Matric Rewrite gives students a second chance to meet the requirements of Matric. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) also refers to it as a Second Chance Matric Programme.
Matric College offers NATED courses through its partnership with Bellview Institute of Distance Learning.
| Certificate Type | National Senior Certificate (NSC) |
| Awarded By | Umalusi |
| Award Type | National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a Programme Completion Certificate |
| NQF Level | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID | 49647 |
| Credits | 130 |
| Entry Requirements |
|
Matric Rewrite Subjects
Here are the Matric subjects that you can study at Matric College. You can choose any of the following subjects that you would have previously written.
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
Optional Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
If you are completing the Matric Upgrade course through Matric College, you can change your subjects to other subjects
Matric Rewrite Subjects At The Department Of Basic Education
Compulsory Subjects
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Maths or Maths Literacy
- Life Orientation
Optional Subjects
Commerce
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
Life Science
- Biology
- Physics
- Computer Application Technology (CAT)
Travel and Tourism
- Hospitality Studies
- Tourism
Social Science
- History
- Geography
Watch Jan Badenhorst, Matric College CEO, discuss everything you need to know about Matric Rewrite.
A Matric Rewrite is commonly known as the Second Chance Programme or Supplementary exams and was developed by the Department of Basic Education.
You can complete a Matric Rewrite through Matric College OR complete a Matric Rewrite directly through the Department of Basic Education.
Here are some of the key differences between the two programmes:
| MATRIC REWRITE/SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM DIRECTLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION | MATRIC REWRITE WITH MATRIC COLLEGE |
| This programme is usually done immediately after you have completed your Matric | This programme can be done before you turn 21, whether you just finished or years later before you become an adult |
| You can write as many subjects as you like, but it has to be the subjects you wrote in the previous exams | You can write as many subjects as you like |
| You study by yourself at home | You study via distance learning, and we provide you with tutor assistance |
| You can only improve the subjects you already have | You can only improve the subjects you already wrote in your previous exam. |
The Second Chance Matric Programme was introduced by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in 2016 for those who want to improve on the results of their last examination sitting. If you are under the age of 21, it is known as a Matric Rewrite or a Supplementary Exam. At Matric College, it is called a Matric Upgrade.
Supplementary exams is another name for Matric Rewrite done through the Department of Basic Education. Remember, that you cannot choose new subjects when you complete this programme. Only the Matric Upgrade programme at Matric College allows you to change or add new subjects.
- School-based learners completing the supplementary exams – Matric Rewrite
- Adult learners upgrading their Matric – Matric Upgrade
School-Based Learners Completing The Supplementary Exams
To complete this programme, you have to meet the following entry requirements:- Must have completed Matric already. These results can be as follows:
- Incomplete Matric results
- Failed Matric results
- Results that need improvement, for example, you received 40% for Mathematics and you required 50% for Mathematics to enter a particular course
Adult Learners Upgrading Their Matric
To complete this programme, you have to meet the following entry requirements:- Must have completed Matric already. These results can be as follows:
- Incomplete Matric results
- Failed Matric results
- Results that need improvement, for example, you received 40% for Mathematics and you required 50% for Mathematics to enter a particular course
- Study via distance learning
- Understand English
To register for a Matric Rewrite programme, you have to look at the different Matric Rewrite programmes that are available. Registration for the Matric Rewrite/Matric Upgrade programme through Matric College differs from the Matric Rewrite/Supplementary exams administered directly by the Department of Basic Education.
Here is how you can register for each of these programmes:
Registration For The Matric Rewrite/Supplementary Exams Through The Department Of Basic Education – SAQA ID – 49647
- You can register for your Matric Rewrite in person, at any Department of Education district office, or online via their website.
- Registration at the Department of Basic Education usually opens between November and the end of February / January.
- Students usually write their exams in May/June or October / November
- The Department of Basic Education does not provide any books or tutor assistance,
Registration For The Matric Rewrite Programme Through Matric College – SAQA ID – 49647
- Your first step will be to register for the Matric Rewrite programme with Matric College. We will provide you with the necessary books and tutor assistance you require to be successful.
- The second step would be to register for the exams at the Department of Basic Education. This is done by yourself either online or in person.
- Registration at the Department of Basic Education usually opens between November and the end of January
- Students usually rewrite their exams in May/June
Here is what you will require for the Matric Rewrite registration for both programmes:
- A completed registration form
- You can download the form from the Department of Education website or collect it from any Department of Education office
- A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
- A student from outside of South Africa will need to provide a certified copy of a valid passport
- Examination numbers of your previously written Grade 12 or equivalent exams
If you do not qualify for a Matric Rewrite, you do not have to worry. You have options that are available to you, and here are some of them:
- You can register as a distance learning student for the Matric Upgrade programme at Matric College. There is no age restriction.
Here are the benefits of rewriting your Matric, whether it be with Matric College or the Department of Basic Education:
- You will be able to improve your Matric results
- Increased job opportunities
- Increase your chances of being accepted by tertiary institutions
Why Choose To Study With Matric College?
Distance learning offers many benefits that ensure that you get your qualification in an easy and quick manner. Here are some of the benefits:
- Earn while you learn
- There will be no commuting
- Learn self-discipline and time management skills
- Cut on costs
Earn While You Learn
You can work while you are studying. This not only helps you financially, but you are also able to gain valuable experience.
There Will Be No Commuting
There is no need for you to commute to classes. You study at home at your own pace and in your own time. This means that there is flexibility when you study by distance learning.
Learn Self-discipline And Time Management Skills
Studying without tutors will make you learn self-discipline and time management skills. These are personal attributes that are highly valued by potential employers.
Cut On Costs
You will cut costs on travel. Since you will not be attending classes. You will also cut on associated costs on teas and lunches. In addition, distance learning tuition is more competitively priced than class-based learning.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your Matric Rewrite:
- Draw up a study plan
- Go through past exam papers
- Go through your notes
- Practice good time management
You qualify to rewrite your Matric immediately after your Matric final. You can also re-enrol and retake your end of year exams more than 5 years after you have completed Matric. Here are the different certificates you can achieve:
National Senior Certificate
If you complete a Matric Rewrite with the Department of Basic Education, you will receive a National Senior Certificate.
If you complete a Matric Upgrade course with Matric College, and you first wrote your Matric final exam in 2008 and after, you will receive a National Senior Certificate.
Senior Certificate (Amended)
If you wrote your Matric final exam before 2008, and you choose to complete a Matric Upgrade programme, you will receive a Senior Certificate (Amended).
The Department of Basic Education has in place the following measures if you are not satisfied with your results:
- Rechecking papers
- Remarking papers
- Viewing your exam papers
Re-Checking Papers
This is a further check to make sure that all answers have been correctly marked and that all marks have been correctly calculated. This will cost you R29 per subject.
Re-Marking Papers
This means that your examination will be marked for the second time. Any anomalies found will be rectified. You will be awarded the correct marks. This will cost you R120 per subject.
Viewing Your Exam Paper
You can only view your exam papers after re-checking or re-marking. You view just to check for yourself how the marks were awarded, raise any concerns if you have any. This will cost you R234 per subject.
Your result could be withheld due to irregularities. Contact your Department of Education district office to find out more about your results.
You can study for your Matric Upgrade at Matric College.
Here is what Matric College can do for you:
- You will receive textbooks and study notes
- You will have access to our Telegram Study Group
- You will have feedback on your assignments
- Your tutor will assist you in areas that you are struggling with
- You will get access to past exam papers
- Towards the exam, you will receive exam tips
A Senior Certificate (Amended) is a Matric Certificate for adult learners. It is commonly referred to as the following:
- Senior Certificate (Amended)
- Amended Senior Certificate
- Senior Certificate
- Adult Matric
It is important to remember that a National Senior Certificate and a Senior Certificate (Amended) are the same. They afford you the same opportunities to attend university or college. They are all a Matric Certificate. Both are also awarded by Umalusi. However, they are not obtained through the same process.
Here are the different processes:
The National Senior Certificate
The NSC is awarded to students who attend traditional high school and pass their Matric exams. To pass the National Senior Certificate, you will need to write seven subjects and pass a minimum of six of them.
The Senior Certificate (Amended)
The Senior Certificate (A) is awarded to adult learners who have completed and passed the Adult Matric offered at colleges such as Matric College. To pass the Senior Certificate (Amended), you will need to write six subjects and pass at least five of them.
Examinations
The examination results for the National School Certificate are based on the final examination as well as the school-based tests, assessments and projects completed.
The results for the Senior Certificate (Amended) are based on the examinations only.
Application Process
- Complete an online application form
- Book a call
- Contact us on our landline 021 838 8295
How Do I Study For My Matric Upgrade?
After you have successfully registered to study for Matric, follow these steps:
- Receive your study materials within 5 – 7 days of registering
- Complete your assignments
- Study with the help of our tutors and online resources
- Prepare for your exams
- Write your exams and pass
- Get your Matric Certificate
Where Can I Upgrade My Matric?
You can upgrade your Matric at Matric College. Remember, we are a distance learning institution, and you can study at a time and place that suits you.
When Can I Start To Upgrade My Matric?
There is no fixed time for you to start studying. You can register today or at any other time that suits you.
If you wrote your Matric more than once, you can apply to have your results combined. You will need to pay a fee of R164 and follow these steps:
- Go to your nearest Department of Education office with all your exam results
- Take a certified copy of your ID with you
- Produce your proof of payment or online application
Download this form, fill it in and attach the required documents
Yes, since 2019, Senior Certificate (Amended) adult learners have written the same exams like the National Senior Certificate School students. However, it is important to remember that students who are writing or rewriting their NSC can not change the subject and Senior Certificate (A) learners can write completely different subjects to those they took in high school.
Yes, we are a distance learning institution, and therefore you will be able to complete all your studies using online methods such as:
- Our website
- Telegram
- Online Study Groups
Although you can complete all the studies via online methods, you cannot write your actual exams online. You have to be physically present at an examination centre, designated by the Department of Basic Education and Training, close to where you live.
At Matric College, we help our students in the best possible way we can. If you are completing an Adult Matric programme, you can prepare for the exams in this manner:
- You will have access to our Telegram and Facebook groups
- You can download learning material from our website
- You will have access to our student support services telephonically during office hours
- This is in addition to textbooks and study notes that are sent to you
Telegram and Facebook Groups
You will interact with fellow students and tutors to discuss questions, answers, topics, tips, advice and other learning activities that will improve your understanding of the subject.
These platforms will enable you to ask questions and to seek clarity in those areas that you may be struggling with, and be a great advantage when preparing for your exams.
Website
You will have access to download study resources and past papers from our website. Our Matric College principal insists that making use of past papers is still his number one tip to completing your Matric successfully.
Telephone
Our student support services office is there for you any time between the hours of 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. At Matric College, we strive to make your studies as smooth as possible, and this is why you can reach out to us, and we will happily assist you.
There are four Matric pass levels. These pass levels will determine your admission to any one of the following study programmes:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Higher Certificate Pass
- National Senior Certificate/ Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
The minimum requirements for a Bachelor’s degree programme are:
- Minimum 40% for your home language
- Minimum 50% for four other high credit subjects
- Minimum 30% for two other subjects/Minimum 30% for one other subject (SC (A))
Diploma Pass
- Minimum 40% for your home language
- Minimum 40% for three other high credit subjects
- Minimum 30% for two other subjects/ Minimum 30% for one other subject (SC (A))
Higher Certificate Pass
- Minimum of 40% in your home language
- Minimum of 40% in two other subjects
- Minimum of 30% for three other subjects/Minimum 30% for two other subjects (SC (A))
National Senior Certificate Pass
- Minimum of 40% in your home language
- Minimum of 40% in 2 other subjects
- Minimum of 30% in 2 other subjects/Minimum 30% for one other subject (SC (A))
Matric Pass Levels Abbreviations
The following abbreviations on your results refer to your pass level:
- BD: Bachelor Degree Pass
- D: Diploma Pass
- HC: Higher Certificate Pass
- NSC: National Senior Certificate Pass/
- SC(A): Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass
Here are the Matric pass levels and the symbols associated with them:
- Level 7
80 – 100% (A) (Outstanding Achievement)
- Level 6
70 – 79% (B) (meritorious Achievement)
- Level 5
60 – 69% (C) (Substantial achievement)
- Level 4
50 – 59% (D) (Moderate Achievement)
- Level 3
40 – 49% (E) (Adequate Achievement)
- Level 2
30 – 39% (F) (Elementar Achievement)
- Level 1
0 – 29% (G) (Not achieved – Fail)
APS stands for Admission Points Score and is what is used by universities when deciding on which students to accept for registration. Your percentage mark in a subject will determine the score or the points that you will have achieved in that subject.
Table A below shows how your APS Score is calculated. The total of the points/score of all your subjects is your APS.
| MARK (%) | POINT/SCORE |
| 80 – 100 | 7 |
| 70 – 79 | 6 |
| 60 – 69 | 5 |
| 50 – 59 | 4 |
| 40 – 49 | 3 |
| 30 – 39 | 2 |
| 0 – 29 | 1 |
These are the minimum APS scores for the 4 level Matric passes:
- Bachelor Degree Pass
APS score of 23
APS score 21 (Senior Certificate (Amended))
- Diploma Pass
APS score of 19
APS score of 17
- Higher Certificate Pass
APS score of 15
APS score of 13 (Senior Certificate (Amended))
- National Senior Certificate Pass/ Amended Senior Certificate Pass
APS score of 14
APS score 12 (Senior Certificate (Amended))
Bachelor’s Degree Level Pass
- APS score of 4 in at least 4 high credit subjects
- APS score of 3 in your home language
- APS score of 2 in any 2 other subjects
Total APS score: 23
Diploma Level Pass
- APS score of 3 in your home language
- APS score of at least 3 in high credit subjects
- APS score of 2 in any other 2 subjects
Total APS score: 19
Higher Certificate Level Pass
- APS score of at least 3 in your home language
- APS score of at least 3 in two other subjects
- APS score of 2 in three other subjects
Total APS score: 15
National Senior Certificate Pass/ Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass
- APS score of at least 3 in your home language
- APS score of at least 3 in two other subjects
- APS score of 2 in 4 other subjects
Total APS score: 14
What Are High Credit Subjects In Matric?
High credit subjects are those subjects that have a higher rating when you apply for university. These are the subjects that qualify as high credit subjects:
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- isiNdebele
- isiXhosa
- isiZulu
- Sepedi
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- Siswati
- Tshivenda
- Xitsonga
Non-language Subjects
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Dramatic Arts
- Economics
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy
- Music
- Physical Science
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
Matric has 130 credits. These credits are recognised on the National Qualification Framework (NQF), which means that certain qualities and standards are met. Your Matric Certificate is only recognised if it is awarded by Umalusi. Always make sure to check if it has the Umalusi emblem and if it has a SAQA ID number.
Here are the steps to check for your results.
- Go to the Department of Basic Education website
- Enter your examination number
- Enter personal details
- Click on the search button
- Check your results
You can get your old Matric results at the following places:
- At school (This depends on when you left school)
- At the Department of Education’s physical address
- On the Department of Education’s website
No, the Statement of Results is not the same as a Matric Certificate. The Statement of Results is issued by the Department of Basic Education and is not a Certificate. It is a temporary document that will be replaced by a Certificate issued by Umalusi.
Umalusi is the council for quality assurance in general and further education and training. The body is responsible for the following:
- Developing and evaluating qualifications and curricula to ensure that they are of the expected standards
- Moderating assessment to ensure that it is fair, valid and reliable
- Accrediting providers of education and training
- Researching to ensure that all education services are of high quality
- Verifying the authenticity of certificates
Certification
Umalusi is responsible for certification of the following qualifications:
Schools
- Senior Certificate (Amended) SC(A)
- National School Certificate (NSC)
TVET Colleges
- National Technical Certificate (N3)
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV)
Adult Learning Centres
- General Education and Training Certificate for Adults
Issuing of Matric Certificates
It is the responsibility of Umalusi to issue Matric Certificates. These are issued after the re-marking and the re-checking has been completed. Umalusi issues two kinds of certificates:
- A Matric Certificate
- A Matric statement of results
A Matric Certificate
A Matric Certificate is issued when you have met all the qualification requirements, which include:
- Passed six subjects if you wrote your exams under the National School Certificate programme
- Passed five subjects if you wrote your exams under the Adult Matric Programme
A Matric Subject Statement
A Matric statement of results is issued where the requirements of a certificate have not been met. A Subject Statement of results will be issued. You will have met the minimum requirements in one or more subjects.
When you receive your results, ensure that the following personal details are correct.
- Your names are spelt correctly
- Your date of birth is correct
- Your birth or identification number is printed correctly
If there are any errors, contact your Department of Basic Education office within 21 days after the release of the results and have the following ready:
- Statement of Results
- Certified copy of identity document
- Affidavit of declaration of ownership of Statement of Results
- Specify error/s to be corrected
- Complete the application form for correction
Matric equivalent qualifications are qualifications that are graded at the same level as a Matric. They fall under level 4 of the National Qualifying Framework (NQF). The following qualifications are equivalent to a Matric.
People Also Ask
As many times as you want. There is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your matric exams, however, there is a limit to the number of times you can write within a year, typically twice for the May/June exams and the October/November exams. This means you can achieve the results you want for your future goals
- Set realistic goals for yourself.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Find a quiet place to study where you will not be disturbed.
- Use a variety of study methods, such as reading, writing, and practice tests.
- Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Yes, you can complete your matric rewrite within 3 to 6 months. If you apply for the course between October the year before or in February for the May/June exams including the study period before the exams, you will be able to complete matric within these months.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: March 30, 2022
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