Matric Upgrade vs Rewrite: Which Option is Best for You?

If you did not get the Matric results you wanted in your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, you still have options to improve your marks or complete outstanding subjects. 

Two of the most common routes are a Matric Rewrite and a Matric Upgrade. 

These options are designed to help you meet your education, work, or further study goals.

What Is a Matric Rewrite?

A Matric Rewrite allows you to retake your Matric subjects to improve your marks or complete the requirements for the NSC. 

It is commonly offered through the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Matric Programme. 

This programme provides support and official examination opportunities through supplementary exams if you want to improve specific subjects.

With a rewrite, you retake the same subjects you wrote in your previous Matric exam. 

It is often the right choice if you are under 21 years old and need to improve one or two subjects to meet requirements for further study or work.

What Is a Matric Upgrade?

A Matric Upgrade is an option for learners who are 21 years or older and want to improve their Matric results or even take new subjects. 

Through adult matric programmes, you can rewrite any number of subjects or change subjects to better match your goals. 

The results are combined through the official quality assurance body, and you receive a final certificate with your best results per subject.

Upgrading is sometimes called an Amended Senior Certificate in adult education contexts, but the end qualification is recognised as equivalent to the NSC and accepted by employers and universities.

Who Qualifies for a Matric Rewrite?

You qualify for a Matric Rewrite if:

1. You already wrote or completed Matric and want to improve your results.
2. You need to improve one or two subjects to reach your goals.
3. You are under 21 years old at the time you sit the rewrite exams.
   Rewrite opportunities are available through the Department of Basic Education’s programmes, including supplementary exams in the same or later exam cycles.

Who Qualifies for a Matric Upgrade?

You qualify for a Matric Upgrade if:

1. You are 21 years or older at the time of writing.
2. You want to improve multiple subjects or take different subjects from those you originally wrote.
3. You want a more flexible adult learning route to meet study or work requirements.
   Upgrading lets you select subjects that better align with your goals and combine your best marks into a stronger final certificate.
   

How Are Subjects Different Between Options?

• Matric Rewrite: You must retake the same subjects you took in your original Matric examination. This means you cannot choose entirely new subjects.
• Matric Upgrade: You can change or add subjects, depending on the adult matric programme you join. This gives you flexibility to focus on subjects that matter most to your future career or further study goals.

How Are Results Calculated?

In a Matric Rewrite, your new marks are recorded for the subjects you retake, and the higher mark between the original and rewrite is usually considered for qualification.

When you upgrade, the best marks from your original and upgraded exams are consolidated into a single final certificate that reflects your strongest performance, often giving you a fresh start with no record of less favourable marks.

Which Option Is Faster?

A Matric Rewrite can be quicker if you only need to improve a few subjects and you are eligible to write through the Department of Basic Education’s supplementary exams.

A Matric Upgrade may take longer if you are adding several new subjects or completing a full set through adult matric programmes, but it provides the greatest flexibility.

Which Option Is Best for University Entry?

If you only need to raise your marks slightly to meet university admission requirements, a rewrite often makes sense, as it focuses on improving specific subjects.

If your goals require new subjects or a broader improvement across many areas, upgrading could be better. 

Upgraded results are recognised by universities and employers if consolidated properly.

What Happens After You Complete a Rewrite or Upgrade?

Once you complete either process and meet the minimum pass requirements, your results are processed and reflected on an official certificate. 

You can then use this certificate to apply for further study, work, or other opportunities.

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