Rewrite Matric 2026: Closing Date and Registration Guide
Registering for your Matric 2026 exams in South Africa is a key step if you want to achieve or improve your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC).
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This guide explains official closing dates, how to apply, who is eligible, and where you must register.
What is Matric 2026 Registration?
Matric 2026 registration refers to the official process through which learners sign up to sit the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) examinations in South Africa.
These exams are the final assessments for Grade 12 and are recognised nationally for further study, work, or skills development.
The registration period is managed by the Department of Basic Education.
When is the Closing Date for Matric 2026 Registration?
The closing date for Matric 2026 May/June examination registration for both NSC and SC candidates is 6 February 2026.
No late registrations are accepted after this date.
For candidates who want to register for the NSC November 2026 examinations (for example, part-time adults or specific rewrite candidates), the closing date is 13 March 2026.
Who Can Register for the Matric 2026 Exams?
NSC candidates:
• Learners who previously wrote matric but want to improve one or more subject results.
• Candidates who were absent from one or more question papers for valid reasons, like illness.
NSC registration must be completed in person at a school or your nearest district education office.
SC (Senior Certificate) candidates:
• Adults and other learners who want to finish or improve their matric qualification through the Senior Certificate route.
• Adult SC candidates may register at district education offices or online via the government e-Services portal.
What Documents Do You Need to Register?
When you register for Matric 2026, you should have the following:
• A certified copy of your South African identity document.
• Your latest statement of results or previous senior school report if available.
• Proof of subjects you are re-writing or completing.
Ensure all documents are correct and certified before you submit them at the registration centre.
How Do You Register for Matric 2026?
- For NSC candidates:
Visit your school where you wrote your exams or your nearest district education office in your province.
You cannot register online as an NSC candidate for the May/June session.
- For SC (Senior Certificate) candidates:
You can register at a district education office or online via www.eservices.gov.za.
This online registration is especially useful if you do not live near a district office.
When you register, you will receive confirmation of your registration and details about your exam timetable and venues. Keep this information safe for exam day.
What Are the Matric 2026 Exam Dates?
The May/June 2026 Matric examinations will take place after the registration period ends.
These sessions allow candidates to improve their results or complete outstanding subjects.
Exact exam timetables are released separately by the Department of Basic Education and provincial departments closer to the exam period.
Can You Rewrite Matric Subjects in 2026?
Yes. Matric rewrite registration is open for those who want to improve specific subjects.
These rewrites are offered either in the May/June session or through the November NSC session (only for NSC candidates).
SC candidates can only rewrite in the May/June exam session.
What Happens If You Miss the Closing Date?
If you miss the 6 February 2026 closing date for May/June exams, you cannot register for that session and must wait for the November 2026 session (NSC only) with the closing date 13 March 2026.
There is no late registration, so it is important to register before the official deadline.
FAQs
1. When does Matric 2026 registration close?
The closing date for May/June 2026 Matric registration is 6 February 2026. The closing date for NSC November 2026 exams is 13 March 2026.
2. Where do I register for NSC Matric 2026?
NSC candidates must register in person at their school or nearest district education office.
3. Can I register online for Matric 2026?
Only SC (Senior Certificate) candidates can register online using www.eservices.gov.za. NSC registration is not available online.
4. What documents do I need to register?
You need a certified copy of your ID, your latest matric results or school report, and proof of the subjects you intend to rewrite.
5. Can adults register for Matric 2026?
Yes. Adults can register for the Senior Certificate (SC) exams online or at a district office.
6. What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
You must register for the next exam session. For NSC, the next closing date is 13 March 2026 for the November exams.
7. Can I improve my results after writing Matric?
Yes. You can improve your matric results by registering for rewrites in either the May/June or November 2026 sessions, depending on your certificate type.