Can I Study Matric Online?

You can study Matric online. Online learning is a form of distance learning. This is because online tools are used to reach out to students e.g email and phone.

Yes, you can study Matric online. Distance learning is a form of online learning. This is because when you study through distance learning, you use online tools to distribute learning material or to reach out to students. 

At Matric College, here are the Matric Courses that you can study online:

Online Adult Matric

The online Adult Matric Programme caters for adults who did not get a chance to write their Matric. This programme was created by the Department of Basic Education to afford everyone, regardless of age, a chance to gain  a Matric Qualification. On successful  completion of the programme, students are awarded the Senior Certificate (Amended).

Who Qualifies For Online Adult Matric?

Here are the requirements for online Adult Matric:

  • Proof that you have completed Grade 9 
  • If you have completed a Grade 9 equivalent course, that is, an ABET Certificate that includes two official language subjects
  • You must be 21 or older
  • You can read, write and understand English or Afrikaans 
  • You are able to study via distance learning

What Is A Senior Certificate (Amended)?

A Senior Certificate (Amended) is the certificate that you are awarded when you meet the requirements of a Matric under the Adult Matric Programme. It is called “amended” because the certificate is a result of an amendment that was made in 2014 to bring Matric curriculum for adults to the same level as that of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The exams for the Senior Certificate (Amended) are usually scheduled for the May/June exam session.

Online Matric Upgrade

An online Matric Upgrade is a  programme for students who want to achieve the following:

  • Upgrade a subject/s from a fail to a pass
  • Improve their marks
  • Add subject/s
  • Change subjects to ones that you like or that a university requires you to have

Who Qualifies For Online Matric Upgrade?

You qualify for the online Matric Upgrade Programme if you meet the following conditions:

  • Incomplete Matric or matric

Matric Subjects Offered By Matric College

Here are the Matric subjects that are offered by Matric College:

Compulsory Subjects

You must choose (3) three of these compulsory subjects: 

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  • isiZulu Home Language
  • isiXhosa Home Language
  • isiNdebele Home Language
  • Sepedi Home Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language
  • Sesotho Home Language
  • Siswati Home Language
  • Setswana Home Language
  • Mathematics/ Wiskunde
  • Mathematical Literacy/Wiskundige Geletterdheid

Elective/High Credit Subjects

You must choose (3) three elective/high credit subjects: 

  • Physical Sciences / Fisiese Wetenskap
  • Life Sciences / Lewenswetenskappe
  • Agricultural Sciences / Landbouwetenskap
  • Business Studies / Besigheidstudies
  • Economics / Ekonomie
  • Accounting / Rekeningkunde
  • History / Geskiedenis
  • Geography / Geografie
  • Religious Studies / Religious Studies

How Many Subjects Do You Need To Pass Matric?

For the Adult Matric Programme, you write six (6) subjects, and you will need to, pass a minimum of five (5). For the national High School Certificate (NSC) you will write seven (7) subjects, and you will need to pass a minimum of six (6) subjects.  

Online Matric Equivalent Courses

You can also study a Matric Equivalent Qualification course online. A Matric Equivalent Course is a course that is at the same level as Matric on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). A Matric is at NQF level 4. This means that a course that is at NQF level 4 is equivalent to a Matric. Here are the courses that are offered at Matric College that are equivalent to a Matric:

Who Qualifies For Matric Equivalent Courses?

You can qualify for the Matric Equivalent Courses if you meet the following requirements:

Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate

  • Grade 11 (NQF 3) or equivalent
  • You must be 16 years or older
  • Able to read, write and understand English
  • Be able to study through distance learning

Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate

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

How Do I Register For The Matric Exams?

You are encouraged to register for your exams as soon as registration is open. This way, you will avoid a last-minute rush for a seat at your nearest exam centre. These are two ways that you can use to register for the Matric Upgrade exams:

  • Online Registration
  • In-person Registration  

Online Registration

Here is the link for online registration:

  • Visit the e-Government Portal website to register   
  • You will need to have the following documents:

    • Completed registration form
    • A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
    • Candidates whose country of birth is outside of South Africa will need to use their passports
    • Repeat candidates must include a copy of their previous highest qualification 
    • Examination numbers of previous Grade 12 or equivalent exams

In-person Registration

  • You can also register in-person at the Department of Basic Education provincial, district or circuit offices. 
  • You will need the following documents:

    • Completed registration form
    • A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
    • Candidates whose country of birth is outside of South Africa will need to use their passports
    • Repeat candidates must include a copy of their previous highest qualification 
    • Examination numbers of previous Grade 12 or equivalent exams

Can I Write Matric Exams Online?

No, you can not write Matric exams online. As has been mentioned, you can only study Matric online. For you to write Matric, you will have to be physically present at an examination centre that is nearest to where you live. 

What Are The Advantages Of Online Learning?

Here are the advantages of online learning:

  • It is flexible – Here is how flexible studying online is:

    • Set your own study timetable
    • Study at a pace that suits you
    • Study at any place that you are comfortable with

  • Cut costs – When you study online, you cut costs. Here is how you can cut costs when you study online:

    • No need to buy textbooks. Matric College will provide you with the textbooks.  You will also be provided with expertly written study notes.
    • Since there are no classes, there is no need to commute. This means that you will cut on transport costs.
    • Cut on the cost of food. With no classes, there will be no need for snacking at break times 
    • With online learning, you also cut on tuition fees. Distance learning is more affordable than contact learning.

  • Reduce chances of contracting COVID-19 – With online learning, you reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19. This is because there is no mingling with tutors, fellow students and the public. You stay home, you stay safe.
  • You can work at the same time as you study – With distance learning, your study times are flexible. Furthermore, you also do not have to attend classes. You, therefore, can work at the same time as you study. 

Where Can I Study Matric Online In South Africa?

You can study Matric online in South Africa at Matric College. Matric College is a distance learning institution. Distance learning colleges use online tools to share learning material with students. 

Online tools are also used to communicate with students. Here is how Matric College will help you succeed:  

  • Provide you with textbooks 
  • Provide you with expertly written study notes
  • Access to relevant study groups
  • Tutor support
  • Student Support Services are available every weekday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
  • Affordable tuition fees – Payment plans are available
  • Thorough exam preparations

How Do I Register With Matric College?

Here are the four (4) ways that you can use to register with Matric College:

Is It Possible To Buy A Matric Certificate?

No, it is not possible to buy a Matric Certificate. A Matric Certificate is issued by Umalusi when you meet the requirements of a Matric. Buying a Matric Certificate is a criminal offence. You can lose your money as the certificate is not recognised by employers and other institutions  

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 21, 2022