National Senior Certificate, A Level or not?

[jthamman]

I have a 1999 National Senior Certificate from South Africa with university endorsement.Is this the same as A levels here in the UK?

[naartjie]

Yes, but only if you did well.

From 2008 South African school leavers wrote the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for entry into Higher Education, and the Senior Certificate prior to 2008.

The Senior Certificate in South Africa (matriculation) was analogous to A levels in the UK, although there are differences in standards. Subjects taken on 'Higher Grade' are of a slightly lower standard than that of A-levels whereas subjects taken on 'Standard Grade' are of a substantially lower standard.

As a comparison, the University of Cape Town has an admission points system such that an 'E' symbol for an A level subject is considered equivalent to a 'C' for a Senior Certificate subject on Higher Grade, and equivalent to an 'A' for a subject taken on Standard Grade.

This may seem bad news but understand that most South African matriculants were required to do 6 subjects for their Senior Certificate examinations, whereas most learners taking their A-levels at sixth form colleges in the UK only do 3 or 4 subjects.

It is also noteworthy as to which school/college you have matriculated from. Many South African high schools are steeped in tradition, sports, culture and discipline.