, but it is part of the technical school stream and not a substitute for Mathematics at most universities.
What if my school does not offer the subject I want?
Speak to your school principal. In some cases, learners can take a subject at a neighbouring school or through a registered distance learning provider. The DBE’s career advice helpline (086 999 0123) can advise on options.
Does Life Orientation count for university admission?
It depends on the university. Most universities exclude Life Orientation from APS calculations. Wits includes Life Orientation in its seven-subject APS calculation. UP and most others exclude it and use six subjects only.
Is it better to take an easier subject and get a higher mark?
For APS purposes, a higher achievement level in any qualifying subject contributes more points. But if a harder subject (like Mathematics or Physical Sciences) is a prerequisite for your target degree, you must take it regardless of the difficulty. Prerequisites are non-negotiable — APS is secondary to meeting subject requirements.
Last updated: April 2026. Subject requirements and university admission criteria change annually. Always confirm current requirements directly with your target university or the Department of Basic Education.
