VerifiedNo. Unisa is a university and does not register people for matric exams, so there is no Unisa matric rewrite fee. Matric exams are run by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). You register with the DBE, prepare on your own, with a support programme or with a private college, and write the national exams.
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Your options
| Option | Who it suits | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Rewrite National Senior Certificate subjects | People who wrote the NSC and want better marks | Register as a part-time candidate with the DBE or your provincial education department |
| Senior Certificate (amended) | Adults aged 21 or older without a matric | The DBE; you need to pass six subjects |
| Second Chance Matric Programme | Learners who need support to meet NSC or Senior Certificate requirements | DBE Second Chance Programme |
| Private tuition colleges | People who want lessons and study material | Check that the college is registered before paying |
Exam dates and rules
- Candidates improving their NSC results can write in the May/June or the October/November exams.
- The DBE has not published a limit on how many times you can rewrite.
- The 2026 NSC exams were reported in September 2026 as running from 13 October to 26 November 2026. See rewrite registration dates.
Where Unisa comes in
- Once you have a matric-level qualification, you can apply to Unisa. See Unisa admission requirements.
- Unisa lists a fee of R1,070 for a Matriculation Board exemption certificate, which some applicants with older or foreign school qualifications need. This is an admissions certificate, not a matric rewrite.
- Without matric, read what you can study at Unisa without matric.
Be wary of anyone selling a “Unisa matric rewrite”. Unisa does not offer one.
More help: how many times you can rewrite matric and upgrading versus rewriting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rewrite matric through Unisa?
No. Matric exams are run by the Department of Basic Education, not Unisa.
Who can write the Senior Certificate?
Adults aged 21 or older. You need to pass six subjects.
What is the R1,070 Unisa fee I have seen?
Unisa lists R1,070 for a Matriculation Board exemption certificate. It is not a matric rewrite fee.