There is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your Matric as long as you are still under the age of 21. After you have turned 21, you can apply for a Matric Upgrade. There is no limit to the number of times you can upgrade your Matric.
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What Happens If You Rewrite Matric And Fail?
You can choose to rewrite your Matric again, or you can choose to study without Matric. There is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your Matric, as long as you are still under the age of 21. Once you have turned 21, you can apply for a Matric Upgrade instead.
How Much Does It Cost To Rewrite Matric?
It is free to register with the Department of Education to rewrite your Matric. However, it is not free to study for your rewrite. You will pay the fees for the school or college where you study for your Matric Rewrite. These fees will cover your tuition and study materials.
You can also apply for a re-mark instead of rewriting if you believe you should have done better and having it remarked will make a difference. This will cost you a fee per subject you want re-marked. Check the Department of Education website for the current fee. You can apply for a re-mark online. If you have any other questions about a re-mark, you can email the Department.
Can You Do Matric In 3 Months?
No, you cannot complete your Matric in three months. Any Matric qualification will take a minimum of 12 months to complete, and can take up to three years to complete.
However, if you have failed and would like to do a Matric Rewrite or Matric Upgrade to pass, you can register for the exams in January/February, and write the exams in May/June.
Can I Rewrite My Matric Online?
You can study for your Matric Rewrite online. However, you cannot write your exams online. You must write your exams in a government-designated venue.
Can I Rewrite My Matric After 3 Years?
Yes, you can rewrite your Matric after three years. You can rewrite your Matric up to five years after your Matric year.
How Many Times Are You Allowed To Rewrite Matric?
There is no limit to the number of times you can rewrite your Matric as long as you are still under the age of 21. After you have turned 21, you can apply for a Matric Upgrade. There is no limit to the number of times you can upgrade your Matric.
Can I Rewrite My Matric And Change Subjects?
No, you cannot change your subjects for a Matric Rewrite. You may rewrite a maximum of four subjects, and these must be subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams.
Note that if you will not pass Matric by improving the marks in four subjects, you will not be allowed to rewrite. Instead, you must re-enrol for your Matric year, or wait until you are over 21 to do a Matric Upgrade.
What Do I Need To Apply For A Matric Rewrite?
You will only need two things to apply for a Matric Rewrite:
- A copy of your Statement of Results
- A certified copy of your ID
Where Can I Study For A Matric Rewrite
There are many reputable distance learning colleges that offer Matric Rewrite courses, such as:
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Matric College
These colleges also offer Matric Upgrade courses and Adult Matric courses. These two Matric programmes are also offered by Skills Academy, however, Skills Academy does not offer a Matric Rewrite programme.
What Is Amended Matric?
Amended Matric is the common name for the certificate awarded to you after you have completed Adult Matric, or after upgrading your Adult Matric. After successfully completing your Matric Upgrade, you will combine the results by applying to the Department of Education for a Replacement Certificate: Change of Status.
Once you have received your combined results, it is still called an Amended Matric, or Senior Certificate (Amended). The certificate you receive at the end of School Matric is a National Senior Certificate. You will receive the same certificate if you do a Matric Rewrite.
The certificate you receive at the end of an Adult Matric is a Senior Certificate (Amended). The certificate you receive after combining your results once you have successfully completed a Matric Upgrade is called an Amended Senior Certificate. These both work exactly the same way as an NSC.
You can apply for a combination of certificates at the Department of Education. You will do this by applying for a Replacement Certificate: Change of Status.
To apply, you need to do the following:
- Have all of your results from all exam sittings
- Have your original ID and a certified copy of your ID
- Fill in the application form
- You must pay the application fee of R153. You can pay online or via the post office. If you also need a Statement of Results, this will cost an extra fee of R55. Note that these prices are valid until 31 March 2023
- All applications have moved online because of the pandemic. You need to upload all the documentation. Remember to include your proof of payment
For both a replacement and a re-issue, it will take four to six weeks from the time your application is received to when you will be able to fetch your Certificate.
What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrade?
The main differences between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade are:
| Matric Rewrite | Matric Upgrade |
| Must be under the age of 21 | Must be over the age of 21 |
| May rewrite a maximum of four subjects | May upgrade as many subjects as you like |
| May not change subjects | May change any or all elective subjects |
How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade Your Matric Results?
It is free to register with the Department of Education for these exams. However, it is not free to study for your Matric Upgrade. You will pay the fees for the school or college where you choose to study for your Matric Upgrade. This will cover your tuition and your study materials.
Who Qualifies For Matric Upgrade?
You qualify for Matric Upgrade if you meet the following requirements:
- You are over the age of 21
- You failed Matric and would like to improve your results and pass
- OR you passed Matric but were unsatisfied with your results and would like to improve them
When Can I Upgrade My Matric Results?
You can upgrade your Matric results any time after you have turned 21.
Can I Upgrade My Matric At UNISA?
No, you cannot upgrade your Matric at UNISA. UNISA is a university and so does not offer any Matric courses. UNISA only offers university courses.
Can I Upgrade My Matric After 10 Years?
Yes, you can upgrade your Matric after 10 years. You can upgrade your Matric any time as long as you are over the age of 21. There is no limit to the number of times you can upgrade your Matric.
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.