What to Do If Things Didn't Go as Planned
Grade 12 is a stressful year for both parents and learners. University applications open while you’re still in Grade 11, and you’re unsure how everything works. You may not have done as well as you thought you would in Grade 11. Combine that with the pressure of prelims, finals, residence, and bursary deadlines, and it can be a bit much.
Luckily, your options are not limited, no matter how things turn out. Look at the requirements for each programme and how you can utilise your Grade 11 results. If those are not satisfactory, you can boost your grade 12 marks and apply then. And finally, if things for university entrance don’t go as planned, you can explore alternative routes and apply for those.
Why Grade 11 Results Matter for University Entrance
You can use your Grade 11 report to decide on provisional offers. While universities only confirm your place after NSC results in January after grade 12 ends, you can use your Grade 11 marks to secure your provisional space.
Additionally, securing early residence placement and bursary shortlisting can help relieve some of the stress that comes with having to organise everything at the last minute. High-demand selection programmes encourage you to apply with your grade 11 marks.
In short, Grade 11 gets you into the queue, and matric secures the seat.
Minimum Subject Requirements by University Faculty
Before you chase APS points, check the non-negotiable subjects for your target faculty to decide whether the university will consider your application.
- Commerce and Management: Grade 12 Pure Mathematics with English HL or FAL at the required level.
- Science: Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English HL or FAL.
- Engineering: Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English HL or FAL.
- Health Sciences: English HL or FAL and Pure Mathematics, Physical Sciences and or Life Sciences.
- Law, Humanities, Social Sciences: English HL or FAL, Math Lit is often acceptable in specific programmes.
- Education: Strong language requirements + subject-specific minimums tied to teaching specialisations.
- IT, Computing: Pure Mathematics required; check programming tests.
- Arts, Architecture, Design, Music: English and portfolio required; Visual Arts, and Design helpful or needed for some programmes.
- Business and Health Diplomas: Lower APS than degrees; Math vs. Math Lit varies by field, check the program page.
NBT Requirements for University Entrance
Most South African universities use the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to complement school marks, especially for competitive programmes. The NBTs comprise two papers, AQL (Academic & Quantitative Literacy) for most applicants and MAT (Mathematics) for programmes that require a strong Mathematical Background. Both NBTs are often written on the same day.
Requirements vary by university and faculty: some need only AQL, others require both AQL and MAT, and a few don’t ask for NBTs at all. Universities use NBT results for selection, placement, and sometimes scholarships.
It’s smart to book early and leave enough time for results to arrive before key application or residence deadlines. If your Grade 11 results weren’t what you hoped, a solid NBT performance can help strengthen your overall profile.
APS Explained for University Entrance Requirements
Your APS (Admission Points Score) is a simple way universities compare school results across applicants. Most SA universities add up points from your best six subjects, usually excluding Life Orientation, using the NSC achievement level for each subject, where levels 1 to 7 equal 1 to 7 APS points.
Some programmes give extra weighting to particular subjects or require minimum levels in specific subjects, in addition to a minimum overall APS. Remember to always verify the specific requirements with the university to which you’re applying.
Changing Course After Offers
If you change your mind after receiving offers, your best approach is to act as fast as possible. Most universities allow programme swaps before registration, sometimes during the add–drop period, and rarely after the term starts.
Check that you meet the new programme’s APS and subject minimums and submit a course-change request. Decisions depend on space, so consider a few alternatives.
Immediate Steps to Boost Your Grade 12 Profile
Diagnose the gaps
To achieve the best APS possible, you must first identify where your strongest and weakest subjects are. List your weakest chapters and question types from Grade 11, then map them against the Grade 12 syllabus and past exam blueprints. Pull your last three tests and do a quick error tally by category.
Convert your current marks to NSC levels and estimate your best-six APS to determine which subjects can significantly impact your overall score.
Prioritise APS and Prerequisites
While obtaining your matric marks is most important, it can help to focus on the most important subjects. Work backwards from your target faculty’s requirements, prioritising the non-negotiables, APS minimum, and subject levels for most routes.
Convert your current marks to NSC levels, calculate your best-six APS, and identify the smallest set of subjects that can realistically lift you into the right band.
Exam Health and Wellness
Sleep, hydration, and diet are among the most essential elements to consider during exam season.
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep with a fixed wake-up time every day; consistency is more effective than occasional long naps. On exam eve, stop heavy studying 90 minutes before bed, prep your bag, set two alarms, and protect your usual lights-out routine.
Aim for steady, low-effort hydration rather than big gulps. A simple target is about 1.5–2.5 L per day for most teens, with extra small sips if it’s hot or you’re active. On exam day, bring a 500–750 ml bottle and sip lightly, enough to stay clear-headed without needing the bathroom mid-paper.
Think steady energy, not spikes. Build meals around a protein, high-fibre carb, fruit or veg and healthy fats. Limit very sugary drinks, oversized takeaways, and heavy, greasy meals. Although coffee can feel like the ultimate booster, keep caffeine consumption moderate and avoid it after mid-afternoon to maintain a good night’s sleep.
Recheck vs Remark
A recheck is an audit of your exam script. The exam body will verify scanning, marking and mark capturing. No re-marking happens. Select this option when your total appears to be incorrect, a page is missing, or you suspect a capture error.
A remark is a full re-marking of your script by a new examiner using the official memo. Remarking can raise, lower, or confirm your mark. Pick this when you believe your answers deserve more credit. If deadlines allow, you can request a recheck first and escalate to a remark if the total was correct but the marking feels off.
Alternative Routes for University Entrance
Higher Certificate to Degree pathway
A Higher Certificate (NQF 5) is a 1-year, entry-level qualification with lower admission thresholds than a degree. Higher certificates to develop academic literacy and key subject skills, enabling you to progress to a Diploma (NQF 6) or select Bachelor’s degrees (NQF 7) once you meet the institution’s progression requirements.
Extended Programmes at University
Extended Curriculum programmes add an extra year, or spread core modules over more semesters, to the standard degree. You complete the same qualification, with built-in academic support and a lighter module load in Year 1–2.
If you are close to mainstream entry but miss the cut-off, or need more runway in gateway subjects like Mathematics, an extended programme can help.
University Diplomas
Diplomas are three-year, career-focused qualifications that blend theory with practical components. You graduate with an NQF 6 Diploma, distinct from a bachelor’s degree.
A diploma is an excellent option if you want job-ready skills, prefer applied learning, or are slightly below degree cut-offs but strong in specific subjects.
Distance Learning
Study for accredited qualifications off-campus via online platforms, printed materials, and occasional invigilated assessments. Standard options include public distance universities and accredited private providers offering Higher Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees.
If you need flexibility, whether due to work, school, or other obligations, distance learning is a great option.
Read more: Tips for Matric Exams in 2025
Key Takeaway
Use Grade 11 for provisional offers where possible, then target important subjects to raise APS, write NBTs where required, and keep credible backup routes ready.
Final Thoughts
If Grade 11 didn’t go as planned, it is not over. Provisional acceptance offers hinge on Grade 11, but final placement depends on your NSC. Focus on what moves the needle now: meet faculty subject minimums, lift your APS in the right subjects.
If you want structured, low-stress support, iRainbow’s CAPS-aligned, offline educational software fits neatly into your matric routine and offers specific subject support, contact us today.
