Course Summary
Award type:
Accredited by:
Duration:
Entrance Requirement:
A Matric Upgrade gives you the chance to rewrite your story, literally. Whether you want to add new subjects, aim for a higher pass level, switch career paths, or simply prove to yourself that you can do better, upgrading your Matric could be the key that unlocks new opportunities. Think of it as a reset button for your future without having to start all over again.
What Is a Matric Upgrade?
A Matric Upgrade allows you to rewrite the subjects you want to improve. It’s designed for students who already have a Matric Certificate and would like to achieve higher marks, qualify for further study, or improve career opportunities.
At Matric College, we make upgrading your Matric simple, flexible, and supportive. We are an accredited distance learning college that helps thousands of students each year rewrite their Matric, improve their marks, and unlock study or career opportunities. With flexible payment plans, expert tutors, and study-from-anywhere access, we give you more than a second chance, we help you build a better future
Matric Upgrade 2025
Pursuing a Matric upgrade is a popular way for students who are 21 and over, as it allows you to gain a second chance to redo your exam and add subjects to your Matric certificate you never did in high school as a way of allowing you to get the marks you need for the qualification you want to study in University if you decide to study further.
Students continue to use this method through our Matric Upgrade course, created to help adult students get the marks they want for better opportunities to study further with the possibility of getting a bursary with your marks or better career opportunities.
Matric Upgrade 2025 Registration
While registration for adults to upgrade marks through the Department of Basic Education is closed, the application for the Matric Upgrade course is still open and will be all year round. This gives you a chance to register with us and start your studies now, prepare for your exams and plan for the future after completing the course and exams.
When Can I Register To Upgrade 2025?
Currently, applying to upgrade your marks is closed, as the registration period was from 1 October 2024 to 7 February 2025, with the 2026 date not yet announced. National Senior Certificate registrations have re-opened as of 14 February and are open till 14 March.
You can apply for our Matric Upgrade course, which will allow you to start studying now until your next exam in 2026, ensuring that you are prepared to redo your exams and get the marks you need for the goals you want to achieve.
Why wait another year to chase your dreams? Start today and give yourself the fresh start you deserve
How Do I Study For My Matric Upgrade?
Matric College makes it easy for you to study as soon as you register. Here is how you will proceed:
- Receive the first package of your study materials within 5 – 7 days of registration
- Write and submit your assignments
- Receive feedback from your tutors
- Interact with fellow students and lecturers continuously when studying
- Make use of our grade 12 past exam papers to prepare better for exams
- Get help with your exam registration
- Sit for your examinations in May and June
- Pass your exams and get your certificate from Umalusi
- Apply to combine the old and the Matric results
- Receive your combined best results certificate from Umalusi
Matric Upgrade Subjects
The following Matric subjects are offered by Matric College:
Compulsory Subjects
- English Home Language
- English First Additional Language
- Afrikaans Huistaal
- Afrikaans Eerste Additionele 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
- Mathematical Literacy
Elective Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
How Do I Pass My Matric Upgrade?
Here is how to pass your Matric Upgrade:
- Study
- Do Your Assignments
- Ask questions
- Participate in discussions
- Make use of study materials
- Alert us
Study
Create a quiet place for your studies. Make sure nothing distracts you. Stick to your timetable and your study calendar.
Do Your Assignments
Submit your assignments on time every time. Stick to the assignment deadlines. Always contact one of our tutors if you are facing any challenges.
Ask Questions
You get answers if you ask questions. Feel free to ask questions to your tutor. They are there for you. Contact our tutorial support team for help any time during office hours.
Participate In Discussions
Discussions open your mind to the subject matter. Never be shy to participate in discussions. Remember that no one knows it all. Your knowledge or opinion might be of no value and can enlighten someone else.
Make Use of Study Materials
Make use of the textbooks and study notes that you have. Past exam papers can help you prepare for your matric exams. Take part in the WhatsApp exam preparation sessions that the college has for students.
Alert Us
Make use of our Red Alert system. The system was put in place for you to alert us of any challenges that you may be having during your studies. We will make sure that your problem is solved as soon as possible.
Your future is built one study session at a time start strong today and let us guide you every step of the way
Where Can I Upgrade My Matric?
You can upgrade your Matric at Matric College. Matric College is a distance learning institution. You can study from anywhere in the country.
Why Choose To Study With Matric College?
Here is what you will get from Matric College to prepare you for a pass:
- Textbooks
- Study notes compiled by our tutor
- Past exam papers with model answers
- Tutorial support between 12:00 pm -02:00 pm
- You can call our support team between 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Marking of your assignments in time
- Feedback on your assignments
- Assist with study calendar
- Assist with exam registration
Amazing Team at Matric CollegeFrom the click of the button showing interest to registration to submitting my first assignment. The team at matric College are all helpful, calling emailing so interest in you ,really means a lot. Even though they have the group chats they also offer the 1 on 1 engagement to help you understand and exceed. So anyone who want yo study further , please come on board and join and awesome team yo assist you reaching your achievements – Carleen W
Application Process For Matric Upgrade Colleges
Here is how you can apply for Matric Upgrade:
- Complete an online application form
- Book a call
- Contact us on our landline 021 838 8280
Distance shouldn’t distance you from your dreams. Start your Matric Upgrade journey now, wherever you are
When Can I Start To Upgrade My Matric?
Register any time and start studying as soon as you register. Write your exams as soon as you are ready.
Can I Study Matric Upgrade Courses Online?
Yes, you can complete a Matric Upgrade course online. Distance learning is a form of online learning.
With distance learning, you study through WhatsApp groups. You can contact our student support services by telephone during office hours. You can also use our website to download academic resources.
This is in addition to textbooks and study notes that are sent to you.
Matric Upgrade Requirements
Upgrading your matric is a great way to get better marks and open more doors for your future. It can help you get into college, university, or find a good job. To do a matric upgrade, there are a few things you need to have first.
Here’s what you need for a matric upgrade:
- You must be 21 years old or older.
- A copy of your old matric results, even if you failed.
- A certified copy of your ID.
- Proof of where you live.
Don’t let missing requirements hold you back, get your papers ready, apply now, and open the door to better opportunities
Watch Jan Badenhorst, Matric College CEO, discuss everything you need to know about Matric Upgrade
Students Also Asked Us These Questions
Here are the reasons why you should upgrade your Matric:
- Write new subjects
- Improve on the subjects already passed
- Pass failed subjects
- Change subjects
Write New Subjects
If you want to keep your current Matric subjects, but you want to add subjects to your Matric Certificate, you can. Students add subjects to their Matric Certificates to broaden their options.
Improve On The Subjects Already Passed
This is for students who want to gain entrance into a university, college, leadership or training programme.You can go from a Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass/National Senior Certificate Pass to a Higher Certificate Pass. Or from a Diploma Pass to a Bachelors Degree Pass.
Pass Failed Subjects
You can improve only the marks you have failed in order to upgrade your Matric certificate. You can do so by choosing subjects that are easier or subjects that you are interested in.
Change Your Subjects
Here are your options to change your subjects:
- You can change your subjects to easier subjects
- Subjects may be changed to meet the requirements for a particular course or for university admission
- If you are not interested in your current subjects, you can change them
To upgrade your Matric, you can register for our Matric Upgrade programme. We are a distance learning college, which means that you can apply for our course any time of the year.
Remember that registration for the exam is fixed because you have to register for the exam separately. Registration is usually open from October until February every year and the exams are in May and June.
This gives you more time to study with us. If the exam starts in May/June every year and you apply in May, then you have an entire year to study with us.
Examinations are held in May/June of each year. Registration opens in October and closes around January/ February. You are encouraged to register 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
In-person Registration
- You can also register in-person at the Department of Basic Education provincial, district or circuit offices.
Yes, a Matric Upgrade is a good idea. Better results open more opportunities for jobs and further training. A Matric Upgrade means that you can do the following:
- Apply to universities
- Apply for learnerships
- Register for a particular course
- Get an entry-level job
There is no limit to the number of times that you can complete a Matric Upgrade course. You can upgrade by improving on your last results, or upgrade by adding a completely new set of subjects.
If you sat for the last exam session, you can apply for a Matric Upgrade as soon as your results are out. If you took a break from studying, you can apply as soon as you feel you have prepared enough for the exams. Secure your spot for the next exam as soon as possible. This will leave you more time to focus on your studies.
You will write your exams at a venue closest to where you live. This will be determined when you register for the exams. Here you get the opportunity to select the venue closest to where you live.
Here are the differences between a Matric Upgrade and a Matric Rewrite:
| MATRIC UPGRADE | MATRIC REWRITE/SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM DIRECTLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION |
| You can be any age, but you must have written Matric before | You must be 21 and younger to write the exams. This is for students who recently completed Matric |
| You can rewrite as many subjects as you wish, and you can change your subjects as well | You can rewrite as many subjects as you wish, but you can only rewrite the subjects you wrote in the previous exam |
| Study via distance learning. This means that you will get tutor support, books and study material from us | You will self-study. This means that you will study by yourself and use notes and books that you have provided for yourself |
APS stands for Admission Points Score. Each percentage mark that you get in each of your subjects is scored out of 10. This score determines your eligibility to be admitted to certain study courses. It could be a Bachelors Degree, a Diploma, Higher Certificate or a National Senior Certificate/ Senior Certificate (Amended) pass.
| APS Score | |
| Matric Subject Symbol/ Mark received in Matric Exam | APS (Admission Point Score) |
| A (80% – 100%) | 7 |
| B (70% – 79%) | 6 |
| C (60% – 69%) | 5 |
| D (50% – 59%) | 4 |
| E (40% – 49%) | 3 |
| F (30% – 29%) | 2 |
| G (0% – 29%) | 1 |
What Does This Mean?
Here is what all this means:
- It means you get scores or points for your mark in each subject
- The points that you get for each subject are added up to give your total APS
Diagram 2 (below) is an example of how APS is calculated.
What Is A Really Good APS Score?
The type of APS score you get depends on the tertiary institution you apply to as well as the type, of course, you apply for. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do I want to apply to a university, college or distance learning college?
- Which type, of course, do you want to complete and are your marks good enough?
Find below an example of an APS Score:
This student passed with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. This is a fairly good APS score and this student can complete a Degree course at a university but will not be able to complete an Engineering programme because of their Mathematics mark.
When you upgrade your Matric, your new marks are combined with your old results. Umalusi, the official quality assurance body, calculates your results and issues you a combined certificate showing your best subject marks.
For example:
- If you scored higher in a subject during your upgrade, that mark will replace the old one.
- If your old mark was better than your upgrade mark, the higher mark is kept.
This way, you always get the best possible outcome, giving you a fair chance at achieving the pass level or APS score you need.
Yes, you can apply to a university while completing a Matric Upgrade course. If you initially wanted to apply for a Degree programme, you can complete a Diploma course while upgrading your marks.
Some universities would even allow you to complete a course through them while upgrading your marks. It is important to do your research first.
No, you cannot complete a Matric Upgrade course at a TVET college. TVET colleges offer vocational courses.
It costs R164 to combine your Matric certificates. You can pay through the following methods:
- Bank deposit
- ATM deposit
- EFT
- Post Office
There are 4 Matric pass and requirements levels:
- Senior Certificate (Amended)/National Senior Certificate Pass Level
- Higher Certificate Pass Level
- Diploma Pass Level
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level (Exemption)
Senior Certificate (Amended) Pass
- At least 40% in your home language
- At least 40% in two other subjects
- At least 30% of the remaining subjects
Higher Certificate
- At least 40% in your Home Language
- At least 40% in two other subjects
- At least 30% for the three other subjects
- Note that one of your languages must be either English or Afrikaans
Diploma
- At least 40% in your home language
- At least 40% in four other high credit subjects
- At least 30% in one other subject
Bachelor’s Degree (Exemption)
- At least 40% in your Home Language
- At least 50% in four other high credit subjects
- At least 30% in one other subject
Matric high credit subjects are those subjects that are rated highly when you want to study for a Degree or Diploma course. They contribute the most to your APS. The following are regarded as high credit subjects:
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- IsiNdebele
- IsiXhosa
- IsiZulu
- Sepedi
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- Siswati
- Tshivenda
- Xitsonga
Non-languages
- 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 Sciences
- Religion Studies
- Visual Arts
You can complete your Matric as an adult with a Grade 10 Certificate/report. At Matric College, we do not only offer the Matric Upgrade programme. We also offer two other Matric courses. These courses include
- Adult Matric
- Matric Equivalent Courses
Adult Matric
This programme is for students who could not complete their Matric at school. The Adult Matric programme is designed by the Department of Education for adult students who want to complete their Matric. It is also for students who want to upgrade their marks if they wrote their Matric before 2008.
Here are the entry requirements for the Adult Matric programme:
- You must have your Grade 9 (old Standard 7) school report. You must prove that you completed and passed your grade 9, OR
- Grade 9 equivalent qualification, for example, the ABET programme. It must be at NQF level 1 and must include two official languages
- You need to be 21 or older to write the exams.You can register for Adult Matric when you are 19 but you must be 21 when you write your first exams.
- Be able to study through distance learning
These are the factors that can determine how long it will take you to complete the Matric Upgrade course:
- Study material
- Number of subjects
- Study timetable
- Career Goals
- Family Commitments
- Work Commitment
Study Material
Study material can determine how long it will take to study for your Matric. If you have done enough research on your subjects, it is easier to understand the subject matter.
At Matric College, we provide textbooks. We also provide study notes prepared by our course experts. Online study resources are readily available on our website, Facebook and WhatsApp groups. You get to interact with fellow students and tutors.You can also contact our student support service during office hours for any help that you may require.
Number Of Subjects
The number of subjects also determines how long you can take to study for your Matric. It can take less time if you are improving on your previous marks, and much more time if you are taking a completely new Adult Matric programme with a new set of subjects.
Study Timetable
Sticking to your study timetable can also prepare for your matric exams. Not being well-prepared can delay your exams. At Matric College, we assist you in planning for your studies.
Career Goals
When you set your career goals, you can become more focused on your studies. This can also determine how long it can take you to complete the Matric Upgrade course.
Family Commitments
Your family commitments can also determine how long it can take you to study for your Matric Upgrade. If possible, you should balance between study and family commitments.
Work Commitment
Work commitments can also determine how long you can study for your Matric. Is your work leaving you enough time to attend to your studies? If not, this can delay the time it can take to complete the Matric Upgrade course.
There is no difference between the two certificates. They are all SAQA NQF level 4 qualifications. The Adult Matric Certificate and the Traditional Matric Certificate are all certified by Umalusi.
Yes, you can go to university with your Senior Certificate. This certificate is the same as the National School Certificate because it is awarded by Umalusi. Just remember, if you want to go to university with both certificates you must attain a Bachelor’s Degree level pass.This does not mean that you will be accepted. Each university has its own requirements that are separate from the course requirements.
For example, you might gain entry into university BUT not into a particular course because you did not complete a certain subject in Matric OR you have not achieved a certain percentage in a certain subject.
Yes, for the Adult Matric programme, you can pass Matric with 5 subjects. You write a maximum of 6 subjects.
For the National Senior Certificate, you can pass Matric with 6 subjects. You write a maximum of 7 subjects.
If you are not happy with your results, here is what you do:
- Remark your exam papers
- Recheck your exam papers
- View your exam papers
Re-marking
Remarking means that your examination papers will be marked for a second time. Any errors found will be rectified. This will cost you R120 per subject.
Re-checking
A re-check of your examination papers means that your papers will be checked again to ensure that all answers were marked, and the marks calculated correctly. Re-checking will cost you R29 per subject.
Viewing
The viewing of your exam papers can only be done after re-marking or re-checking. Viewing your exam papers will cost you R234 per subject.
How Do I Apply To Have My Exams Re-Marked, Re-Checked Or Viewed?
You can only apply for a re-marking or re-checking by using the online registration services. Hard copy applications are not accepted. A new statement of results will only be issued if your subject’s results improve to a higher level.
Matric equivalent courses are qualifications that are on the same NQF level as a Matric Certificate. This means that it is an NQF Level 4.
Here are the ICB Matric Equivalent Qualifications that you can study with us:
- Bookkeeping: ICB Further Education and Training National Certificate
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
All of our Matric Equivalent courses are recognised internationally. They are also all scarce skill qualifications. This means that they are in demand in South Africa.
The National Qualification Framework (NQF) ensures that qualifications with the same standards are grouped at the same level.
The South African Qualifications Association (SAQA) was formed to oversee, implement and develop the framework. NQF levels from school to university level are broken down as follows:
School
- NQF 1: Grade 9
- NQF 2: Grade 10
- NQF 3: Grade 11
- NQF 4: Grade 12/ Senior Certificate (Amended)/Matric Equivalent Certificates
University/College/Distance Learning Institutions
- NQF 5: Higher Certificate
- NQF 6: Diploma
- NQF 7: Degree
- NQF 8: Honours Degree
- NQF 9: Masters Degree
- NQF 10: Doctorate Degree
Yes, distance learning is just right for you, consider the following:
- Flexibility
- Earn while you learn
- No commuting
- Save costs
Flexibility
With distance learning, you are flexible in your studying. You can study at any time that suits you. You will not miss any lessons. It is however important to stick to your study timetable. Your time management and discipline is important.
Earn While You Learn
Distance learning gives you the opportunity to learn while you are earning. There is no need to quit your job. You just have to make sure that you balance your work with your study time.
No Commuting
There is no commuting for lessons. With distance learning, you cut travel costs.
Save Costs
With distance learning, all your study material is provided. This includes notes, textbooks, past exam papers and more.
Every question you had has a solution. The only thing left is your decision, are you ready to unlock your future?
People Also Ask
Yes, if you have previously attempted to upgrade your subjects through the department of education and not receive the marks you were hoping for, don’t give up! Our doors are open for students who want to excel though education and receive their Matric certificate with their desired marks.
Our resources, guidance and support to our students because we want to help you succeed in your second chance journey and make sure you finally get your matric certificate.
Here are a few tips to help you effectively study for your exams and possibly get the marks you want:
- Create a Dedicated Study Space
- Develop a Realistic Study Schedule
- Set SMART Goals
- Understand Your Learning Style
- Actively Engage with Study Materials
- Practice Regularly
- Seek Clarification When Needed
- Prioritize Self-Care
- Reward Yourself
- Seek Guidance from Experienced Learners
Yes, when you upgrade your matric marks, it is similar to getting your matric marks in high school. With the improved marks from your certificate, you are more likely to get more job opportunities in the career field of your choice.
You can get the 2025 matric upgrade timetable on the Department of Basic Education’s website. It shows the days and times for each exam. You can also ask the place where you signed up to give you a copy.
The last day to sign up for the 2025 matric upgrade is usually early in the year. It’s a good idea to check the dates on the government website or with your college. Try to register early so you don’t miss out.
You can see your results online on the Department of Basic Education’s website. You just need your exam number and ID. Some colleges also send the results to you by SMS or email.
No, you cannot pass the National Senior Certificate (Matric) with only four subjects. According to the Department of Basic Education, a full Matric certificate requires seven subjects—which include two languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, and three electives.
If you’re doing a Matric Upgrade, you can rewrite up to six subjects, and your best combined results from previous sittings will count toward your final certificate. But in total, you still need seven passed subjects to be awarded a complete Matric certificate.
Yes, you can! If you have a Grade 9 certificate or equivalent (like an ABET Level 4 or NQF Level 1), you can enrol for Adult Matric (also known as the Amended Senior Certificate). This programme is designed for individuals who are 21 years or older and want to earn a recognised Matric qualification.
This is an excellent option if you left school early or never wrote your final exams. With dedication and the right support—like what’s offered through Matric College—you can achieve your Matric at any age.
Yes, you can study Matric from home! Distance learning providers like Matric College offer flexible, online Matric programmes that allow you to study at your own pace, from anywhere. This is ideal for adults who work, have children, or want a second chance at improving their Matric results without attending classes in person.
With home study, you’ll receive study material, academic support, and guidance on registering for your final exams with the Department of Basic Education.
A Matric Rewrite is for students who are still under 21 years old and want to improve their results by rewriting their exams. A Matric Upgrade, on the other hand, is for students who are 21 years or older. Both options allow you to improve your marks, but upgrading also lets you add or change subjects, giving you more flexibility
Once you’ve completed your upgrade, you can apply through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi to combine your results. They will merge your old results with your new marks and issue you a single, combined certificate that reflects your best results. This certificate is recognized nationally and can be used to apply for university, college, or jobs.
Yes, absolutely. It doesn’t matter how long ago you wrote your Matric—whether it’s 5 years, 10 years, or more, you can still upgrade as long as you are 21 years or older and have your old results. There’s no expiration date on your opportunity to improve your marks.
There are two main types of rewriting:
Matric Rewrite (Matric Upgrade): For students who already have a Matric Certificate but want to improve their subject marks.
Second Chance Matric Programme: For students who did not pass and want to rewrite failed subjects.
No. Adult Matric is the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) for students 21 years and older who never completed Matric. Normal Matric is the National Senior Certificate (NSC), usually completed in high school at the end of Grade 12.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: March 24, 2022
Online Application Form
"*" indicates required fields