Matric Upgrade

Upgrading your matric means that you will improve your marks. The decision is yours, upgrade as many subjects as you like or choose a new set of subjects.

Matric Upgrade affords anyone who has written Matric before a chance to improve their results. Here are the reasons why you may need to upgrade your Matric:

  • Add new subjects to your Matric Certificate
  • Aim for a higher pass level
  • Pass the subjects that you will have failed
  • Change your subjects 
  • Improve your current marks
Adult Matric

Matric Upgrade Subjects

The following subjects are offered by Matric College:

Compulsory Subjects

  1. English Home Language
  2. English First Additional Language
  3. Afrikaans Huistaal
  4. Afrikaans Eerste Additionele Taal
  5. isiZulu Home Language
  6. isiXhosa Home Language
  7. isiNdebele Home Language
  8. Sepedi Home Language
  9. Xitsonga Home Language
  10. Tshivenda Home Language
  11. Sesotho Home Language
  12. Siswati Home Language
  13. Setswana Home Language
  14. Mathematics
  15. Mathematical Literacy

Elective Subjects

  1. Physical Sciences
  2. Life Sciences
  3. Agricultural Sciences
  4. Business Studies
  5. Economics
  6. Accounting
  7. History
  8. Geography
  9. Religious Studies

Watch Jan Badenhorst, Matric College CEO, discuss everything you need to know about Matric Upgrade

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 institution, 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. 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:

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 UPGRADEMATRIC REWRITE/SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM DIRECTLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION
You can be any age, but you must have written Matric beforeYou 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 wellYou 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 usYou will self-study. This means that you will study by yourself and use notes and books that you have provided for yourself

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

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 ExamAPS (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.

aps calculator


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:

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.

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 exams papers can help you prepare for your 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.

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.

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.

Yes, you can combine Matric results from separate examination sittings and be issued with a single certificate. Here are the steps that you need to take if you are applying online or in-person:

Online

Follow these steps:

  1. Download and fill in the Replacement/Change Of Status Form
  2. Attach all the necessary documents
    • Certified copy of an identity document
    • Results from each of your examination sitting
    • Proof of payment
  3. Upload and submit

In-person

Follow these steps:

  1. Visit your nearest Department of Basic Education office
  2. Take with you the results of your separate examination sittings
  3. A certified copy of your identity document
  4. Proof of payment

It costs R164 to combine your Matric certificates. You can pay through the following methods:

  • Bank deposit
  • ATM deposit
  • EFT
  • Post Office
These fees are valid from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and may change before this date. You should always check the Department of Basic Education’s site.

There are 4 Matric pass 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

Application Process

Here is how you can apply for Matric Upgrade:

  1. Complete an online application form
  2. Book a call 
  3. Contact us on our landline 021 838 8280

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:

  1. Receive the first package of your study materials within 5 – 7 days of registration
  2. Write and submit your assignments
  3. Receive feedback from your tutors
  4. Interact with fellow students and lecturers continuously when studying
  5. Make use of our past exam papers to prepare better for exams
  6. Get help with your exam registration
  7. Sit for your examinations in May and June
  8. Pass your exams and get your certificate from Umalusi
  9. Apply to combine the old and the Matric results
  10. Receive your combined best results certificate from Umalusi

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.

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.

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:

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 you well for your 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.

Adult Matric duration Matric College

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 (Amended). 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 programme, 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:

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.

Our Matric Courses

Matric Rewrite Courses

Matric Rewrite

Matric Rewrite

Read More
Adult Matric Courses

Adult Matric – Senior Certificate (Amended)

Adult Matric – Senior Certificate (Amended)

Read More
Matric Upgrade Courses

Upgrade Matric – Amended Senior Certificate

Upgrade Matric – Amended Senior Certificate

Read More

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.

Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: March 24, 2022

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