In South Africa, matriculation (or matric) is the final year of high school and the qualification received on graduating from high school, and the minimum university entrance requirements.
What Qualification Is Equivalent To Matric?
The South African matric certificate is equivalent to an NQF level 4 qualification. The NQF 4 qualification is the forth level of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). A matric certificate is needed to apply for university study further.
This is the standard for entry into undergraduate studies at South African universities. You can also use your matric certificate to apply for jobs in the public service, but in some instances it is also required that you have a bachelors degree.
NQF levels
| Qualification | NQF Level |
| General Certificate | 1 |
| Elementary Certificate | 2 |
| Intermediate Certificate | 3 |
| National Certificate (Matric) | 4 |
| Higher Certificate | 5 |
| Diploma & Advanced Certificate | 6 |
| Bachelor’s Degree & Advanced Diploma | 7 |
| Honours Degree & Postgraduate Diploma | 8 |
| Master’s Degree | 9 |
| Doctoral Degree | 10 |