How to Register for a Matric Rewrite in South Africa (2026 )

Register for the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) or Second Chance Matric Programme to rewrite Matric if you failed, want better grades, or didn’t complete it. Registration is free, open from October 1, 2025, to February 6, 2026, for June 2026 exams.

Matric Rewrite South Africa 2026

Table of Contents

Which Rewrite Option Is Right for Me?

  • Amended Senior Certificate (ASC): For adults 21+ who want to complete or improve Matric. It’s equivalent to the NSC but tailored for rewrites.
  • Second Chance Matric Programme: Supports ASC candidates with free tutoring, resources, and exam prep. It’s part of DBE’s initiative to help those who failed or didn’t meet NSC requirements.
  • Supplementary Exams (for Recent Matriculants): If you wrote in 2025 and failed up to 2 subjects, register for May/June 2026 supp exams via your school (deadline around February 2026).
  • If under 21 and exceptional circumstances: (e.g., missed due to illness), you may qualify for ASC with provincial approval.

Focus here is on ASC/Second Chance for rewrites—contact your school for supp exams.

Am I Eligible?

  • Age 21+ on exam day (for June 2026: born before June 2005).
  • Have a Grade 9 certificate, ABET Level 4, or equivalent (NQF Level 1).
  • Incomplete Senior Certificate (pre-2008) or NSC (post-2008).
  • If 18-21: Only in special cases (e.g., beyond your control)—get approval from Provincial Head of Department.
  • You can rewrite specific subjects or the full Matric.
  • Note: Switching to ASC means you can’t revert to NSC.

What Documents Do I Need?

  • Completed registration form (download from DBE or get at office).
  • Certified copy of ID, birth certificate, or passport (for foreigners).
  • Certified copy of previous highest qualification (e.g., Grade 9 report, incomplete SC/NSC).
  • Previous exam numbers (if you’ve written Grade 12 before).
  • For online: Valid email and cell phone (for OTP).

Documents for upload: PDF, JPG, etc., max 512KB each.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Registration is free and open from October 1, 2025, to February 6, 2026, for June 2026 exams. Do it online or in person.

1. Online Registration (Easiest)

  1. Go to www.eservices.gov.za.
  2. Register/log in with ID, email, and cell (get OTP).
  3. Select ASC registration.
  4. Fill form: Personal details, subjects (up to 6), exam center.
  5. Upload documents.
  6. Submit—get confirmation email.

2. In-Person Registration

  1. Visit provincial education office, district, or circuit office.
  2. Get/fill form.
  3. Submit with documents.
  4. Get receipt.

3. For Second Chance Programme Support

  1. After registration, access free resources/tutoring via DBE centers or online (e.g., videos, past papers on DBE site).

Costs

  • Registration: Free.
  • Exams: Free (but possible nominal fees for materials in some provinces—confirm locally).
  • Private tutors/programs: Vary (e.g., R350+ for some courses).

After Registration: What Happens Next?

  • Get admission letter with exam timetable/center.
  • Exams: May/June 2026.
  • Results: August/September 2026.
  • Prepare: Self-study or join free AET centers.

Tips and FAQs

  • Subjects: Choose up to 6, including 2 languages (one Home Level).
  • Pass Requirements: 40% in 3 subjects (incl. Home Language), 30% in 3 others.
  • Help: DBE hotline 0800 202 933; provincial offices (e.g., Western Cape: 021 467 2000).
  • If Under 21: Consider supp exams first—register via school by Feb 2026.

This should make rewriting Matric achievable—good luck! For more, visit www.education.gov.za.