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Course Guidance

Your Matric Subjects: Every Course You Can Apply For (By Subject)

A complete A–Z of South African NSC subjects and the university courses they unlock — so you can choose your subjects (and your future) with confidence.

Portalis Team 19 May 2026 7 min read
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Your matric subject combination is the single biggest factor — alongside your APS — in deciding which university courses are open to you. A learner with Mathematics and Physical Sciences has a very different door open than one with Mathematical Literacy and Tourism. Neither is "better" — but the courses they unlock are different.

This guide covers every subject taught in South African high schools, what each one gives you access to, and a few real course examples at SA universities. Use the table of contents below to jump straight to your subjects.

Accounting

Teaches financial recording, reporting, and analysis — the language of business. You learn double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, budgeting and basic auditing.

Gives access to

Commerce, finance, accounting and business management qualifications.

Example courses

  • BCom Accounting at UJ
  • BCom Chartered Accountancy at Wits
  • Diploma in Accountancy at TUT
  • BCom Financial Management at UNISA
Requirement note: Strongly recommended (sometimes required) for BCom Accounting and CA(SA) streams. Many universities require at least 50–60%.

Afrikaans (Home Language / First Additional)

Builds reading, writing, oral and literary skills in Afrikaans at either Home Language or First Additional Language level.

Gives access to

Language, education, translation, journalism and humanities degrees.

Example courses

  • BA Languages at Stellenbosch
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Afrikaans) at NWU
  • BA Translation at UFS
  • BA Journalism at UJ
Requirement note: Counts as one of your two required NSC languages. Required at Home Language level for Afrikaans-medium teaching qualifications.

Agricultural Sciences

Covers soil science, plant and animal production, agricultural economics and sustainable farming practices.

Gives access to

Agriculture, environmental science and agribusiness qualifications.

Example courses

  • BSc Agriculture at UP
  • BAgric at UFS
  • Diploma in Agricultural Management at TUT
  • BSc Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch
Requirement note: Recommended for agriculture programmes. Life Sciences and Mathematics are usually the firmer requirements.

Business Studies

Introduces business environments, entrepreneurship, management principles, marketing and business operations.

Gives access to

Business management, marketing, HR and entrepreneurship qualifications.

Example courses

  • BCom Business Management at UP
  • Diploma in Marketing at DUT
  • BCom Entrepreneurship at UJ
  • BBA at IIE Varsity College
Requirement note: Useful but rarely a hard requirement — most BCom degrees care more about Mathematics performance.

Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

Practical subject focused on using software (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web) to solve real-world problems.

Gives access to

End-user computing, office administration and some IT support qualifications.

Example courses

  • Diploma in Office Management at TUT
  • Higher Certificate in IT (User Support) at UNISA
  • Diploma in Information Technology (Support Services) at CPUT
  • BCom Informatics at UP (with Maths)
Requirement note: Not the same as IT — does not satisfy programming-degree requirements. For BSc Computer Science you need Mathematics, not CAT.

Consumer Studies

Covers food production, textiles, consumer rights, entrepreneurship and household management.

Gives access to

Hospitality, food technology, fashion and consumer science qualifications.

Example courses

  • BConsumer Science at UP
  • Diploma in Food Technology at CPUT
  • Diploma in Hospitality Management at TUT
  • BSc Food Science at Stellenbosch (with Maths & Physical Sciences)
Requirement note: Recommended, not usually required. Useful background for food and hospitality programmes.

Dramatic Arts

Builds performance, voice, movement and theatre theory skills — both practical and analytical.

Gives access to

Performing arts, drama, film and theatre qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA Dramatic Arts at Wits
  • BA Theatre and Performance at UCT
  • Diploma in Performing Arts at TUT
  • BA Live Performance at AFDA
Requirement note: Recommended for drama-specific degrees; some require an audition rather than the subject itself.

Economics

Introduces micro and macroeconomics, markets, government policy and economic indicators.

Gives access to

Economics, finance, commerce and policy-related qualifications.

Example courses

  • BCom Economics at UCT
  • BCom PPE (Politics, Philosophy & Economics) at Wits
  • BCom Econometrics at UP
  • BA Economics at Stellenbosch
Requirement note: Recommended for BCom Economics and Econometrics. Mathematics is the more critical subject.

Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)

Teaches technical drawing, mechanical and civil drafting, and computer-aided design (CAD).

Gives access to

Engineering, architecture, draughting and built-environment qualifications.

Example courses

  • BSc Engineering (Mechanical) at Wits
  • BAS Architecture at UP
  • Diploma in Architectural Technology at DUT
  • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at TUT
Requirement note: Strongly recommended for engineering and architecture. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are the formal hard requirements.

English (Home Language / First Additional)

Develops reading, writing, comprehension, literature analysis and oral communication.

Gives access to

Almost every degree — English is the language of instruction at most SA universities.

Example courses

  • BA English at UCT
  • LLB at Wits (English HL strongly recommended)
  • MBChB at UCT (English HL or FAL with high mark)
  • BJourn at Stellenbosch
Requirement note: Universally needed. Most degrees require at least 50% English (HL or FAL); selective programmes require 60–70%+.

French (Second Additional)

Introductory to intermediate French — reading, writing, speaking and cultural studies.

Gives access to

Languages, international relations, tourism and translation qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA Languages (French) at UP
  • BA International Studies at Stellenbosch
  • BA Translation at Wits
  • Diploma in Tourism Management at TUT
Requirement note: Not required for any specific degree. A useful elective and an APS booster.

Geography

Covers physical geography, climate, geomorphology, mapwork, GIS basics and human geography.

Gives access to

Environmental science, urban planning, geology and tourism qualifications.

Example courses

  • BSc Environmental Sciences at UP
  • BSc Geology at Wits (with Maths & Physical Sciences)
  • BTech Town and Regional Planning at TUT
  • BA Geography & Environmental Studies at Rhodes
Requirement note: Recommended for environmental and planning degrees. Mathematics is often the binding requirement.

German (Second Additional)

Foundational German language and culture studies.

Gives access to

Languages, international studies and translation qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA Languages (German) at Stellenbosch
  • BA International Studies at UP
  • BA Modern European Languages at UCT
  • BA Translation at UJ
Requirement note: Not required for any degree. Strong elective for language and international careers.

History

Develops research, source analysis and essay writing while exploring South African and world history.

Gives access to

Humanities, law, journalism, education and political science qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA History at UCT
  • LLB at UP
  • BA Politics at Rhodes
  • BEd Senior Phase (History) at UWC
Requirement note: Recommended for law, humanities and education degrees. Builds writing skills universities value.

Information Technology (IT)

Covers programming (typically Delphi or Java), databases, software development and computer architecture.

Gives access to

Computer science, software engineering and IT qualifications.

Example courses

  • BSc Computer Science at Wits
  • BSc IT at UP
  • BIT at NWU
  • Diploma in ICT (Application Development) at CPUT
Requirement note: Recommended but rarely required. Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) is the firm requirement for CS and software degrees.

isiNdebele

Home Language or First Additional Language study of isiNdebele.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UNISA
  • BEd Foundation Phase (isiNdebele) at UMP
  • BA Languages at UP
  • BA Linguistics at Wits
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for isiNdebele teaching qualifications.

isiXhosa

isiXhosa Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages, African studies and health-related communication courses.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UCT
  • BEd Foundation Phase (isiXhosa) at UFH
  • MBChB at UCT (isiXhosa highly valued)
  • BA Linguistics at Rhodes
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for isiXhosa teaching qualifications.

isiZulu

isiZulu Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages, African studies and communication-focused degrees.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UKZN
  • BEd Foundation Phase (isiZulu) at UNIZULU
  • BSocSci at UKZN
  • BA Linguistics at Wits
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for isiZulu teaching qualifications.

Life Sciences (Biology)

Covers cellular biology, genetics, human physiology, ecology and evolution.

Gives access to

Health sciences, biological sciences, agriculture and veterinary qualifications.

Example courses

  • MBChB at UP
  • BSc Biological Sciences at UCT
  • BVSc Veterinary Science at UP
  • BNursing at UFS
Requirement note: Required for most health science degrees (medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy). Often paired with Physical Sciences.

Mathematics

Pure Mathematics — algebra, trigonometry, calculus, analytical geometry, statistics and probability.

Gives access to

Engineering, science, commerce, IT, medicine, actuarial science and most quantitative degrees.

Example courses

  • BSc Engineering at Wits
  • BSc Actuarial Science at UCT
  • MBChB at Stellenbosch
  • BCom Accounting at UJ
Requirement note: Required (not Maths Literacy) for engineering, BSc, medicine, accounting, actuarial science and most BCom degrees. Minimums range from 50% to 70%+.

Mathematical Literacy

Practical mathematics for everyday life — finance, measurement, data handling and probability.

Gives access to

Humanities, law, education (some phases), social sciences and many diploma programmes.

Example courses

  • BA Humanities at UJ
  • LLB at UNISA
  • Diploma in Public Management at TUT
  • BA Social Work at UP
Requirement note: Accepted by many humanities and diploma programmes, but does NOT meet Mathematics requirements for engineering, BSc, BCom Accounting, medicine or actuarial science.

Music

Music theory, history, performance and composition.

Gives access to

Music performance, composition, music education and sound technology qualifications.

Example courses

  • BMus at UCT
  • BMus at Stellenbosch
  • Diploma in Music at TUT
  • BA Music at Rhodes
Requirement note: Recommended for music degrees; most also require an audition and theory test.

Physical Sciences

Combined Physics and Chemistry — mechanics, electricity, waves, organic chemistry and chemical reactions.

Gives access to

Engineering, health sciences, BSc programmes and applied science qualifications.

Example courses

  • BSc Engineering (Chemical) at UCT
  • MBChB at Wits
  • BSc Chemistry at Stellenbosch
  • BPharm at Rhodes
Requirement note: Required for engineering, medicine, pharmacy and most BSc degrees. Often 50–60% minimum.

Religion Studies

Comparative study of world religions, ethics and belief systems.

Gives access to

Theology, religious studies and humanities qualifications.

Example courses

  • BTh Theology at Stellenbosch
  • BA Religion Studies at UP
  • BA Theology at NWU
  • BA Humanities at UNISA
Requirement note: Not required for any specific degree. Useful elective for theology pathways.

Sepedi (Sesotho sa Leboa)

Sepedi Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UL
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Sepedi) at UNISA
  • BA Languages at UP
  • BA Linguistics at Wits
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Sepedi teaching qualifications.

Sesotho

Sesotho Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UFS
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Sesotho) at UFS
  • BA Languages at UJ
  • BSocSci at NWU
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Sesotho teaching qualifications.

Setswana

Setswana Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at NWU
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Setswana) at NWU
  • BA Languages at UJ
  • BA Linguistics at UNISA
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Setswana teaching qualifications.

South African Sign Language (SASL)

Home Language study of SASL — visual-gestural language, Deaf culture and linguistics.

Gives access to

Education, Deaf studies, audiology and inclusive-education qualifications.

Example courses

  • BEd Inclusive Education at UFS
  • BA SASL at UFS
  • BAud Audiology at Wits
  • BA Linguistics at UCT
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Particularly valued for inclusive-education and audiology programmes.

Siswati

Siswati Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UMP
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Siswati) at UMP
  • BA Languages at UNISA
  • BA Linguistics at Wits
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Siswati teaching qualifications.

Spanish (Second Additional)

Foundational Spanish language and Hispanic cultural studies.

Gives access to

Languages, international studies and translation qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA Languages (Spanish) at UP
  • BA International Studies at Stellenbosch
  • BA Modern European Languages at UCT
  • BA Translation at UJ
Requirement note: Not required for any degree. A strong elective and APS booster.

Technical Mathematics

Mathematics geared toward technical and engineering applications — focuses on practical problem solving.

Gives access to

Engineering technology, technical diploma and applied science qualifications.

Example courses

  • Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical) at TUT
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering at DUT
  • BEngTech at CPUT
  • Diploma in Industrial Engineering at TUT
Requirement note: Accepted in place of pure Mathematics for many engineering technology diplomas, but NOT accepted for BSc Engineering or pure science degrees.

Technical Sciences

Physics and chemistry geared toward technical applications and the engineering technology pipeline.

Gives access to

Engineering technology and technical diploma qualifications.

Example courses

  • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at TUT
  • Diploma in Electrical Engineering at CPUT
  • BEngTech at DUT
  • Diploma in Chemical Engineering at TUT
Requirement note: Accepted in place of Physical Sciences at many UoTs, but NOT for BSc Engineering or BSc science degrees.

Tshivenda

Tshivenda Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UNIVEN
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Tshivenda) at UNIVEN
  • BA Languages at UJ
  • BA Linguistics at UNISA
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Tshivenda teaching qualifications.

Tourism

Covers SA and world tourism, customer service, sustainable tourism and the hospitality sector.

Gives access to

Tourism, hospitality and event management qualifications.

Example courses

  • Diploma in Tourism Management at TUT
  • BCom Tourism Management at UJ
  • Diploma in Hospitality Management at CPUT
  • BA Tourism at NWU
Requirement note: Recommended for tourism programmes. Rarely a hard requirement.

Visual Arts

Practical art-making (drawing, painting, sculpture, digital) plus art history and theory.

Gives access to

Fine art, design, architecture and visual communication qualifications.

Example courses

  • BAFA Fine Art at Wits
  • BA Visual Arts at Stellenbosch
  • Diploma in Graphic Design at TUT
  • BAS Architecture at UCT (portfolio required)
Requirement note: Recommended for fine art and design degrees. Most programmes also require a portfolio submission.

Xitsonga

Xitsonga Home Language or First Additional Language.

Gives access to

Education, languages and African studies qualifications.

Example courses

  • BA African Languages at UL
  • BEd Foundation Phase (Xitsonga) at UMP
  • BA Languages at UJ
  • BA Linguistics at UNISA
Requirement note: Counts as a required NSC language. Required at HL level for Xitsonga teaching qualifications.

Subjects Not Listed?

Life Orientation (LO) is compulsory for every NSC learner — but it does not determine which course you can apply for. No university degree requires a specific LO mark, and most universities exclude it from your APS calculation entirely. It is required to pass matric, not to gain admission to a specific course.

The same applies to school-internal subjects (e.g. some advanced programme electives) that are not on the official NSC subject list — they may enrich your CV but won't change the courses you qualify for.

What If I Don't Have Mathematics?

If you take Mathematical Literacy instead of pure Mathematics, you are not shut out of university — but the door looks different.

  • Open to you: most BA, BSocSci, LLB, BEd (some phases), BTh, BAdmin, Social Work, many diplomas in business, tourism, public management and hospitality.
  • Closed without Maths: BSc, engineering, medicine, BCom Accounting, actuarial science, BCom Finance / Investment, IT degrees, pharmacy.
  • Bridging routes: some institutions offer foundation / extended programmes, or you can complete a Higher Certificate first, perform well, and apply for advanced standing into a degree.

Maths Literacy is a valid path — you just need to choose programmes that accept it. Use our APS calculator and course matching tool to see exactly which doors are open for your marks.

Mixed Subjects

You don't have to pick "a science stream" or "a commerce stream". South African universities look at your individual subjects, not your school's subject package label. A learner with Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English, isiZulu, History and Visual Arts is fully eligible for engineering and equally eligible for fine arts — the marks decide.

Combining a science (e.g. Life Sciences), a commerce subject (e.g. Accounting), and a humanities subject (e.g. History) keeps the widest range of degrees on the table. Speak to a Portalis advisor before locking in subject choices in Grade 9.

Ready to see what you qualify for?

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