Matric Rewrite – Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP)
If you have written your final Matric exam (National Senior Certificate or NSC) but unfortunately have not passed, there is a way to still obtain your Matric qualification. Students who would like to rewrite their Grade 12 final examination, can register with the Department of Basic Education for the Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP).
Find out how to check your 2022 Matric results here
The SCMP is a programme that was established in 2016 to allow learners to improve their results or even complete their Matric certificate on a part-time basis. The closing date to register for the 2023 SCMP is on 8 February 2023.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) established the programme to respond to the National Development Plan’s (NDP) order to reduce the number of high school drop-outs as well as improve overall retention rates.
The programme’s Director, Dr. Sandy Malapile stated that a learner who has not previously succeeded in any of their Matric exams may still apply for a re-write and register multiple times until they are satisfied with their results.
The SCMP does not have any age restrictions or biases, however, Dr. Malapile has stated that the majority of the applicants for the SCMP programme are candidates who are 21 years old (or older) and possess a grade 9, 10 or 11, as well as those who are in ABET Level 4.
Who qualifies for the Matric Second Chance programme?
You qualify for the programme if:
- You have recently failed Matric
- You are under the age of 21 years old (in the above statement by Dr Malpile it says learners over 21 years old are mostly applying)
- You have failed two or more subjects
- You have completed and written all your Matric subjects for your final exam
It is important to note that the above points only apply to candidates who have recently written their NSC but have failed (and therefore qualify for the SCMP). Should you receive your Matric results and realise that you have failed, it is important to apply for the SCMP as quickly as possible. You are advised to apply before the closing date in February each year.
What are some of the benefits of entering the SCMP?
Dr. Malapile has stated that some of the benefits of the SCMP are:
- Learners are given a second opportunity to achieve their Matric qualification
- Learners receive an additional certificate
- Learners are given the unique opportunity to improve their results through the means of higher education
- Learners will have a better opportunity of getting into Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges and Universities
- Learners can qualify for Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) training programmes
- Learners who make use of the programmes may also have the chance of accessing bursary and job opportunities
What are the targeted subjects of the SCMP?
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English FAL
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
How to prepare for Matric rewrites?
Students can attend in-person classes at locations around the country or online programmes and television and radio broadcasts.
Classes are offered at 50 venues, mostly in rural and semi-rural areas in South Africa. Classes are taught by Grade 12 teachers who have an excellent track record and are FREE.
Multimedia broadcasts include:
- Telematics Broadcasts at selected schools
- Internet Broadcasting Programme (IBP) at selected schools
- HD Open View Television Broadcast s – Channel 201 at 36 venues, nationally or privately
- Dstv Channel 319 , Mindset Television Broadcasts
- SABC Education Geleza Nathi broadcasts weekdays on SABC 1 from 5am to 6am with repeats at 11pm
- SABC Education Geleza Nathi YouTube videos
When do Matric rewrites take place?
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) supplementary exams (learners who wrote the NSC the previous year and qualify to write a maximum of 2 subjects to meet the requirements of the NSC): February to March each year
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) progressed learners (learners who wrote the NSC the previous year but did not sit for all 6 subjects): June each year
- Extended Senior Certificate: June each year
- Part-time NSC candidates (learners who attempted the NSC examinations after 2008): November each year
How do you apply for the SCMP programme?
There are several ways to apply for the SCMP programme. You can apply:
- At any provincial education office (including the provincial head office, the district office or a circuit office) (find the list of education districts in each province here)
- Online via the DBE website
What documents are required when applying?
- Completed registration form
- ID document or birth certificate (certified copy)
- Passport, if you are a foreign candidate (certified copy)
- Statement of Results/ Grade 12 Certificate
- School reports (this applies to learners who have passed grade 9, 10, or 11 and are 21 years old or older)
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, feel free to contact:
- Email: secondchance@dbe.gov.za
- WhatsApp: 063 696 7246 (please note, this WhatsApp number is for admin-related purposes and voice notes will NOT be accepted)
- WozaMatrics WhatsApp line: 061 505 3023 (use this contact portal for subject-related enquiries)
Read our other tips and articles here:
Read our top tips on submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.
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This post was last updated in January 2023.
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