Should I Change Or Add Matric Subjects?

Changing or adding Matric subjects to your Matric Certificate can lead to many opportunities for your future. You can further your studies and find employment.

The decision to change or add Matric subjects depends on the reasons why you would choose either of these options.

Changing your Matric subjects means that you are not satisfied with the Matric subjects you have and you would like to choose others

This can, however, only be done while you are still in High School. You will fill out a form that will be submitted to the Department of Education before your High SChool registers all matriculants for the final exam. The changing of subjects usually happens at the beginning of the year.

You can only add Matric subjects after you have already written your Matric Exam. This will enable you to broaden your options of which course to study at university or college.

Decide on the subjects that suit you best and apply for our Matric Upgrade Course 

Can I Rewrite My Matric And Change Subjects?

Yes, you can rewrite your Matric and change subjects at Matric College, but only after you turn 21.

If you are doing the Matric Supplementary Exam, you are not allowed to change your subjects. You can only improve on the subjects that you already have.

Can I Add Subjects To My Certificate That I Did Not Have In Matric?

Yes, adding subjects to your Matric Certificate that you did not have in Matric is an option at Matric College.

This option is, however, not available to students who complete the Supplementary Exam. You can only improve on the subjects that you have written in the last exam sitting.

How Many Subjects Can I Change In Matric?

You can only change two subjects in Matric. If you are currently in Matric and would like to change your subjects you need to do it at the beginning of the year.

Keep in mind that you must have valid reasons as to why you would like to change your subjects. Here are some of the reasons that will be accepted:

  • To gain entry to university with another subject
  • You are failing these subjects, and it could lead to you failing the year or it could lower your overall subject average and your APS

NOTE:

The High School you attend has the final say in whether you can change your subjects in Matric as this can drastically change your final Matric marks.

Is Upgrading My Matric A Good Idea?

Yes, upgrading your Matric is a good idea.

Here are some of the reasons why upgrading your Matric is a good idea:

Lastly if you improve your marks you can get:

  • A higher Admission Points Score (APS). For example, you can go from an APS of 23 points to 30 points. 
  • A higher Matric Pass Level. Go from a Higher Certificate Pass to a Bachelor’s Degree Pass Level
  • Change your Matric subjects. You can change your subjects to those that are required for university admission. 
  • Get the required percentages for certain subjects. To gain admission to a university, you need to meet certain percentage criteria and therefore upgrading your marks can increase your chances of getting your desired marks. 

How Many Months Does It Take To Rewrite Matric?

It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to rewrite your Matric with us..

You should always look at the registration deadlines for the Matric Rewrite Exams. The latest information can be found on the Department of Basic Education (DBE’s) website.

At What Age Can I Rewrite Matric?

You can rewrite your Matric at the age of 21 or older at Matric College.

You also need to meet these requirements when applying for our Matric Rewrite Course:

  • Have a Matric Certificate. You must have written the final Matric exam, and have proof of it.
  • You understand, read and write English or Afrikaans. These are the only two languages that we offer this course in.
  • You are comfortable with distance learning. This type of learning means that you will not attend any classes. However, you will submit assignments via email and write the exam at a designated venue.

How Many Times Should You Rewrite Matric?

You can rewrite Matric as many times as you believe is necessary to achieve your academic goals. If you are still unhappy with your results after for first rewrite, you can apply again, study and retake the exam.

Do Universities Accept Upgraded Marks?

Yes, universities do accept upgraded marks.

This shows the university admission board that you are willing to improve, change or add Matric subjects to your Matric Certificate in order to gain admission.

It indicates that you are hard-working and determined to get into the the course and university that you are applying to. These traits are highly admirable.

Do Universities Accept Amended Senior Certificates?

Yes, universities do accept Amended Senior Certificates.

This is because they are no different from a National Senior Certificate as both of these certificates are awarded to you by Umalusi.

The minor differences between these two Matric Certificates are tabulated below.

National Senior Certificate

Amended Senior Certificate

You get this Matric Certificate in High School.

You get this Matric Certificate at Matric College once you have completed our Adult Matric Course.

You need to be 21 or younger to complete this course.

You need to be 21 or older to complete this course.

Your class marks and final exam marks will count towards your final mark.

Your final exam mark will be your final mark.

What Marks Do Universities Look At?

It depends on the university you are applying to. Some universities look at your Grade 12 June marks whereas other universities look at your final Grade 11 marks.

In the end, all universities will still look at your final Matric marks on your Matric Statement of Results or Matric Certificate.

Can I Study While Upgrading My Matric Marks?

Yes, you can study while upgrading your marks.

You will, however, have to inform the college or university before applying. Some universities will allow you to upgrade while studying through them, whereas other universities will recommend that you upgrade your marks first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the key differences between a Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade:

Matric Rewrite

Matric Upgrade

Provided by the (DBE) Department of Basic Education

Provided by Matric College

You can apply if you are 21 and younger

You can apply if you are 21 and older

You can only improve the subjects you wrote in the previous final exam sitting

You can improve your Matric marks, change or add subjects to your Matric Certificate

No, NSFAS does not fund Matric Upgrade Courses.

While writing your Matric Upgrade exam is free, the textbooks, study material, tutor assistance and support you need during the exam are not free.

Luckily, we have payment options that will suit your pocket. Simply contact one of our Course Experts to discuss the payment plan that best suits your budget.

If you upgrade your Matric results and fail, you can write the exam again in the following year. This is because there is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your Matric..

All you need to do is apply for our Matric Rewrite Course.

The lowest pass in Matric is the National Senior Certificate Matric Pass Level.

This is what this Matric Pass Level looks like:

  • 40% for your Home Language
  • 40% for two other subjects
  • 30% for the rest of your subjects
  • You can fail one Matric subject (on the condition that it is not your Home Language)

You may only fail (1) one Matric subject in Matric. This may not be your Home Language and you have to pass the rest of your Matric subjects with at least 40%.

Author: Jesmé Africa
Editor: Stacey Christian
Date Published: January 30, 2023