What is the Hardest Subject in Matric For South African Learners?

As a matric learner, there are many decisions you have to make in order to prepare for your final school year. Many of these decisions will have an effect on your life after matric, and therefore it is very important to make informed decisions.

The question of which subject is the hardest for matric learners is a question that is asked year after year by learners, parents and teachers alike.

Many South African learners find Mathematics to be the hardest subject in matric. For others, Physical Sciences is more difficult. Accounting, Economics and even subjects that are generally considered to be easy can be very difficult for certain learners.

There is no subject that is universally harder than another. For any learner, any subject can be difficult. It depends on a variety of factors including the learner’s strengths, how well the learner understands the basics, the quality of teaching received and the amount of time that the learner spends practicing the subject.

However, there are a number of subjects that are generally considered to be harder than others for various reasons.

In this guide we look at the hardest matric subjects in South Africa, why learners find these subjects difficult, what recent examination results reveal about the hardest subjects and how to choose the right matric subjects for you.

What Is the Hardest Subject in Matric?

The subject most commonly thought of as being the hardest subject in matric is Mathematics. This subject requires learners to be very good at problem solving, to be able to think logically and to have a very good understanding of the work that was done in previous years.

Physical Sciences on the other hand is also a very difficult subject. It is a combination of Physics and Chemistry, both of which require learners to be able to apply mathematical principles in order to solve scientific problems. Accounting is another subject that is often perceived as being very difficult. This is because learners have to understand financial principles and be able to apply them correctly in order to record financial transactions correctly.

Here is a quick overview of some of the subjects that learners find difficult in matric.

Note that this list does not rank the hardest subjects in matric as the easiest subject for one learner may be the hardest for another.

To determine which subjects are most challenging, we can first look at what each subject requires of learners.

1. Mathematics: Often the Biggest Challenge in Matric

Mathematics is often perceived as one of the hardest matric subjects.

Unlike subjects such as History or Biology, Mathematics is not a subject where learners can ‘gain marks’ by simply memorising facts. Instead, learners have to understand concepts and apply them to unfamiliar problems. It is not enough to know a formula; you have to know when to use it, how to use it and how it relates to other concepts.

Why is matric Mathematics so difficult?

The topics in the Mathematics syllabus for matric include:

• Algebra and equations.
• Functions and graphs.
• Trigonometry.
• Analytical geometry.
• Differential calculus.
• Probability and statistics.

The biggest difficulty with the topics above is that they build upon each other. So, for example, if you are struggling with algebra then you are likely to find topics such as calculus and functions very difficult as well.

This means that learners can suddenly find themselves struggling in Grade 12 after having had no problems in earlier years. The difficulty in matric Mathematics is therefore not necessarily a new problem that the learner has encountered in matric but rather a long-standing problem that has finally come to a head.

Another challenge is that many of the examination questions require learners to complete a number of steps in order to arrive at the correct answer. The first step may be straightforward, but the subsequent steps can be difficult to work out.

What do the matric results tell us?

This is because, in 2025, approximately 64% of candidates who wrote Mathematics achieved a pass. This was down from approximately 69% in 2024.

Department of Basic Education highlights Mathematics as a gateway subject for admission to many university programmes, especially those in engineering, science and certain commerce fields.

While lower pass rates do not necessarily indicate that Mathematics is the hardest subject for matric, it is certainly one of the most challenging for South African learners.

How can you improve your Mathematics marks?

The best approach is consistent practice.

Don’t spend hours of your time reading through notes on Mathematics. Rather spend your time working through questions on the topic that you are studying. Start with the simplest of questions and work your way up to more difficult problems as you gain confidence.

When you make a mistake in a question, don’t look at the answer straight away. First, find out where you went wrong and then try the question again, without looking at the solution.

Practicing Mathematics regularly is a lot better than trying to learn everything a few days before an examination.

2. Physical Sciences: Difficult Because It Combines Theory and Calculations

Physical Sciences is another subject that can be very challenging for matric learners.

The Physical Sciences syllabus consists of Physics and Chemistry, both of which require learners to understand scientific concepts and remember information, as well as apply calculations to solve problems and explain why certain things happen.

You cannot always rely on memorisation. Even if you remember a formula, you still need to understand the question well enough to apply it correctly.

Why do learners struggle with Physical Sciences?

Many of the topics in Physics are long and complex. They involve a lot of calculations and require a lot of understanding of the different concepts.

The Chemistry section of the Physical Sciences syllabus also poses challenges for learners, such as learning about chemical reactions, acids and bases, organic chemistry and completing quantitative calculations.

While some learners may understand the theory of a topic, they struggle to apply this to examination questions requiring them to calculate an answer. Other learners may be able to complete calculations but find it difficult to explain scientific concepts in words.

The combination of the above makes Physical Sciences very demanding.

Is Physical Sciences harder than Mathematics?

That depends on your strengths.

If you enjoy numbers and solving problems in a logical way, but struggle with scientific terminology, Mathematics may be easier for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy learning about how things work and can apply formulas to solve problems, Physical Sciences may be the subject for you.

You can also use the algebra you learn in Mathematics to solve Physics calculations, and apply scientific reasoning to unfamiliar problems in Mathematics.

The Department of Basic Education reported that approximately 77% of candidates who wrote Physical Sciences in 2025 passed, as opposed to approximately 64% of Mathematics candidates.

To gain further insight into the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate Examination for Physical Sciences, learners can consult the official National Senior Certificate Examination Report for 2025 on the website of the Department of Basic Education.

How can you make Physical Sciences easier?

First understand the theory behind the formulas that you use in Physical Sciences before memorising them.

For each formula that you learn, make sure that you know what each symbol represents, the units that are used in the formula and when the formula is used. You can then practice using the formula in a number of different situations.

Keep a notebook of mistakes, and look at them from time to time. This will help you to identify any areas where you are losing marks, for example, unit conversions, rearranging of equations, or reading graphs.

Do not ignore Chemistry while you are focusing on Physics, or vice versa. Both are important in the Physical Sciences syllabus.

3. Accounting: More Than Just Adding and Subtracting

Accounting is a subject that many learners perceive to be easy because it involves numbers and working with financial records. However, matric Accounting is far more than just adding and subtracting numbers.

You have to understand the financial concepts, apply accounting principles, be able to interpret information and complete accurate calculations.

What makes Accounting difficult?

There are several topics in Accounting that require careful attention from learners including company financial statements, cash flow statements, inventory systems, budgeting and financial analysis.

For example, a learner may be able to complete a financial statement but struggle to interpret the information in the financial statement in order to understand how a company is performing.

There are many small mistakes that can be made in Accounting and often these mistakes can have a knock on effect on the rest of the question.

This combination of technical accuracy and interpretation can make Accounting difficult for some learners.

The combination of technical accuracy and interpretation can make the subject of Accounting challenging for some learners.

How can you perform better in Accounting?

Practise preparing financial statements and answering questions under examination conditions.

You must also understand why you are using a certain accounting process and why you are recording financial information in a certain way. If you make a mistake, find out why you made the mistake. Was it a calculation error? Did you misunderstand a principle? Did you enter the incorrect amount?

The Department of Basic Education reported that the Accounting pass rate fell from approximately 81% in 2024 to 78% in 2025.

Although Accounting is often considered to be an easier subject than Mathematics or Physical Sciences, it is still a subject that requires a lot of preparation from learners.

You can find the government’s discussion of these results in its official announcement of the 2025 matric results.

4. Economics: Understanding How the World Works

While Economics is not as complex as Mathematics or Physical Sciences, it is a subject that learners can underestimate.

In matric Economics, you have to understand how people, businesses and governments make decisions about scarce resources.

Learners need to learn the economic concepts, interpret graphs, understand the relationship between variables and apply the economic theories to the real world situations.

Why is Economics challenging?

One of the greatest difficulties in matric Economics is to distinguish between similar concepts.

Another problem that learners face is the inability to explain how a change in one of the economic factors affects the other economic factors. For example, questions that require the learner to explain the effects of inflation, unemployment, interest rates and economic growth are very difficult for learners.

There are also many essay type questions in Economics which require the learner to explain the answers in detail, use correct terminology and structure the answers in a logical manner.

How should you study Economics?

Connect the theory to real events.

Think about the economic concepts behind the news reports on rising prices, interest rate changes and unemployment.

Draw and label graphs, explain the cause-and-effect relationships between different economic variables, and write structured essays.

Memorising the definitions of economic terms is also very important as you need to be able to apply them in different situations.

5. Life Sciences: A Lot to Learn and Understand

Life Sciences is another subject that can overwhelm learners, especially when they underestimate the amount of work that needs to be covered in order to pass the subject.

The topics that are studied in Life Sciences include genetics, evolution, human reproduction, the nervous system, plant responses and many more.

Not only do you need to remember a lot of information, but you also need to understand how different biological systems work and be able to apply your knowledge to diagrams, experiments, case studies and questions that you have not seen before.

Why do learners struggle with Life Sciences?

There is also a lot of terminology that learners need to learn and often a single process can have many stages that learners can get confused with.

Many of the questions require learners to interpret graphs and even to explain experimental results.

For example, knowing the definition of natural selection is different to explaining how it works in a given population.

How can you improve?

You can use diagrams, labeled illustrations, flashcards and summary notes to organize the content for Life Sciences.

After studying a topic for Life Sciences, close your textbook and try to explain the process in your own words. Then answer some of the past examination questions for that topic.

Don’t leave large sections of work to study in the last few weeks before the exams.

6. English Home Language: Why Strong English Skills Are Not Always Enough

English Home Language is often overlooked as a subject that is difficult in matric.

The fact that you are able to speak English fluently does not necessarily mean that you will get high marks for English Home Language.

English Home Language requires a lot of reading, thinking, interpreting, writing of essays and understanding of language.

What makes English Home Language difficult?

Some learners are able to understand a novel or a poem, but they struggle to explain the deeper meaning of a particular section of the novel or the poem, using evidence from the text.

Many of the questions in English Home Language are essay type questions and require learners to structure their answers in a logical manner, use correct terminology and write in formal language.

You can also run out of time to answer all of the questions in the exam if you spend too much time on the essay questions or the comprehension questions.

How can you improve your English marks?

Read as much as you can and try to analyze texts in more depth than simply summarizing them.

Study the themes, characters, imagery, tone and the writer’s purpose for each of the texts that you study for English Home Language.

Practice answering the essay type questions and the comprehension questions under examination conditions.

Review your teacher’s feedback on your work and look for any recurring problems that you are having with your writing.

Which Matric Subject Has the Lowest Pass Rate?

There is a difference between the subject that is hardest for learners and the subject with the lowest pass rate.

The pass rate for Mathematics in 2025 was approximately 64% while the pass rate for Physical Sciences was approximately 77% and for Accounting approximately 78%.

These figures can be useful indicators, but they must be interpreted with caution.

The pass rates of different matric subjects do not necessarily reflect the degree of difficulty of the different subjects. Different matric subjects are taken by learners with different academic backgrounds and different matric examination papers test different skills.

Thus, a subject with a high pass rate can be very difficult for a particular learner, whilst another learner may achieve excellent marks in Mathematics but struggle with an essay-based subject.

A learner’s performance in a particular subject, in conjunction with the syllabus, the nature of the skills to be tested and the learner’s own strengths, is the best indicator of difficulty.

How to Choose the Right Matric Subjects

As you are choosing your subjects for matric, or considering whether to continue with a difficult subject, there are three things that you need to consider.

1. Consider your future career

Your subject choices can affect the university courses and career pathways available to you.

Many engineering and science courses require learners to have completed Mathematics and Physical Sciences at school. Certain commerce courses require learners to have completed Mathematics as well, while other courses require different subjects.

This is why it is very important to check the admission requirements of the universities, colleges or training institutions where you would like to study after matric.

Do not drop a subject because other people say it is hard. You could be limiting your future career options.

2. Be honest about your strengths

Consider the subjects you are good at and the questions you enjoy answering.

Are you better at solving problems with numbers or understanding scientific processes? Do you prefer writing essays or studying business?

Your preferences do not have to dictate your future, but they can give you an indication of where you may need help.

Also, try to distinguish between a subject that you dislike and a subject that you are having trouble with. There may be a different way that you can study for a subject that you are struggling with.

3. Consider the support available to you

It is much easier to tackle a difficult subject when you have a good teacher, relevant study material and opportunities to ask questions.

Ask your teacher for help with topics that you are struggling with. Ask which topics need the most attention and whether you can complete more exercises on certain topics. Also, ask whether you can attend support classes for certain subjects.

You can also use past examination papers and the official marking guidelines of the Department of Basic Education to understand the structure of questions and the way marks are awarded.

The Department of Basic Education also offers information on the Second Chance Matric Programme for learners who need additional support after matric.

Practical Study Tips for Difficult Matric Subjects

No matter what the difficult subject is that you are studying, there are a number of study habits that will help you to do better.

Study consistently. This means that you should study for short periods of time throughout the week, rather than trying to study a whole topic the night before an exam.

Practise past papers.

Learn from your mistakes.

Ask for help early.

Track your progress.

Protect your rest time.

Most importantly, do not compare yourself to other learners in your class.

Your goal is to improve your own performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mathematics the hardest subject in matric?

Many people consider Mathematics to be the hardest subject in matric because it requires a lot of logical reasoning, problem-solving skills and a good understanding of previous work. However, the difficulty of the subject can vary from person to person.

Is Physical Sciences harder than Mathematics?

Physical Sciences is a combination of scientific theory and calculations, whereas Mathematics is primarily focused on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. Whether Physical Sciences is harder than Mathematics is largely dependent on a learner’s strengths.

Which matric subject is easiest?

There is no universally easiest subject in matric. Mathematical Literacy can be easy for some, while Business Studies, History, etc. are also easy for others, as they have different demands.

Can I pass matric if I struggle with Mathematics?

Struggling with Mathematics does not have to mean that you will not pass matric. However, you should seek help as soon as possible, practice regularly and find out what is required for the qualification that you are aiming for. If you are planning to study further, find out whether the course that you are interested in requires Mathematics or whether you can use Mathematical Literacy instead.

Should I choose a subject because other learners say it is easy?

No, this is not always a good idea. A subject that is easy for your friends may be difficult for you and a subject that is difficult for you may be easy for your friends with enough practice.

Final Thoughts: The Hardest Subject Is Not the Same for Everyone

So, what is the hardest subject in matric?

Many South African learners would consider Mathematics to be the hardest subject in matric, with Physical Sciences and Accounting being other very difficult subjects. The results of the 2025 national examinations further emphasize the importance of supporting learners in these subjects, especially Mathematics.

However, the most important lesson is that a subject’s reputation should not determine your future.

As previously stated, although you may struggle with Mathematics today, with sufficient practice, you can improve greatly. You may find that you struggle with Life Sciences but with a different approach to studying, you can succeed. Or you may have assumed that you would enjoy a particular subject only to find that it requires a lot more work than you anticipated.

Whatever your situation, focus on understanding the work, practicing consistently and asking for help when you need it.

Choose your subjects carefully, study well and remember that you can make progress by making small improvements over time.