What Does Upgrading Matric Mean?

Upgrading means you improve your Matric results. This helps you get new marks that can give you access to study at university or find entry-level employment.

Upgrading your Matric means that you improve the marks you have in your Matric results. This can be done through the Upgrade Matric course at Matric College. If you are someone who failed or passed your Matric, you can upgrade your marks. 

You study for a period of 12 to 24 months and upgrade your marks. Students can choose to study for less time, but we recommended that you study the full 12 to 24 months, as it will help you have more to study. You will be able to: 

  • Use past papers to study 
  • Use the study material we send to you to study 
  • Ask our tutors questions and get assistance 
  • Do more research on the course 
  • Think about what you want to study after improving your Matric

How Can I Upgrade My Matric?

You can upgrade your Matric by applying at Matric College for the Upgrade Matric course. This course is an opportunity for you to improve your Matric results. We assist your study journey by providing you with different support. These are: 

To apply for Upgrade Matric you can: 

  • You can apply for the Upgrade Matric course online or over the phone 
  • Once the registration is completed, we will send you the study material via courier 
  • The courier will arrive in 5 to 7 days 
  • When you have studied for the course, you will be ready to write the exams
  • We will offer you assistance when it comes to registering for your exams with the Department of Basic Education

Who Qualifies For A Matric Upgrade?

You qualify to study the Upgrade Matric course if you meet the following requirements: 

  • An incomplete Matric result; OR
  • Your final Matric results from Umalusi;
  • You must be able to read, write and understand English

Is Upgrading Matric A Good Idea?

Yes, Upgrading your Matric is a good idea. Improving your Matric results helps you in many ways. Here is a table to show you how Upgraded results can improve your life:

University Entry 

Upgraded results increase your chances to get into the university you want. You become a desirable candidate to different institutions.
Course EntryThe course you want to study has requirements that you must meet. Upgraded marks will help you increase your chances of getting into the course.
LearnershipsLearnerships are usually granted to students with a Matric Certificate. To gain acceptance in this, you need good Matric marks. Upgraded marks will help you be selected for learnership opportunities.
BursariesBursary opportunities are granted to students with great marks. You can upgrade your results to be suitable for different bursary opportunities.
ConfidenceKnowing that you gained good marks from your own dedication will feel good. You will have more confidence in yourself.
Change SubjectsThe Upgrade Matric course allows you to change subjects. You can change a minimum of four subjects and this can make your studies easy, as you can choose simpler subjects.

What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrading?

Matric Rewrite Matric Upgrade
You must be under the age of 21 to writeYou must be 21 or older to write
You can rewrite as many times before you turn 21You can rewrite as many times as you can
You can not add subjectsYou can add subjects
You rewrite the same subjectsYou can choose to upgrade to new or the same subjects
Offered by the Department of Basic EducationOffered at Matric College
Offered in classOffered through distance learning

Do Universities Accept Upgraded Marks?

Yes, universities accept upgraded marks. This is because they show that you are a dedicated person who took the time to improve their Matric results. This can even get you acceptance into university and the course you have applied for.

Can You Rewrite Matric While In University?

It depends on the university. Some universities will allow you to improve your Matric marks while studying with them, while other universities will not.  

Can I Rewrite My Matric After 7 Years?

Yes, you can Upgrade your Matric after 7 years. You can apply if you passed or failed. The course helps you improve your results. You can also add new subjects or choose new subjects. You can choose a minimum of four new subjects. These are subjects you study in the Upgrade Matric course. The elective subjects are the subjects you choose new subjects from:

Compulsory Subjects:

  • English Home Language OR
  • English 1st Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal OF
  • Afrikaans 1ste Addisionele Taal
  • Mathematics OR
  • Mathematics Literacy
Elective Subjects:

  • Life Science (Used to be Biology)
  • Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry)
  • Business, Commerce and Management Studies
  • Accounting
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Human and Social Studies
  • Geography
  • History

If you need help choosing the correct subjects for you, you can contact our course experts. They will help you choose the right subjects. They are well-trained in their field and will give you informed advice.

How Much Does It Cost To Rewrite Matric?

To know more details about the Upgrade Matric course, you can contact our course experts. They will let you know everything you need to know about the course fees and the payment options.

How Do I Check My Matric Upgrade Results?

To receive your Matric Upgrade results, you can follow the following steps: 

You can also find your upgraded Matric results from these places: 

  • Newspaper 

Your Matric results can be found in a newspaper. Matric results are usually published by newspapers when the results are released at the beginning of the year. Be sure to buy one as soon as possible, since they sell out quickly.

  • College 

You can receive your results from the college where you upgraded your Matric. 

  • SMS

Send your examination number to, 35658. Once your Matric results are available, you will receive them. Note that SMS fee charges are R1.50c. 

  • USSD 

Dial *120*35658*. You may be asked for personal information. Continue to follow the process until your Matric results appear.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: April 6, 2022