I didn’t pass matric, what are my options?

You can study for your Matric or other courses of higher level at Matric College. You will receive relevant qualifications when you complete a course.

Failing your Matric is not the end of your career. Although this may be devastating for any student, you should not worry. Focus on different methods you can use to build a successful career even if you failed Matric. Below is a list of options you can pursue if you did not pass Matric: 

Study Further Without Matric

You can further your education through Matric College if you do not have a Matric Qualification. You can apply for our Matric or Post Matric Courses. These are the courses you can study: 

Adult Matric Course 

The Adult Matric Course is best if you want to obtain your Matric. You can enrol for this course if you have a Grade 9 or Grade 9 Equivalent Qualification. You will gain the same amount of knowledge that students in High School Matric do. 

There are six (6) subjects that you study in this course. In each subject, you must write a final examination. There are no tests or assignments that count as part of your final marks. The final exam is the only assessment that creates your final marks

You must at least earn 50% in each subject to pass well. We will award you a Matric Certificate when you complete the course. 

Rewrite Matric Course 

The Rewrite Matric Course is available if you would like to rewrite the Matric final examination. You will have resources to prepare for this exam. We will provide you with the following: 

You can use these exam resources to help you gain knowledge. When the exam is near, you will be equipped with enough knowledge to write your exams well. When you pass this course, we will award you a Matric Qualification

ICB Courses 

If you have a Grade 10 or Grade 10 Equivalent Qualification, you can enrol in our ICB Courses. The courses are designed to equip you with business-based knowledge and skills. These courses are best if you have a dream to either open your own business or find employment. 

ICB Courses also offer skills that are in demand in South Africa. Gaining these skills increases your opportunities of getting your dream career. You will be considered for employment based on these skills. 

When you complete an ICB Course, you are awarded an ICB Qualification that can be used to study further, start a company or get employment. You can enrol in the following ICB Courses and secure your career

Short Courses 

Are you 16 years or older and looking to gain skills that are employment and business-friendly? You can study our Short Courses. You will be able to use these skills to open a business or look for employment. 

You do not need to have a specific qualification to get enrolment in these courses. We only require that you meet these requirements: 

  • Be able to read, write and understand English 
  • Be able to study through distance learning 
  • Be at least 16 years or older

These are the Short Courses you can enrol in: 

Write A Supplementary Exam 

You can apply for the supplementary exam through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to rewrite your Matric final exam. You must study hard to pass this exam. Now that you have experience with how Matric exams are set, you can practise better. 

When you pass the supplementary exam, you will be awarded a Matric Qualification

Do You Get Matric Certificate If You Failed?

Yes, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides you with your Matric Certificate even if you failed Matric. You can use this qualification to apply for a supplementary exam, where you will rewrite your final exam to get better marks. You can also use this qualification to apply for study without Matric Courses at Matric College.

Does The Matric Certificate Expire?

No, your Matric Qualification does not expire. It is a permanent qualification that you can use to study further or find entry-level careers. The only temporary document you receive is your Matric statement of results.

Can I Go Back To School If I Failed Matric?

Yes, you can go back to school if you failed Matric. This only applies if you are under the age of 21. You are allowed to go back to the same High School or a different one. Going back to Matric after failing will help you. Use your experience to your advantage. Make use of the following tips to pass

  • Study daily and do it to understand your subjects 
  • Participate in class assessments e.g. oral presentations 
  • Take notes in class
  • Ask questions when you feel confused 
  • Complete your assignments 
  • Practise for tests and exams with past question papers

Where Can I Repeat My Matric?

You can choose to repeat your Matric in one of the two following places: 

Is It Too Late To Register For Matric Rewrite?

No, it is never too late to register for any of our courses at Matric College. ”It is not too late” is our motto. This means that you can apply to study through us at any time of the year. You can register for Rewrite Matric and start studying for your Matric.

How Much Do I Need To Pass?

The marks you need to pass Matric are obtainable. You only need to reach at least 50%. Below are the minimum marks you need to pass Matric: 

Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 50% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Diploma Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects

Higher Certificate Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in two subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in four other subjects

National Senior Certificate Pass Level

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in three subjects 
  • You are allowed to fail one subject 

Where Can I Upgrade Matric Results?

You can upgrade your Matric results at Matric College. You must apply for the Upgrade Matric Course. In this course, you can change subjects. Only a minimum of four subjects can be changed. When you complete this course, you will receive a Matric Certificate.

Author: Mulisa Nethonoda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 10, 2022