Upgrading your matric results can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable. Whether you’re looking to boost your marks to meet university entry requirements, or you just want a better outcome for yourself, a matric upgrade is a great option. Let’s break it down in simple steps, making it easier for you to understand everything you need to know about matric upgrades.
Contents
- What happens when you upgrade your matric results and fail?
- Difference between matric rewrite and upgrade
- Colleges that offer matric rewrite
- Matric Rewrite 2025 Timetable
- Requirements for Matric Rewrite
- What if I don’t qualify for the Matric June exam?
- Extra support through the Second Chance Programme
- Quick tips for a successful matric upgrade
What happens when you upgrade your matric results and fail?
If you decide to upgrade your matric results and unfortunately fail, it’s not the end of the world. You won’t lose your original marks. Your original matric results stay valid. So, even if you don’t perform as well as you hoped in the upgrade, the results from your initial matric exam will still count. You can even try upgrading again in the future or explore other educational paths like vocational training. Remember, many students take this journey, and it’s okay if things don’t work out perfectly the first time around.
Difference between matric rewrite and upgrade
It’s easy to confuse a matric rewrite and a matric upgrade, but they’re not the same thing.
The main difference between matric rewrite vs matric upgrade is the following:
- Matric Upgrade: This is where you aim to improve the marks of subjects you’ve already passed. You only rewrite the subjects you want to improve, without having to redo the whole year.
- Matric Rewrite: A matric rewrite is for students who want to repeat Grade 12 full-time. You’ll need to redo all the subjects and meet all the requirements again, as though you’re doing matric for the first time.
Colleges that offer matric rewrite
f you’re looking for a place to upgrade your matric marks or rewrite your matric exams, there are several great options in South Africa. Here’s a list of colleges that can help you with either a matric rewrite or upgrade:
- Matric College
Offers a Matric Upgrade course for students who are 21 and older. You can improve your matric marks, and all you need are your final matric results.
Learn more here - Fachs International College
Specialises in Matric Rewrite programmes, where you attend face-to-face lessons in any subject of your choice.
More details here - Whitestone FET College
Offers Matric Rewrite free of charge when you register for any Certificate or Diploma course. You only need to pay for examination fees, as tuition is free.
Find out more - Hatfield City College
Provides both Matric Rewrite and Upgrade options with a strong track record of helping students achieve better results.
Check out their services - Berea Matric School (Berea Technical College)
Offers a comprehensive matric rewrite programme with a focus on helping you meet the requirements for the NSC exam.
Learn more here - Stanford Private College
Offers both full-time and part-time matric rewrites, including Saturday classes, with one-on-one help to ensure you succeed.
More information here - Africa FET College
Specialises in Matric Rewrite for both the old and new syllabus, with affordable monthly fees for multiple subjects.
Explore their programmes - ABM College SA
Offers both Matric Rewrite and Upgrade programmes, with a focus on the Second Chance Matric Programme introduced by the Department of Basic Education.
Find out more here - Bakersfield FET College
Provides both matric rewrites and upgrades as part of the Second Chance Matric Programme.
More info here
These colleges offer different options, whether you’re looking to rewrite matric full-time or upgrade a few specific subjects. Choose the one that suits your needs and start your journey towards better results!
Matric Rewrite 2025 Timetable
For those looking to rewrite their matric in 2025, the exam timetable is key. The Department of Basic Education usually releases the matric rewrite timetable for May/June, and students can apply for the 2025 exams until 7 February 2025. This means you still have time to register, but it’s important not to wait until the last minute.
The timetable will guide you on the dates for each subject, so keep an eye on the Department of Basic Education’s website for updates closer to the time.
Requirements for Matric Rewrite
Not everyone can automatically rewrite their matric exams in June. Here are some important conditions you need to know:
- You must have already written the subject before in a previous November exam.
- If you were absent from an exam due to valid reasons, like being medically unfit or experiencing a death in your family, you can register for the June exams.
- Any NSC candidate who wrote exams from 2008 onwards and wants to improve their results can apply.
- If you missed an exam due to other reasons, like personal issues, and you still have marks for other components (like SBA or PAT), you can also register for the June exams.
It’s also important to make sure your personal details on your results are correct. Check your name and ID number and report any errors to the Department before 30 August 2024.
What if I don’t qualify for the Matric June exam?
If you don’t qualify to rewrite in June, don’t panic! You’ve got a few options:
- Re-enrol for matric as a full-time student at a school if you’re under 21. You’ll need to do all the subjects, including Life Orientation.
- Register as a part-time candidate at a Public Adult Education Centre.
- Register for the Senior Certificate (SC), a qualification for adult learners over 21 years old.
- Consider vocational education and training at any of the 50 public FET colleges across South Africa.
There’s always another path to success, so don’t give up if the June exam isn’t an option for you.
Extra support through the Second Chance Programme
If you need help preparing for your exams, the Second Chance Matric Support Programme is a fantastic resource. They offer free face-to-face classes, online resources, and even multimedia broadcasts to help you succeed. The Department of Basic Education also provides printed materials and allows you to ask questions on the Second Chance Facebook page.
Contact Details:
- Email: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za
- Tel: 080 020 2933
Quick tips for a successful matric upgrade
- Apply early: Don’t miss the 7 February 2025 deadline.
- Study smart: Make use of the Second Chance Programme for free resources.
- Stay positive: Even if things don’t go as planned, you can always try again or explore other educational options.
Upgrading your matric results is a great opportunity to improve your chances of getting into higher education or landing your dream job. Just take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.
