What is a supplementary exam?

A supplementary Matric exam is a second chance Matric exam given to students who want to either gain a Matric certificate or improve their Matric results.

A supplementary exam is a second chance exam. This exam helps you improve your marks. The Supplementary exams for learners who failed Matric are known as the following:

  • Second Chance Programme 
  • Matric Rewrite 
  • Supplementary exam 

These exams are designed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to help students gain their Matric. This includes students with the following: 

  • Students who failed Matric
  • Students who missed the exam due to unforeseen circumstances 
  • Students who passed Matric but want to improve results 

Date Published: November 19, 2020

What Is The Purpose Of Supplementary Exams?

The purpose of the Supplementary exam is to assist students to gain a good Matric. This is because a Matric Certificate gives students access to further their studies at university. 

The university system is highly restrictive and requires good marks in order to grant admission to students. This is why it is important for students who have also passed their Matric with low marks to improve them through the supplementary exams.  

The Department of Basic Education created these exams to help students have different chances to rewrite their exams in case they did not do well in the first November/December exams. 

How Do You Qualify For Supplementary Exams?

You qualify for a supplementary exam if you meet the following requirements: 

  • You failed to meet the requirements for passing the National Senior Certificate
  • You are only rewriting subjects you failed
  • You want to rewrite subjects you passed with low marks 
  • Failed to write due to unforeseen circumstances 
  • If you have proof that you qualify to study at university but need to improve a subject to gain admission 
  • You are younger than 21

Where Are Supplementary Exams Written?

Supplementary exams for Matric are written in the following places: 

  • Your previous high school
  • Department of Basic Education 
  • Department of Provincial Education 

How Many Supplementary Exams Can You Write?

You can write about three (3) supplementary exams depending on your age. You can rewrite as long as you are younger than the age of 21. 

Author: Omega Fumba 

Is A Supplementary Exam Hard?

All exams are challenging. Supplementary exams are said to be extra challenging only because they are second chances. However, students manage to pass these exams, although they are said to be hard. 

You should not be alarmed. The supplementary exams can be passed. You only have to be dedicated enough. Here are a few tips you can use to help you in your preparations for the exams: 

  • Have a study schedule that you follow 
  • Study and have breaks in between 
  • Study daily, if not five (5) times a week 
  • Do research on difficult topics 
  • Have a friend to study with 
  • Getting a tutor 
  • Have discussions on difficult topics 
  • Practice with past papers 
  • Make notes 

What Happens If I Fail A Supplementary Exam?

If you fail a supplementary exam, you can choose to do one of three things. The first thing you can choose to do is to continue writing the supplementary exams. If you are younger than 21, you still qualify to write. You can study harder and do better on the next exam sitting. 

The second option is to redo your Matric. You can go back to school and study in a classroom where you have better assistance. There are teachers and study guides to help you study. You have motivation from other students, and you do not have to study alone. 

The third thing you can do is to study the Upgrade Matric course at Matric College. You can study this whether you passed or failed. You will upgrade your marks to better results. We have tutors to help you when you study to ensure that you prepare for your exams well. 

What Happens If You Fail Two Subjects In Matric?

If you fail two subjects in Matric, you fail the class. You will have to apply for a supplementary exam to rewrite the subjects you failed. To apply, you can do it through the Department of Basic Education website, offices or your high school. 

You will write the rewrite exam in May/June or November/December. You will have a second chance to gain your Matric Certificate. Study harder to pass the exam. You know what to expect, and this is an advantage you can use. 

Can You Fail A Subject And Still Pass Matric?

Yes, if you fail a subject, you can pass Matric. However, it should not be an option to fail any subject in Matric. This is risky because you may fail more than a subject and fail Matric. Each subject is important, and each one must be passed with good marks. 

Universities love granting admission to students who passed all subjects. This means that if you want to study further at university, you need to pass your Matric with good marks. Good marks include 50% or higher marks. This is how you will be able to obtain a higher pass, which is the Bachelor’s Degree Pass. 

What Are The Matric Passes I Can Get?

Bachelor’s Degree Pass

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 50% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Diploma Pass

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Higher Certificate Pass

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of  40% in two subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in three other subjects 

National Senior Certificate Pass

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 40% in two other subjects 
  • A minimum of 20% in other subjects 

We recommend that you pass with the highest pass. This is the Bachelor’s Degree Pass. It is the best level to increase your chance of getting into university and studying a Degree course. 

What Is The Pass Mark For Maths In South Africa?

There is no specific pass mark for Maths in South Africa. However, you should pass this subject with good marks. This means you must aim for at least 50% in the subject. Maths is an important subject that some universities use as one of their requirements to gain entry into their institution. 

They may require that you have 60% for Maths in order to study at their university for any Degree course. This is why it is important to focus on all subjects and ensure you get good marks in each. Good grades lead to university admission.

What Is The Difference Between Supplementary And Upgrading?

The difference between Matric Supplementary exams and Matric Upgrade is the following: 

Matric Supplementary/ Second Chance Programme/ Rewrite Matric 

Matric Upgrade 

You can rewrite through the Department of Basic Education 

You can upgrade through Matric College 

You can only rewrite subjects from your previous exam 

You can choose to upgrade four new subjects 

You have minimum academic support 

You have tutors, study guides, past papers and course experts to assist you 

When Can I Register For A Matric Upgrade?

You can register for the Upgrade Matric course any time at Matric College. You can apply through the following: 

Can I Upgrade My Matric Results After 5 Years?

Yes, if you have been out of school for more than five (5) years, you can upgrade your Matric through Matric College. You will need to meet these requirements to study: 

  • Must have an incomplete Matric, or 
  • Your final Matric results
  • Matric statement of results 
  • Matric Certificate 
  • Passed or failed Matric 

Upgrading your Matric is a good thing. You give yourself a second chance to gain a Matric Certificate or the best Matric results. This is possible through Matric College because we offer you the following to assist in your studies: 

Benefits Of Improved Matric Results

These are the benefits of having Matric results that are improved: 

  • Admission to a university 
  • Enrolment in a course 
  • Bursary admission 
  • Admission to a learnership program
  • Acceptance into an internship 

Why You Should Study At Matric College

  • Study at home 
  • Study at self-pace 
  • Study at your own time 
  • Get assisted by tutors 
  • Get study material from the college 
  • Earn qualifications issued by professional bodies such as Umalusi 
  • Study while working 

Author: Mulisa Nethononda 
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 14, 2022