Choose a future that opens doors.
The subjects you choose in Grade 9 can shape the opportunities available to you after matric. You don’t need to know exactly what career you want yet; you simply need to keep your future options open.
Why is subject selection so important?
Subject selection plays a crucial role in shaping your academic and career path.
From Grade R to Grade 9, you have been building a foundation that will guide your choices in Grade 10. The subjects you choose now will lay the groundwork for your university studies and future career.
When choosing your subjects, consider:
- The knowledge you’ve gained thus far,
- What you enjoy learning
- Your strengths and abilities
- The career you hope to pursue and its admission requirement
Carefully selecting your subjects is the key to setting yourself up for success. They will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge in your chosen field of study. So, take the time to make informed decisions and choose wisely.
Before choosing your subjects
We know that choosing your Grade 10 subjects can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve put together all the information you need to make informed choices.
Ask yourself:
- What subjects do I enjoy?
- What am I naturally good at?
- Which subjects challenge me in a good way?
- What careers sound interesting?
- Am I choosing because I enjoy it – or because my friends are?
Still unsure what to choose?
Start by exploring your interests.
Many Grade 9 learners don’t know exactly what they want to become, and that’s completely okay.
The FREE NWU Interest-Index helps you to discover study fields and careers that match your interests, strengths and personality.
Once you have completed the survey, you will receive a personalised report to help you explore careers you may never have considered before.
It’s a great place to start when choosing your subjects.
Please note:
- The Interest-Index is not intended to replace professional career guidance.
- For professional career guidance (psychometric testing), contact the NWU Student Guidance Services Department. Or you can contact a Career Psychologist in your area.
Choosing your Grade 10 subjects
To complete the National Senior Certificate (NSC), every learner must take at least seven subjects.
Four compulsory subjects
All learners must take the following four compulsory subjects:
- One Official Language: This is your choice as the first official language.
- First Additional Language: This subject allows you to learn an additional language.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: You can choose between Mathematics, which focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking, and Mathematical Literacy, which focuses on applying mathematics to real-life situations.
- Life Orientation: This subject covers various important life skills, such as personal development, health and well-being, career guidance, and social responsibility.
Elective subjects
In addition to the compulsory subjects, you must select at least three (3) elective NSC subjects based on your interests and future career goals.
Remember that these subjects are opportunities for you to pursue your passions, expand your knowledge, and prepare for your future career. We encourage you to choose subjects that align with your interests and aspirations.
Choose a minimum of three (3) subjects from the NSC 20-credit subjects:
Select the subjects that interest you and align with your goals.
- Accounting
- Agricultural Management Practices
- Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Technology
- Business Studies
- Civil Technology (Civil Services)
- Civil Technology (Construction)
- Civil Technology (Woodworking)
- Computer Applications Technology
- Consumer Studies
- Dance Studies
- Design
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Electrical Technology (Digital Systems)
- Electrical Technology (Electronics)
- Electrical Technology (Power Systems)
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Hospitality Studies
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- LANGUAGES: A maximum of three languages at HL and FAL and a maximum of four languages at any level (see options below).
- Maritime Economics
- Marine Science
- Mechanical Technology (Automotive)
- Mechanical Technology (Fitting and Machining)
- Mechanical Technology (Welding and Metal Work)
- Music
- Physical Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Sports and Exercise Science
- Technical Mathematics
- Technical Science
- Tourism
- Visual Arts
Languages Options:
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How can subject choice guidance help?
Subject choice guidance plays an important role in the process of making career decisions. Consulting trained professionals, such as career counsellors, can help you to better understand your interests, values, strengths, and abilities. This will help you to choose subjects that support your future study and career goals. Therefore, seeking professional guidance is essential for making informed choices.
At North-West University, we recognise the importance of career guidance alongside subject selection. We are committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to make well-informed decisions that align with your future studies and career goals.
Mathematics, Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing between Mathematics, Technical Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.
While all three subjects are valuable, they lead to different study opportunities.
Focus | Mathematics | Mathematical Literacy | Technical Mathematics |
| Problem-solving, critical thinking | Everyday maths (budgets, data, planning) | Applied, practical problem-solving | |
| Career Options (Examples) | Engineering, Accounting | Law, Consumer Sciences | BSc Information Technology, Agricultural Sciences |
Good to know
- If you’re unsure what career you’d like to pursue, studying Mathematics will generally leave more options open to you.
- It’s also much easier to move from Mathematics to Mathematical Literacy than the other way around.
- If you’re taking Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics, you’ll need higher marks to get into certain study programmes than if you’re taking pure Mathematics.
General admission requirements for university
Admission requirements differ between qualifications and universities.
In general, applicants require:
- A National Senior Certificate
- The required APS score
- The required subject combinations
- The minimum marks for the qualification they wish to study
Some qualifications, such as Engineering, Health Sciences and Accounting, have additional subject requirements.
Always check the latest admission requirements before applying.
It All Starts Here!
Admission Requirements
Please note that these admission requirements may change from year to year, and may also vary between faculties and programmes.
The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide. Prospective students should always refer to the latest edition of the NWU Yearbook for the most up-to-date programme information and admission requirements.
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Due to limited capacity in some programmes, the University may select applicants based on their final Grade 11 results, with final admission being confirmed after the release of their final Grade 12 results.