Grade 10 Subject Choices in South Africa: A Complete Guide for CAPS, IEB, and Cambridge Students
Grade 10 subject choices in South Africa determine which matric subjects you'll write, which university programmes you can apply for, and which career paths remain open after school.
For CAPS students, you'll select seven subjects including four compulsory ones. IEB students choose seven subjects with a similar compulsory core.
Cambridge students typically take nine IGCSE subjects before narrowing to three or four A-Level subjects.
The subjects you choose now will follow you through to your final examinations, so understanding your options across each curriculum is essential before making any decisions.
This isn't a choice you can easily undo.
While some schools allow subject changes in the first term of Grade 10, switching becomes increasingly difficult as the year progresses.
By Grade 11, changing subjects often means catching up on a full year of missed content.
Why Grade 10 Subject Choices Matter for Your Future
Let's be direct about what's at stake here. Your Grade 10 subject choices affect three things: what you can study at university, what careers become accessible, and how well you'll perform academically over the next three years.
Universities have specific subject requirements for different programmes. Want to study medicine? You'll need Mathematics and Physical Sciences with specific minimum marks. Interested in law? Some universities require a certain number of languages. Engineering, actuarial science, architecture, accounting... each has prerequisites that trace back to the subjects you choose in Grade 10.
Research from the University of Cape Town's Schools Improvement Initiative found that subject choices made in Grade 10 are one of the strongest predictors of post-school pathways, with students who take Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy significantly more likely to access university programmes in STEM fields and commerce.
Beyond university requirements, there's a practical consideration. You'll spend three years studying these subjects. Choosing something you find genuinely interesting makes those years considerably more manageable than forcing yourself through content you find tedious or incomprehensible.
Compulsory Subjects Across All Curricula
Regardless of which curriculum you follow, certain subjects aren't negotiable.
CAPS requires four compulsory subjects:
- Home Language (typically English or Afrikaans)
- First Additional Language
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
IEB has similar requirements:
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Cambridge structures things differently. At IGCSE level (typically Grades 9 and 10), students take a broader range of subjects before specialising. English Language and Mathematics are standard, with most students also taking sciences, humanities, and additional languages before choosing their A-Level focus.
The compulsory subjects take up four of your seven CAPS or IEB subject slots, leaving three elective choices. This is where the real decision-making happens.
If you're exploring different curriculum options and wondering how they compare, understanding these compulsory requirements is the first step.
CAPS Subject Options and Requirements
The CAPS curriculum offers subjects organised into groups. You must select at least one subject from each designated group, which ensures a balanced education rather than allowing students to avoid entire knowledge areas.
Group A: Languages Your home language and first additional language are compulsory. A third language can be taken as an elective.
Group B: Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Agricultural Sciences
Group C: Commerce
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
Group D: Humanities
- Geography
- History
- Religion Studies
- Consumer Studies
Group E: Arts and Culture
- Visual Arts
- Dramatic Arts
- Music
- Dance Studies
- Design
Group F: Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Civil Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Mechanical Technology
You'll choose three electives from these groups. Most students select subjects that align with their intended career direction, but keeping options open is also a valid strategy if you're unsure about your future.
Here's something to consider: the combination matters as much as individual subjects. Let's say you're thinking about studying chartered accountancy. You'd need Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy), and while Accounting seems obvious, you'd also benefit from subjects that develop analytical thinking and communication skills.
IEB Subject Options and Requirements
The IEB curriculum shares many subjects with CAPS but has some structural differences worth understanding.
IEB is known for its emphasis on critical thinking and application rather than pure content recall. This shows up in how subjects are examined, with more extended writing, source analysis, and problem-solving components compared to CAPS.
Subject groupings are similar to CAPS, with offerings including:
Sciences: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Computer Applications Technology, Information Technology
Commerce: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics
Humanities: Geography, History, Religion Studies
Creative Arts: Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts, Music, Design
Technology: Engineering Graphics and Design, Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology
One distinction worth noting: IEB Advanced Programme subjects offer additional challenge for academically strong students. Advanced Programme Mathematics and Advanced Programme English provide deeper engagement with content and are recognised favourably by universities.
If you're weighing up CAPS against IEB, there's a detailed comparison of these curricula that breaks down the differences in assessment style, difficulty, and university recognition.
Cambridge/British Curriculum Subject Options
The British curriculum structures subject choices differently from South African curricula.
At IGCSE level (roughly equivalent to Grades 9 and 10), students typically take eight or nine subjects. This broader foundation means you're not narrowing your focus quite as early. A typical IGCSE selection might include:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Combined or Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- A modern foreign language
- A humanity (History or Geography)
- One or two additional subjects based on interests
The real narrowing happens at AS and A-Level (roughly equivalent to Grades 11 and 12), where students typically take three or four subjects and study them in much greater depth than CAPS or IEB students cover in seven subjects.
This structure has advantages and trade-offs. The advantage is genuine depth in your chosen areas. The trade-off is earlier specialisation, which means you need to be clearer about your direction sooner.
For students interested in science subjects but worried about practical requirements, Pearson Edexcel offers an alternative pathway that addresses some of these concerns while maintaining international recognition.
How Subject Choices Affect University Admission
South African universities publish faculty-specific requirements that specify which matric subjects applicants need and what minimum marks are expected. These aren't suggestions. Missing a required subject closes doors regardless of how strong your overall results are.
Medicine and Health Sciences typically require:
- Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences (at some institutions)
- Minimum APS score of 34-38 depending on institution
Engineering typically requires:
- Mathematics (minimum 70-80%)
- Physical Sciences (minimum 60-70%)
- English
Commerce degrees vary:
- BCom Accounting: Mathematics required
- BCom General: Mathematical Literacy sometimes accepted
- BCom Economics: Mathematics preferred
Law requirements vary by institution but generally require:
- Strong language performance
- No specific subject requirements at most universities
- Some require a minimum number of subjects from specific categories
Humanities and Social Sciences are generally more flexible, but competitive programmes still have GPA requirements.
If you're uncertain about your direction, there's a strategy worth considering: keep Mathematics rather than taking Mathematical Literacy. Yes, Mathematics is harder. But Mathematical Literacy closes doors to many commerce and science programmes. If you're genuinely struggling with Mathematics, that's a different conversation, but don't drop it simply because it requires more effort.
CambriLearn offers subject and career choice assessments that can help clarify which subjects align with your aptitudes and interests if you're finding this decision difficult.
Subject Combinations for Popular Career Paths
Let's look at what subjects you'd want for common career directions. These aren't rigid rules, but they represent typical pathways.
Medical Doctor or Healthcare Professional
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- English (strong performance)
Chartered Accountant
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- Economics or Business Studies
- English
Engineer (any discipline)
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering Graphics and Design (helpful but not required)
- English
Lawyer
- Languages (strong performance in both)
- History
- Business Studies or Economics
- Subjects demonstrating writing and analytical ability
Software Developer
- Mathematics
- Information Technology or Computer Applications Technology
- Physical Sciences (helpful for understanding computational logic)
Architect
- Mathematics
- Visual Arts or Design
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Physical Sciences
Psychologist
- Life Sciences
- Languages
- Subjects with strong analytical and writing components
Graphic Designer or Creative Professional
- Visual Arts
- Design
- Information Technology or Computer Applications Technology
- Languages
What if you don't know what career you want? That's completely normal at 15 or 16. In that case, consider a balanced combination that keeps multiple pathways open. Mathematics plus two sciences plus a commerce subject gives you flexibility. You can always specialise later, but you can't easily add prerequisites you didn't take.
Making the Decision: Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Before finalising your subject choices, work through these questions honestly.
What are you genuinely good at? Not what you wish you were good at. Not what your parents want you to be good at. What subjects have you consistently performed well in with reasonable effort? Building on existing strengths usually produces better results than trying to develop entirely new aptitudes under exam pressure.
What do you find interesting? Three years is a long time to study something you find boring. Interest sustains effort when things get difficult. If you're genuinely curious about a subject, you're more likely to engage with it deeply enough to succeed.
What do you want to keep open? If you have any interest in science, commerce, or mathematics-based careers, keep Mathematics. If you're considering anything in the sciences, take Physical Sciences. Don't close doors unnecessarily based on short-term thinking.
What do the universities you're considering require? Look up specific requirements now, not in Grade 12. If you have target universities or programmes, check their admission requirements and work backwards to ensure your subject choices qualify you.
What's realistic about your abilities? There's a difference between challenging yourself and setting yourself up for failure. Taking seven difficult subjects because they sound impressive isn't smart if you end up performing poorly in all of them. Balance ambition with realism.
What does your current school offer? Your choices are limited to what's actually available. If your school doesn't offer Music or IT, those aren't options regardless of your interest. If limited subject offerings are constraining your choices, an online school might offer alternatives worth exploring.
How to Change Subjects After Grade 10
Made the wrong choice? It happens. Here's what you need to know about changing subjects.
During Grade 10: Most schools allow subject changes during the first term with minimal complications. You'll need to catch up on missed content, but it's manageable. After the first term, changes become more difficult and require stronger justification.
Between Grade 10 and Grade 11: This is your last realistic opportunity for changes. You'll start Grade 11 with whatever subjects you're enrolled in, and changing mid-year becomes extremely difficult. If you're unhappy with a subject, address it before Grade 11 begins.
During Grade 11 or Grade 12: Changes at this point are rarely approved and even more rarely successful. You'd be starting a subject one or two years behind, with content that builds sequentially. The Department of Education generally requires compelling circumstances to approve such changes.
Practical steps if you need to change:
- Speak with your school's subject choice coordinator or guidance counsellor
- Understand what content you'll need to catch up on
- Get written approval before making assumptions
- If changing to a more demanding subject, honestly assess whether you can handle the additional workload
- Inform your parents and ensure they support the decision
If your school doesn't offer what you need or isn't flexible about changes, distance learning through an online school becomes a practical alternative. Some students take one or two subjects through an online homeschool provider while completing their remaining subjects at their current school.
What About Students Who Don't Fit Standard Pathways?
Not every student thrives in the traditional seven-subject model. Some have passions that don't map onto standard school subjects. Others have learning differences that make certain subjects exceptionally difficult. Still others have commitments outside of school, whether sporting, artistic, or otherwise, that require scheduling flexibility.
For these students, the South African education system offers more options than many parents realise. The various matric pathways available mean subject choices exist within different structural frameworks.
Cambridge and IEB qualifications are recognised by South African universities. International options exist for students planning to study abroad. Online and distance learning make subjects available that might not be offered at a student's physical school.
The point is: if the standard menu of options at your local school doesn't work for your situation, alternatives exist. Subject choice isn't just about which subjects, but also about which curriculum and which mode of delivery works for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change from Mathematics to Mathematical Literacy after Grade 10?
Technically yes, but most educators advise against it unless you're genuinely unable to pass Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy closes doors to many university programmes, including all engineering, most commerce degrees, medicine, and actuarial science. If you're struggling with Mathematics, first explore additional support options like tutoring or extra lessons before dropping to Mathematical Literacy. The short-term relief isn't worth the long-term limitations for most students.
How many subjects do I need to take in Grade 10?
CAPS and IEB students take seven subjects: four compulsory plus three electives. Cambridge students typically take eight or nine IGCSEs before narrowing to three or four A-Levels. The total isn't negotiable within each curriculum framework. You can't take fewer subjects to focus more deeply, and taking additional subjects beyond the standard number is only occasionally permitted.
Do universities care which curriculum I follow?
South African universities accept CAPS, IEB, and Cambridge qualifications. Each has conversion mechanisms to calculate equivalent admission scores. IEB and Cambridge are sometimes perceived as more rigorous, which can be advantageous for competitive programmes, but CAPS students are not disadvantaged provided they meet subject and mark requirements. What matters more than curriculum is taking the right subjects and achieving strong results.
