Your Matric certificate is an important document in South Africa.
It serves as official proof of your secondary school graduation and is often required for further studies, employment, and immigration purposes.
But what happens if you lose or damage your Matric certificate? Don’t worry, obtaining a replacement is possible.
What is a Matric Certificate?
The Matric certificate, also known as the National Senior Certificate (NSC), is a formal document awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to students who successfully complete their final year of secondary school in South Africa.
It details your subjects, grades, and overall achievement in the National Senior Certificate examinations.
How To Get Matric Certificate Replacement
There are two main ways to apply for a Matric certificate replacement:
- In-person Application: You can visit your nearest Department of Basic Education (DBE) provincial or district office. They will provide you with the necessary application form, which you will need to complete and submit along with the following required documents:
- Affidavit: A sworn statement explaining what happened to your original certificate (lost, damaged, etc.). You can obtain an affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths, such as a police station or lawyer’s office.
- Damaged Certificate (if applicable): If your certificate is damaged, you must submit the original along with your application.
- Certified Copy of ID: A certified copy of your South African identity document (ID).
- Proof of Payment: The prescribed fee for a replacement certificate can be paid by cash at the DBE office, postal order, or cheque.
- Online Application: For a faster and more convenient option, you can apply for a replacement certificate online through the e-Matric e-Re-Issue service on the e-Government portal (https://www.education.gov.za/Informationfor/CertificationServices.aspx). This option is available for lost or damaged certificates. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Registration: First, you will need to register as a user on the e-Government Portal.
- Supporting Documents: Prepare scanned copies of the following documents:
- Affidavit stating the status of the original certificate.
- Damaged certificate (applicable only for damaged certificates).
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Proof of payment for the replacement fee.
How Much Does Matric Certificate Replacement Cost?
The administration fee for a Matric certificate replacement is R164.00.