In the past, learners were required to achieve at least 50% in four specific designated subjects that were the same nationwide. However, this was recently changed - the new requirements include attaining the same percentage in any four subjects that have 20 credits from a list of subjects.
This change has certain advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that there will be more students with better percentages applying for various high education institutions as it should now be easier for them to pick subjects they are most confident in and that will be relevant for their further education. Their focus will also be on those most important subjects for them and their studies instead of on something they might not even need in their future career.
However, a disadvantage is that students might pick subjects they find easiest just to secure their place in a university. Those subjects ultimately might not provide them with needed strategies for thinking and learning that otherwise designated subjects might have. Furthermore, some higher education institutions might have their own lists of designated subjects and minimum entry requirements that might not be the same as the student's choices.