Getting your matric results and seeing you missed the marks you needed is a horrible feeling. Maybe you fell short of your varsity APS, or you want a bursary. Rewriting matric is not just possible, it's actually pretty common.
What’s the Difference Between a Matric Rewrite and a Matric Upgrade?
Not all rewrites are the same. A matric rewrite means you redo the same subjects you wrote before, usually up to 4 subjects. This route is for you if you want to boost your marks and already have your full subject set. A matric upgrade lets you change subjects or add new ones, which helps if you realise you need a subject for a course or career. You can upgrade as many subjects as you want.
If you’re under 21, you’ll most likely do a rewrite. If you’re 21 or older, you can do an Adult Matric (Senior Certificate) and build a new subject combo if you need.
Where Can You Rewrite Matric in 2026?
You have two main options: through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or at a private centre. DBE runs the Second Chance Matric Programme, which is free to register for, and you’ll write exams at official centres. Private colleges like Phoenix College, Gauteng City College, and Bellview Institute support you with classes (in-person or online) and exam prep, but you still write at an official exam centre.
In Gauteng, big DBE centres include Phoenix College and Gauteng City College. In the Western Cape, you’ll find Bellville South High School, Stellenbosch CLC, and Groenberg Secondary School in Grabouw. KZN has options like Eveline Independent School and Achievers College. For online or distance learning, Bellview Institute and Matric College are popular. You can find more subject choices and career directions here: explore your options.
How Does the Registration Process Work?
I know this portal is confusing, but take it step-by-step and you’ll get through it. For the DBE Second Chance route, you register as a "private candidate" at your nearest district education office. You need your South African ID, your original matric statement of results, and a completed registration form. Bring certified copies too. Some centres might ask for extra documents, but those are the basics.
DBE usually opens registration for the May/June and October/November sessions. For 2026, some Western Cape centres have set registration dates like 31 January 2026 and 7 February 2026. Register as early as you can so you don’t miss out. Private colleges like Bellview let you register almost all year, but you still need to sign up for the official exam with DBE once exam registration opens. For exact deadlines in your area, check the official Department of Basic Education page.
What Do Matric Rewrite and Upgrade Really Cost in 2026?
Everyone wants to know the cost, and it depends on where you register. DBE Second Chance registration is free, but you pay for things like travel, printing, and sometimes study guides. Private centres set their own fees. Some let you pay per subject, others charge for the whole program. Bellview and Matric College offer flexible payment plans, but the actual numbers aren’t public on their sites. Check the official Bellview, Phoenix College, or Gauteng City College pages for exact details.
Online programs usually cost less than full-time classes, but you’ll still pay for tuition, registration, and sometimes exam centre fees. If you add new subjects or need extra materials, the price goes up. Always ask for a breakdown of all fees, including admin, so you don’t get surprised later. If you’re tight on cash, some colleges offer payment plans or financial aid. NSFAS does not fund matric rewrites, even if you do it at a public college. NSFAS only funds registered tertiary studies, not redoing school-level subjects.
Can You Rewrite Just One Subject or Do You Have to Do Everything?
You don’t have to redo all your subjects. You can pick one, two, or up to 4 subjects for a standard rewrite. If you want to change your whole subject combo or add new ones (like switching from Maths Lit to Maths), that’s a matric upgrade or Adult Matric. For upgrades and Adult Matric, you can add as many subjects as you want. Your new certificate will always show your best marks from all exam attempts. So if you improve English but History drops, your higher History mark stays. If you’re not sure which subjects to pick for your dream course, explore the subject list or chat to someone at your chosen college.
When Are the Exams and What’s the Deal with Supplementary Exams?
There are two main exam sessions: May/June (the classic "supplementary" window) and October/November (the full rewrite session). The May/June session is usually for people who wrote the previous November and want to fix a subject or two. If you didn’t write last year or you’re doing Adult Matric, you’ll write in October/November. Some private centres run extra mock exams to help you prep. You can also grab past papers for practice on our free exam prep app.
Do Varsities Accept Matric Rewrite Results? What About NSFAS?
If you’re rewriting to get into varsity, your new marks count. Universities like WITS, UJ, and TUT accept improved results, but you need to make the APS for your course. Your best marks from all sittings are combined for your final certificate. When you apply, universities want your full certificate with upgraded subjects, not just a statement of results. NSFAS will fund you if you qualify for university admission, but NSFAS does not pay for the actual rewrite. Once you’re accepted for a degree or diploma, you can apply for NSFAS.
What’s the Next Step if I Want to Rewrite or Upgrade?
Get your ID, your statement of results, and check your nearest district education office for DBE registration. If you want private help, check out Bellview, Phoenix College, or Gauteng City College. Make sure you ask every centre for a full breakdown of fees before you pay anything. Don’t stress if the process feels overwhelming. Focus on one thing at a time and get your documents sorted first.
Once your results are out, use our APS calculator to see if you finally hit the marks for your course. It takes less than a minute and can show you which universities you qualify for. If you’re aiming for a specific degree, check the APS you need and plan which subjects to rewrite. Your second chance might be the one that gets you in.