Can I Change Subjects In Matric?

If you have failed or passed Matric and wish to change your subjects, you can apply for the Rewrite Matric Course. You can change a minimum of four subjects.

Yes, you can change subjects in Matric. You are allowed to change a minimum of two subjects. Some conditions come with this. The school only allows you to change subjects if they see that it is best. For example, if you are failing your subjects. 

Please note that most schools only allow you to change one subject. However, you can approach the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and request that you change two subjects. This will be granted to you if the department sees that it is best. 

This is what you may need to apply for a change of subjects at the Department of Basic Education offices: 

  • A motivational letter from the principal stating that you can change subjects 
  • A letter from the teacher whose subjects you are changing, stating that you can change the subjects 
  • A letter from a parent or guardian who approves that you can change subjects 

Why Do Learners Change Subjects?

Learners change subjects for different reasons. The most common reason is failure. If a learner fails subjects continuously, they may decide to change them. This is because they are tired and believe they could do better in a less complicated subject. 

Learners may change subjects because of the career goals they have. For example, if a learner is studying Accounting but realises they want to become a Lawyer, they can change this subject and choose History. This way, they will gain relevant knowledge that will help them prepare for their career as an aspiring Lawyer

How Do I Choose A Subject?

When choosing a subject in Matric, you should choose a subject based on the following things: 

  • Your interests 
  • Career goals 
  • Work opportunities 

Your Interests 

When choosing a subject that is right for you, you must consider your interests. Your best option for better marks is to choose a subject you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in nature, you can choose to study subjects such as Geography and Agricultural Sciences. 

Career Goals 

You must choose subjects that align with your career goals. If your dream is to become an Accountant, you must have subjects such as the following in Matric: 

Studying subjects that align with your career goals will help you get prepared for the career field. 

Work Opportunities 

One of the most important things to consider in Matric is work opportunities. It is not easy to get employment in South Africa if you do not have the relevant qualifications. This is why it is important to choose subjects in Matric that will help you study and gain valuable qualifications at university, and open opportunities for employment after you graduate.

Can I Change Subjects After Failing Matric?

Yes, you can change subjects after failing Matric. You can do this at Matric College through our Rewrite Matric Course. This course is for students who failed Matric and would like to do a rewrite. When you study this course, you are allowed to change a minimum of only four subjects. 

The Rewrite Matric Course provides you with resources you can use to study as you wait for the final examination. These are the resources you receive: 

  • Matric past exam papers that have memorandums 
  • Learning material 
  • Tutors to help you as you study
    • Textbook 
    • Study guide 
    • Study checklists 
    • Study Calendar 

The college will provide you with a Matric Certificate from Umalusi when you have finished studying the course. 

What Happens If You Fail Two Subjects In Matric?

You fail Matric if two or more subjects have failed. The only exemption you get is if you failed one subject. If you have failed Matric, you can apply for a rewrite through Matric College. You will be able to rewrite your Matric final exam and earn better marks.

If there are subjects you want to change, you will be allowed to change a minimum of four subjects.

Is It Too Late To Register For Matric Rewrite?

No, it is not too late to register for the Rewrite Matric Course. ‘‘It is not too late’’ is our motto at Matric College. You can apply for any of the courses at any time of the year. One of our Course Experts will contact you and help you to get registered. 

What Subjects Are Studied In Matric?

There are many subjects studied in Matric. These subjects are divided into compulsory and elective subjects. Below is a table to show you the compulsory and elective subjects you can choose from:

Below are the compulsory subjects. Choose four of these provided they match the subjects we describe in the following list: 

There are elective subjects. Choose any three of these:

  • Must choose a Home Language subject 
  • Must choose an English First Additional Language subject 
  • Must choose a Life Orientation subject 
  • Must choose a Mathematical subject

Choose four (4) subjects below that consist of the above category: 

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  • Sesotho Home Language
  • Siswati Home Language
  • Setswana Home Language
  • isiZulu Home Language
  • isiXhosa Home Language
  • isiNdebele Home Language
  • Sepedi Home Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation 
  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences 
  • Agricultural Sciences 
  • Business Studies 
  • Accounting 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Religious Studies

Please note that elective subjects differ in all High Schools. 

 

Can I Add One Subject To My Matric Certificate?

Yes, you can add a subject to your Matric Certificate. You can do this through Matric College. You can study the Upgrade Matric Course. It will also allow you to add a maximum of four subjects

Is Upgrading Matric A Good Idea?

Yes, upgrading your matric is a good idea because it helps you gain good marks. When you have good marks, you can do the following: 

If you have Matric, you can also study at Matric College for any of our courses. You can study to gain knowledge and skills on how to start a business or find employment. You can also enrol through us if you do not have Matric.

People Also Ask

Yes, the Adult Matric course is available for students 21 and over, without a matric certificate. This course allows students with a grade 9 or ABET level 4 certificate to study from home and write their matric exams, allowing them to achieve this qualification.

No, you need to pass a minimum of 6 subjects if you are writing your NSC exams in grade 12. For Senior Certificate students, it is 5 subjects (excluding Life Orientation). If you do pass 4 out of 6 subjects, you should consider the possibility of doing a rewrite after matric.

The National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass in grade 12 is the lowest matric pass. While it is rare for students to achieve this pass, the requirements a student needs to meet to achieve this pass are:

  • 40% (minimum) for home language
  • 40% for 2 other subjects
  • You can only fail one subject
  • Get 30% or more for the rest of your subjects

This pass lacks benefits besides receiving a matric certificate. It also has a Senior Certificate equivalent, the SC pass. We advise students who receive this pass to take a second chance on their matric marks by rewriting or upgrading with us for a better matric pass.

Yes, Matric College is a distance-learning institution, and this means that students can do all their studies at home or anywhere else. As long as they have an internet connection, they can access our online resources in case they need assistance.

This, however, does not mean that students will also write their exams at home. Instead, we suggest students look for a recognised exam centre, for example, a community hall that hosts matric exams for senior certificate students or a high school nearby that allows older students to use their exam hall for exams.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda 
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 17 , 2022