I Failed Matric – Now What?

If you failed your Matric there are other options that you can consider. Choose the one that you think is the best for you. Set yourself for success and win

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Last Updated : April 26, 2024

You have options that you can consider if you fail your Matric. Here are some of the options that you can consider:

ICB Courses

ICB Programmes are courses that you can study without Matric.  The beauty of ICB Courses is that in addition to the non-requirement of Matric, you will also be studying a scarce skills course. A scarce skills course is one whose skills and knowledge are not flooding the job market. 

This means that without a Matric when you complete your studies your skills and knowledge will be in demand. Here are the ICB Courses that you can study and their entry requirements:

ICB Financial Accounting Programme

Here are the courses that you will study in this ICB Programme:

Entry Requirements

Here are the requirements for you to study this programme:

  • Grade 10 or Equivalent Certificate
  • You must be 16 years or older
  • Able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

ICB Business Management Programme

Here are the courses that you will study in this ICB Programme:

Entry Requirements

Here are the requirements for you to study this programme:

Be able to study through distance learning

ICB Office Administration Programme

Here are the courses that you will study in this ICB Programme:

Entry Requirements

Here are the requirements for you to study this programme:

Matric Equivalent Qualifications

Matric Equivalent Qualifications are course programmes that are at the same National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level as Matric. Having failed your Matric, you can study for a qualification that is treated as the same as a Matric in terms of learning experiences. Matric is at NQF level 4. 

The following ICB Courses are equivalent to a Matric: 

Short Courses

You can also study Short Courses if you fail your Matric. Our Short Courses are Provider Programmes. This means that the courses are developed by the college itself. These courses are non-accredited. 

They give students the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses or work in their fields of study. You can also consider Short Courses for the following reasons:

  • Short duration – From about 3 to 18 months
  • Affordable 
  • Focuses on skills building
  • Start your own business
  • Look for job opportunities

Here are the Short Courses that you can study at Matric College and the entry requirements:

Entry Requirements

Here are the requirements for you to study this programme:

  • You must be 16 years or older
  • Able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

Matric Rewrite

You can rewrite your Matric if you have failed. By rewriting your Matric you get another opportunity to meet the requirements of a Matric. In addition, by rewriting your Matric, you can improve the marks on the subjects you wrote on your previous sitting. 

The following will qualify you for a Matric Rewrite:

  • Incomplete Matric or Matric 

Matric Upgrade

You can also get another chance to fulfil the requirements of a Matric through the Matric Upgrade Programme. With a Matric Upgrade programme, you can be afforded an opportunity to achieve the following

  • Rewrite your failed subjects
  • Improve your marks
  • Change your subjects
  • Add subject/s

What Can I Do After Failing Matric?

After failing your Matric you can register with Matric College to study for any one of the above programmes. Here is how you can register:

How Much Does It Cost To Rewrite Matric?

To find out the cost of our programmes you will need to contact one of our Course Experts. They are there to advise you on the best possible option for you with due consideration of your circumstances. We believe in personal attention for all our students. 

Can Matric Be Repeated?

Yes, Matric can be repeated as many times as you find necessary. Here are the conditions: 

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) – You can repeat for as long as you are under the age of 21. If you are older you will repeat under the Matric Upgrade Programme.
  • Senior Certificate (Amended) (SC (A)) –  under this programme there is no age restriction

Can I Write My Matric Online?

No, you cannot write Matric online. For you to be able to write Matric you need to be physically present at an examination centre. You can however study Matric online. Distance learning, which Matric College offers, is the same as online learning. 

This is so because online tools are used to deliver learning materials as well as communicate with students. Here are some of the online tools that are used in distance learning:

  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook
  • Telephone
  • Website

Which Matric Subjects Does Matric College Offer?

Here are the Matric subjects that we offer:

Compulsory Subjects

  1. English Home Language
  2. English First Additional Language
  3. Afrikaans Huistaal
  4. Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  5. isiZulu Home Language
  6. isiXhosa Home Language
  7. isiNdebele Home Language
  8. Sepedi Home Language
  9. Xitsonga Home Language
  10. Tshivenda Home Language
  11. Sesotho Home Language
  12. Siswati Home Language
  13. Setswana Home Language
  14. Mathematics
  15. Mathematical Literacy

Elective Subjects

  1. Physical Sciences
  2. Life Sciences
  3. Agricultural Sciences
  4. Business Studies
  5. Economics

How Does Distance Learning Work at Matric College?

Here is how distance learning works at Matric College:

  • First, you will need to register with Matric College. Here is how you can register:

  • As soon as you register, within 5 -7 days you will receive your textbooks and study notes at your doorstep via courier
  • By now you should have your own timetable or alternatively, Matric College can assist you with coming up with one 
  • You will have access to relevant online study groups if any
  • Attempt your first assignment and more thereafter
  • Hand in your assignment in time every time
  • Get feedback from your tutor
  • Discuss with your tutor those areas that you are finding hard to understand
  • Prepare for your exams
  • Get exam tips from Matric College
  • Write your exams
  • Pass your exams

What Are The Benefits Of Distance Learning?

Here are the benefits of studying through distance learning:

  • Flexibility – There is flexibility when you study through distance learning:

    • Study at the times that suit you 
    • Study anywhere that you want
    • Study at a pace that you find you will be able to understand what you are learning
    • Write your exams when you feel that you are ready

  • Saves Money – Studying through distance learning saves money:

    • Tuition is more affordable than that of contact learning
    • There are no costs for commuting to classes. This is because there are no classes to attend.
    • Since there are no classes to attend. You will save on lunches and teas during breaks.
    • You do not have to spend money on textbooks. Matric College will provide you with textbooks and expertly written study notes.

  • You can work at the same time – when you study through distance learning:

    • You can look for employment
    • If you are already working, there will be no need to leave your employment so that you will be able to attend classes 
    • Use your income to fund your studies

Is Distance Learning The Same As Online Learning?

Yes, distance learning is the same as online learning. This is because that distance learning uses online tools to reach out to students. Here are some of the online tools that Matric College uses: 

  • Email
  • Website
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook
  • Telephone
  • SMS

Are Distance Learning Certificates Valid?

Yes, distance learning certificates are valid. They are officially recognised by education authorities and employers.  The qualifications are also recognised by other professional bodies and are accredited.

ICB Courses

Here are the characteristics of ICB Courses:

  • Recognised by the following:

    • Employers 
    • ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
    • CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management accountants
    • SAIT – South African Institute of Taxation

  • Accredited with the following:

    • SAQA – South African Qualifications Authority
    • QCTO – Quality Council of Trades and Occupations
    • ICB – Institute of Certified Bookkeepers 
    • DHET – Department of Higher Education and Training
  • Certified by FASSET

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 20, 2022