How to Register for Adult Matric in South Africa (2025/2026 Guide)
The Amended Senior Certificate (ASC), or Adult Matric, is for adults 21+ in South Africa who want to complete or improve their Matric. It’s free through the Department of Basic Education (DBE), with online or in-person registration available.
Table of Contents
Why Register for Adult Matric?
- It gives you a recognized qualification to pursue jobs, further studies, or promotions.
- Exams are in June (May/June cycle), and you can choose subjects that suit your goals.
- It’s flexible for working adults no full-time classes required, though you can opt for study support.
Am I Eligible?
Yes, if you meet these criteria:
- You’re 21 years or older on the day of the exam (for 2026 exams, born before June 2005).
- You have a Grade 9 certificate, ABET Level 4, or an equivalent NQF Level 1 qualification (like a General Education and Training Certificate).
- If you’re 18-21, you might qualify in exceptional cases (e.g., circumstances beyond your control), but you’ll need approval from the Provincial Head of Department.
- If you have an incomplete Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate (NSC), you can register to complete or improve it.
- Note: If you switch from NSC to ASC, you can’t go back to NSC.
Foreign nationals or those without Grade 9 can apply with equivalent qualifications, but check with DBE.
What Documents Do I Need?
Gather these before starting:
- Certified copy of your South African ID, birth certificate, or passport (for foreigners).
- Certified copy of your highest qualification (e.g., Grade 9 report or equivalent).
- If you’re a repeater, a copy of your previous Senior Certificate or NSC results.
- Previous exam numbers if you’ve written Grade 12 before.
- For online: A valid email and cell phone (you’ll get a One-Time PIN).
Documents for online upload should be in PDF, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, or PNG format, max 512KB each.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Registration is open now (as of October 2025) and free. You can do it online or in person.
1. Online Registration (Recommended for Ease)
- Go to the e-Services portal: www.eservices.gov.za.
- If new, register an account with your ID, email, and cell phone. If existing, log in.
- Fill in the application form with personal details, subjects (choose up to 6), and exam center.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your phone.
- Submit and get a confirmation email.
2. In-Person Registration
- Visit your nearest Provincial Education Department (PED) office, district office, or circuit office.
- Get the registration form there or download it from the DBE website.
- Fill it out, attach certified copies of documents, and submit.
- They’ll give you a receipt or confirmation.
Important Deadlines for 2025/2026
- Registration opens: 1 October 2025.
- Registration closes: 6 February 2026 (for June 2026 exams).
- Late registrations aren’t accepted, so apply early!
After Registration: What Next?
- You’ll get an admission letter via email or post with your exam timetable and center.
- Prepare for exams: Study materials are available on the DBE website or through Adult Education and Training (AET) centers.
- Exams are in May/June 2026.
- Results released around August/September 2026.
Tips and Common Questions
- How many subjects? You need 6 subjects, including two official languages (one at Home Level, one at First Additional). Pass requirements: 40% in three (including Home Language), 30% in three.
- Costs? Registration and exams are free, but you might pay for study materials or transport.
- Where to Study? Self-study or join free AET centers (register via www.gov.za).
- Help Needed? Contact your provincial DBE office (e.g., Gauteng: 011 355 0307) or email [email protected].
- If Rejected? Check reasons (e.g., missing docs) and reapply or appeal.
This guide should get you started good luck with your registration! For official updates, visit the DBE website.