Last updated: 16 October 2026
Did you fail matric, or do you want better marks for university? You can rewrite subjects and upgrade your results. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) runs a free Second Chance Matric Programme to help you do it.
Wiz Admissions is an independent website. We are not affiliated with the DBE or any provincial education department.
Matric rewrite 2027 at a glance
- Exam to aim for: The May/June 2027 sitting
- Cost: The DBE says registering through the Second Chance Programme is free
- Usual registration window: Around 1 October to early February (confirm 2027 dates)
- Where to register: Education district offices, CET colleges, or online at eservices.gov.za (Senior Certificate)
- Free support: Classes, study guides, TV and radio lessons, past papers
- Enquiries: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za or DBE call centre 0800 202 933
What Is a Matric Rewrite?
A matric rewrite means writing one or more Grade 12 subjects again. You do this as a part-time candidate, not as a full-time learner.
People rewrite for different reasons:
- They did not pass matric
- They passed but need higher marks for a course
- They need a new subject, like Maths instead of Maths Literacy
- They missed exams because of illness or a family crisis
Passing your rewrite can help you meet the pass requirements, or reach the marks a college or university asks for.
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The Second Chance Matric Programme
The Second Chance Matric Programme is a DBE project. It supports learners who did not meet the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) requirements.
The DBE says eligible candidates can register to rewrite or add subjects without paying. It also warns against private services that charge fees and claim to be linked to the programme.
What support do you get?
- Face-to-face classes at Second Chance centres and some CET colleges
- Study guides such as the Mind the Gap series
- TV lessons through DBE TV’s Woza Matrics programme
- Radio lessons and YouTube videos
- Online material such as past papers and exemplars on the DBE website
Which subjects get extra support?
The programme focuses on key “gateway” subjects. These include Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
You may still be able to write other subjects. Ask your district office when you register.
NSC or Senior Certificate: Which One Is for You?
There are two main routes. Your age and past results decide which fits you.
| Route | Who it is for | When you write |
|---|---|---|
| NSC part-time candidate | People who already wrote the NSC (after 2008) and want to rewrite or improve subjects | May/June and November |
| Senior Certificate (SC) | Adults 21 or older with Grade 9 (or equivalent), or an incomplete SC or NSC | June |
| SC for ages 18 to 21 | Out-of-school youth, only in exceptional cases approved by the Head of Department | June |
Adults with an incomplete NSC can choose to switch to the SC. The DBE warns that once you switch, you cannot go back to the NSC.
Matric Rewrite Registration Dates for 2027
For the 2026 exams, Senior Certificate registration ran from 1 October 2025 to 6 February 2026. Government’s FAQ page describes a similar window of 1 October to early February.
At the time of writing, the DBE had not published final dates for the May/June 2027 sitting. If the pattern holds, registration should already be open. Do not wait for your 2026 results. Check with your district office now.
How to Register Online: Step by Step
Online registration works through the government’s eServices portal. The DBE lists it for Senior Certificate candidates.
What you need first
- A valid South African ID number
- A working email address
- Your cellphone with you, to receive a one-time PIN (OTP)
- Scanned copies of your certified ID and past results
- Each file must be 512KB or smaller (PDF, JPG, JPEG, TIFF or PNG)
The steps
- Go to www.eservices.gov.za.
- Create an account. If you already have one, log in.
- Enter the OTP sent to your cellphone.
- Follow the prompts for exam registration.
- Fill in your details and select your subjects.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Submit and save your confirmation.
Your admission letter and other notices will go to your email. Check it, including your spam folder.
How to Register in Person
You can also register at a provincial, district or circuit education office. Many CET colleges also help with registration.
- Find your nearest education district office or CET college.
- Ask for the exam registration form for part-time candidates.
- Fill it in and choose your subjects.
- Hand in your documents (see the list below).
- Keep your proof of registration safe.
Documents You Need
- A completed registration form
- A certified copy of your ID, birth certificate or passport (foreign candidates)
- A copy of your previous highest qualification or results
- Exam numbers for any Grade 12 exams you wrote before
- Proof of special needs approval, if it applies to you
Important: going to free classes does not register you for the exam. In the Western Cape, for example, the department stresses that each candidate must register individually.
Rewrite vs Re-mark: Know the Difference
A rewrite means writing the exam again. A re-mark means an examiner checks your existing script again.
| Service | What it does | Fee (2026 cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| Re-check | Confirms marks were added up correctly | R30 per subject |
| Re-mark | Your script is marked again | R120 per subject |
| Viewing | You see your marked script | R230 |
For the 2025 results, re-mark applications ran from 13 to 27 January 2026. Fees can change, so check the 2027 fees when results come out. If your marks are close to a pass, a re-mark may be faster than a rewrite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long. Registration usually closes in early February.
- Thinking classes equal registration. You must register for the exam separately.
- Choosing the wrong route. Check if you are an NSC or SC candidate first.
- Uploading large files online. Files over 512KB may be rejected.
- Using a wrong email. Your admission letter goes there.
- Not studying with past papers. They are free on the DBE website.
Scam Warning: Do Not Pay “Agents”
The DBE has warned that some private businesses charge fees and pretend to be part of the Second Chance Programme.
- Do not pay anyone to “register you” for the DBE programme.
- Do not send your ID to strangers on WhatsApp or Facebook.
- Only use eservices.gov.za, the DBE website or your district office.
- Private colleges are allowed to charge for tuition. But they are not the free DBE programme.
If you are unsure, email SecondChance@dbe.gov.za. The DBE also lists +27 63 696 7246 for Second Chance enquiries.
Study Tips for Your Rewrite
- Start with the subject that blocks your pass or your course.
- Work through at least three years of past papers.
- Use Mind the Gap guides for simple explanations.
- Watch Woza Matrics lessons on DBE TV or online.
- Study at the same time every day, even for one hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the matric rewrite free?
The DBE says eligible candidates can register through the Second Chance Programme without paying. Private colleges may charge for classes. Always confirm with your district office.
When can I write my matric rewrite?
Most rewrite candidates write in the May/June sitting. NSC part-time candidates can also write in November.
Can I rewrite matric if I am over 21?
Yes. Adults 21 and older can register for the Senior Certificate. You need Grade 9 or an equivalent, or an incomplete SC or NSC.
Can I register online?
Yes, through eservices.gov.za. You need a valid South African ID number, email address and cellphone for the OTP.
Who do I contact for help?
Email SecondChance@dbe.gov.za or call the DBE call centre on 0800 202 933. You can also visit your nearest education district office.
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Conclusion
A failed or weak matric does not have to end your plans. The Second Chance Programme lets you rewrite subjects for free and get support along the way. Register early for the May/June 2027 exams, keep your proof, and start studying now.
Disclaimer: Wiz Admissions is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with the Department of Basic Education or any provincial education department. Always confirm dates, fees and requirements on official sites such as education.gov.za before you register.
