Matric Rewrite applications Now Open for 2026
Didn’t pass your matric exams or want to improve your results?
Great News! The Second Chance Matric Programme is now open for 2026 registrations. This programmes helps learners rewrite exams or improve their marks and is run by the Department of Basic Education and gives support to students who want to finish their secondary education.
Closing Date: 06 February 2026.
Matric Rewrite applications Now Open for 2026
About Second Chance Matric Programme:
The Second Chance Matric Programme is a government initiative run by the Department of Basic Education that helps learners who didn’t pass their matric exams or want to improve their results.
It gives students the opportunity to rewrite one or more subjects and provides free support, including classes, study materials, and multimedia lessons through TV, online platforms, and YouTube.
The programme is open to adult learners over 21, as well as some out-of-school youth aged 18–21 who couldn’t complete school due to special circumstances.
By participating, learners can earn a National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate, improve their chances of further studies, access bursaries, and prepare for jobs, TVET colleges, or university.
Here’s how you can register for the 2026 May/June Matric Exams through the Second Chance programme:
1. Check if you qualify
The programme is for learners who:
- Failed their matric exams.
- Want to improve their results.
To be eligible, you must have written matric exams before and not passed one or more subjects. You also need to have attended classes at a registered school or institution.
Who can apply:
- Adult learners 21 years or older with:
- A Grade 9 certificate (or old Standard 7)
- An incomplete Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate
- Out-of-school youth aged 18–21 who could not finish school due to special circumstances (verified by the Education Department)
- Learners who already have a qualification but want to improve their results
Note: Adult learners can choose to complete the NSC or convert to a Senior Certificate. Once converted, they cannot switch back to the NSC.
2. Decide which subjects to rewrite
You can rewrite one or more subjects. Choose the subjects you can improve and those needed for your future career.
Subjects offered in the Second Chance Matric Programme for 2026:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Science
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English FAL
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
3. Register at a district office or online
You can register at your local education district office or apply online.
Documents you need:
- Completed registration form
- Certified ID or birth certificate
- Certified passport (if foreign candidate)
- Certified Grade 12 statement of results or certificate
- School reports (for learners over 21 who passed Grade 9, 10, or 11)
- Previous highest qualification (if repeating)
- Exam numbers for any previous Grade 12 or equivalent exams
4. Attend classes and prepare
Once registered, you must attend classes and study hard. The programme gives free classes and study materials.
Classes are offered at 50 locations, mainly in rural and semi-rural areas, taught by experienced Grade 12 teachers.
Learning support includes:
- Telematics broadcasts at selected schools
- Internet Broadcasting Programme (IBP)
- HD Open View TV – Channel 201
- DStv Channel 319 – Mindset Television
- SABC Education Geleza Nathi – weekdays on SABC 1 at 5am, repeats at 11pm
- YouTube videos from Geleza Nathi
5. Write exams and get your certificate
- Exams are written in May/June.
- Results are released around August.
- If you pass, you will get a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC).
Benefits of the Second Chance Matric Programme
Finish matric and get a Grade 12 certificate
Improve chances for jobs and further studies
Access bursaries and training opportunities
Prepare for TVET colleges or university
Learn computer skills and other career-ready skills
Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp (admin queries only): 063 696 7246
WozaMatrics WhatsApp (subject queries): 061 505 3023
Take the first step today!
The Second Chance Matric Programme can help you improve your results and open doors to a brighter future.
