For the 2026 Matric Rewrite in South Africa: Register for the DBE Second Chance Programme

If you did not get the matric results you hoped for, or you still need to pass certain subjects, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP) gives you a real opportunity to fix that in 2026 — and it is 100% free.

This official government programme helps learners complete or improve their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) so they can access higher education, bursaries, and better career opportunities.

What is the Second Chance Matric Programme?

The Second Chance Matric Programme is a DBE initiative designed to support learners who:

• Failed matric
• Want to improve their marks
• Need to complete outstanding subjects

It aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) by increasing learner retention and helping more young people and adults achieve a full matric qualification.

Key Details for 2026 Matric Rewrites

If you miss the 6 February 2026 deadline, you will not be able to write in May/June 2026.

Who Can Register?

1. NSC Candidates (Post-2008)

If you wrote matric from 2008 onwards, you can:

• Rewrite failed subjects
• Improve marks
• Complete outstanding subjects

You will write NSC exams in May/June 2026.

2. Senior Certificate (SC) Candidates

If you are 18 years or older and hold a Senior Certificate, you can:

• Improve your results
• Work toward a better SC qualification

You will also write in May/June 2026.

How to Register

You can register in two ways:

Option 1: Online

Visit
👉 www.eservices.gov.za

Create an account, choose Second Chance Matric Programme, and complete your registration.

Option 2: In Person

Go to:

• Your nearest DBE district office, or
• An accredited examination centre

They will assist you with registration.

Documents You Need

Bring or upload:

• Your valid South African ID
• Your latest matric statement of results

Without these, your registration cannot be processed.

Subjects Supported in 2026

The programme focuses on high-impact subjects that unlock further study and job opportunities:

• Accounting
• Agricultural Science
• Business Studies
• Economics
• English FAL
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences

What Support Do You Get?

When you register for the Second Chance Programme, you get access to:

1. Face-to-Face Classes

Selected learning centres offer tutoring and revision support.

2. Online & Broadcast Lessons

You get:

• Video lessons
• Radio programmes
• Digital learning content

3. Mind the Gap Study Guides

These DBE-approved books cover exam-focused topics to help you prepare properly.

Why This Programme Matters

The Second Chance Matric Programme helps you:

• Get a full Grade 12 certificate
• Qualify for TVET colleges, universities, and bursaries
• Improve your job prospects
• Build computer and study skills
• Create a better future

Important Warning

The DBE has made it clear:

The Second Chance Matric Programme is FREE.

If anyone asks you to pay to “register” or “join”, they are not part of the official programme.

Always use:

• www.eservices.gov.za
• Or your DBE district office

Final Reminder

If you want to rewrite matric in May/June 2026, you must register by:

• 6 February 2026

This is your opportunity to turn things around, qualify for further study, and unlock better career opportunities.

Second Chance Programme – Giving You Another Chance at Success.