GED vs matric: what is the difference?

How the GED compares with the South African matric (National Senior Certificate): subjects, time, cost, recognition and university entrance.

All guides · Reviewed 7 October 2026

Short answer: Matric (the National Senior Certificate) is the South African school-leaving qualification, written over several subjects with school-based assessment. The GED is an American equivalency credential earned by passing four computer-based tests. SAQA compares the GED to matric at NQF Level 4, but only matric (or another exempted qualification) gives direct entry to degree study at public South African universities.

Side by side

What it is: matric is South Africa's own school-leaving certificate. The GED is an American high school equivalency credential.
Subjects: matric needs at least seven subjects, including two languages. The GED has four subject tests.
How you are assessed: matric combines school-based assessment with final exams. The GED is four computer-based tests and nothing else.
When you can write: matric exams run on fixed national dates. GED tests can be booked throughout the year.
Language: matric can be written in more than one language. The GED in South Africa is in English only.
Minimum age: the GED needs you to be 18, or 17 with a waiver.

Recognition in South Africa

SAQA has evaluated the GED and found the National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) to be its closest comparable qualification. After passing, you can apply to SAQA for a Certificate of Evaluation that states this.

That certificate is not a university exemption. Universities South Africa (USAf) has told candidates not to apply for an exemption with a GED obtained in South Africa after 2019. In practice this means a recent South African GED does not, on its own, open degree study at public universities.

According to GED South Africa, some private institutions accept the GED for many of their programmes. Always get the answer in writing from the institution you want to attend. More detail: Is the GED accepted by South African universities?

Which one fits you?

Choose matric (or an adult matric such as the Amended Senior Certificate) if your goal is a degree at a public South African university.
Consider the GED if you are an adult who wants a recognised school-level credential quickly, plan to study at an institution that has confirmed it accepts the GED, or plan to study or work abroad where it is accepted.
If you are not sure, ask the college, university or employer you are aiming for before you pay for any preparation.

Common questions

Is the GED equivalent to matric?

SAQA compares the GED to the National Senior Certificate at NQF Level 4. It is comparable in level, but it is not the same qualification and does not carry a university exemption if it was obtained in South Africa after 2019.

Is the GED easier than matric?

It is different rather than simply easier. There are four tests instead of seven or more subjects and no school-based assessment, but each test needs real reading, reasoning and maths skills, and the pass mark is 145 out of 200 in every subject.

Can I get a job with a GED in South Africa?

Many employers accept a school-level qualification at NQF Level 4, and a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation shows where the GED sits. Each employer decides for itself, so ask the employer you have in mind.