South Africa Grading System for National Senior Certificate results
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The South Africa grading system for National Senior Certificate (NSC) study results uses a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 highest and 1 lowest. Grade 3 is the minimum pass.
Percentage equivalents are set out in an official key, and the National Department of Basic Education sets the rules nationally.
This page explains the scale and how grading works, with guidance for teachers working with South African students online or abroad. It also points to related grading systems and sources used to verify the information.
The South African grading scale: 1 to 7
The South African grading scale uses percentages as an official key. The lowest passing grade is 3, for marks of 40–49%. Grade 2 is described as Poor and covers 30–39%, while grade 1 is Fail and covers 0–29%.
| Grade | Meaning | Passing | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Outstanding: Outstanding achievement | Yes | 80 to 100% |
| 6 | Very good: Meritorious achievement | Yes | 70 to 79% |
| 5 | Good: Substantial achievement | Yes | 60 to 69% |
| 4 | More than satisfactory: Adequate achievement | Yes | 50 to 59% |
| 3 | Satisfactory: Moderate achievement | Yes | 40 to 49% |
| 2 | Poor: Elementary achievement | No | 30 to 39% |
| 1 | Fail: Not achieved | No | 0 to 29% |
Percent bands are set by the authority. Percent ranges are included in the NSC study-results grading table published by Nuffic.
Grade 3 is the lowest passing grade; grades 2 and 1 are described as Poor and Fail, respectively.
Compared with related systems
South Africa
5 of 7 grades pass
Denmark
5 of 7 grades pass
Finland
6 of 7 grades pass
Germany
4 of 6 grades pass
How grading works in South Africa
South African grading rules are set nationally by the National Department of Basic Education. The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 includes a protocol that standardises recording and reporting for Grades R-12.
(education.gov.za.aspx)) Students who complete general upper secondary education receive a National Senior Certificate, issued by Umalusi, and a transcript called a Statement of Results (Nuffic).
If you teach South African students online or abroad
Students may bring a document marked Endorsement None, which means they have no access to higher education in South Africa with their diploma. Check the endorsement on the document and record it accurately.
Set the scale up once in a gradebook so every report card and transcript you produce uses the same key.
Related grading systems
Sources and verification
- [1]education.gov.za. Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements. Accessed Oct 10, 2026. Official source
- [2]umalusi.org.za. NSC Pass Requirements. pdf. Accessed Oct 10, 2026. Official source
- [3]nuffic.nl. Grading and study results | Nuffic. Accessed Oct 10, 2026. Credential evaluator
The facts on this page were last verified on Oct 13, 2026. Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in South Africa?
For National Senior Certificate (NSC) study results, grade 3 is the lowest passing grade, corresponding to 40–49%. Grades 2 and 1 are failing grades.
Do schools in South Africa use percentages for grades?
Yes. National Senior Certificate (NSC) study results use an official percentage key, with each grade from 1 to 7 corresponding to a percentage range.
Is a 4 a good grade in South Africa?
Grade 4 corresponds to 50–59% and is described as “More than satisfactory” for National Senior Certificate (NSC) study results.
