Register to Rewrite Matric Subjects

To register to rewrite or upgrade your matric subjects in South Africa, you must apply through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) under one of two main programmes, depending on your age and when you last wrote.

The registration process is conducted either online via the e-Services portal or in person at a Provincial Education Office.

You can register to rewrite matric subjects if you want to improve your results. The Second Chance Matric Programme of the Department of Basic Education provides support to learners who want to rewrite subjects. It helps them to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate.

Register to Rewrite Matric Subjects

Determine Your Programme

Your eligibility determines the registration process and the exam session you will write:

ProgrammeWho QualifiesExam Session
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Part-Time/RewriteCandidates who wrote the NSC (since 2008) and are typically under 21 years old. This usually includes those who failed or need to improve a few subjects from their last sitting.October/November and possibly May/June (for supplementary exams, if eligible).
Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) / Adult MatricAdult learners who are 21 years and older (on the day of the exam) and wish to obtain a Grade 12 certificate, upgrade marks, or add new subjects.May/June only.

How to Register with the DBE

There are two ways to tell the government you want to rewrite:

Online Registration (Recommended)

The DBE encourages registration through the government’s e-Services portal:

  • Go to the Portal: Visit the e-Services Portal.
  • Register/Login: Register a profile if you are a new user , or log in with existing credentials.
  • Find the Service: Search for and select the service for “e-Registration for the Senior Certificate (ASC)” or the relevant NSC Part-Time or/Rewrite option.
  • Enter Details & Upload: Follow the prompt to select your subjects, enter your details, and upload certified copies of your supporting documents (ID, previous results).
    • Note: You will need a valid email address and a cellphone number to receive a One-Time Pin (OTP) for verification.

In-Person Registration

  • Visit an Office: Go to your nearest Provincial Education Department (PED) office, District Office, or Circuit Office.
  • Complete Forms: Request and complete the official registration form for the NSC rewrite or the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC).
  • Submit Documents: Hand in your completed form along with all the required certified paper documents.

Critical Registration Deadlines

Registration periods are strict and generally occur annually. You must register before the closing date for the exams you intend to write.

  • ASC (Adult Matric) May/June Exams: Registration typically opens around October and closes in early February of the year you intend to write.
  • NSC (Matric Rewrite) October/November Exams: Registration for part-time NSC candidates usually closes around mid-March or mid-August (depending on the examination session).

⚠️ Always confirm the exact closing dates on the official Department of Basic Education (DBE) website, as they are subject to change annually.

Documents Required for Registration

You will need certified copies of the following:

  • Identification: Your SA ID Book or/Card or a valid Passport.
  • Previous Results: Your statement of results from the last time you wrote matric (a certified copy).
  • Proof of Address: (Required for some centres) A letter or bill that shows your home address.

Once you successfully register, you will receive an admission letter confirming your subjects and exam centre.

What Happens Next

If your registration is successful, the Department of Basic Education will send you an Admission Letter. This letter is very important! It will confirm:

  • The subjects you are writing.
  • The centre (school or/venue) where you will write your exams.

Benefits

  • Learners are able to meet the requirements of the NSC or SC and obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate
  • Increase learner retention
  • Increase computer skills, job opportunities and career pathing
  • Learners are able to access bursary opportunities for further studies

Contact Information

  • DBE Helpline: 0860 999 0123 or SMS/Call +27 63 696 7246.
  • Email: [email protected].
  • Provincial Offices: Search “DBE [your province] district offices” on the DBE site.
  • Career Guidance: Call 072 204 5056 or email [email protected] for advice on subject choices.

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