The 2024 matric results were officially released on Tuesday, January 14, and while it was a moment of triumph for many Grade 12 learners, not everyone celebrated their outcome. If you’re among those disappointed with your results, don’t lose hope—there are clear steps you can take to get back on track.
Below, we explore four practical options to help you move forward and achieve your academic goals.
1. Apply for exam paper remarking
If you believe your results don’t reflect your effort or performance, you can request a re-mark or re-check of your examination papers. This is a chance to ensure your papers were graded accurately and fairly.
- How to Apply:
Application forms are available at your school, the exam center where you wrote your exams, or the nearest district office. - Deadline:
Submit your application manually or online by Wednesday, Jan 28, 2025. Closing date for IEB is Friday Jan 31. - Cost:
The cost for remark is R120, recheck per subject is R30, and R230 viewing fee (after remarking). Meanwhile, rewrite cost for IEB is R1510 per paper.
2. Take Supplementary Exams
For those who missed the mark in one or two subjects, supplementary exams offer another opportunity to pass without repeating the entire year. Administered by the DBE under rthe ‘Second Chance Matric Programme’ title series, there’ll face-to-face classes in various locations across South Africa, as well also offers online support for those need it.
- Who Qualifies for Supplementary Exams?
- Learners who need to pass one or two additional subjects to meet the requirements for the National Senior Certificate.
- Learners who missed exams due to valid reasons, such as medical issues or the death of an immediate family member (with supporting evidence).
- Learners who fell short of higher education admission requirements by one subject (with proof from the institution).
- How to Register:
Visit the exam center where you wrote your exams to register as soon as you receive your results. - Deadline:
The closing date for application for 2025 is Friday, February 7, 2025. - Cost:
While this programme is free of charge, there’s an additional fee (currently around R170 for a replacement certificate and R60 for a statement of results, bringing the total to R230).
NOTE; the ‘old’ supplementary examination in February/March has been phased out. The new examination date is now May/June.
3. Return to school full-time
Candidates who didn’t succeed in their examinations and do not qualify for the supplementary examination must immediately re-enrol at their at a school. Open to anyone under 21, this allows them to repeat Grade 12, giving you access to structured support, better preparing you for success.
- Second Chance Matric Programme:
Administered by the Department of Basic Education, this programme provides face-to-face classes in various locations across South Africa and also offers online support. - Eligibility:
Learners under the age of 21 can re-enroll at a school without delay. - Deadline:
Registration for the 2025 Second Chance Matric Programme opened in October 2024 and will close on Friday, February 7, 2025. - Cost:
Free of charge
4. Consider alternative pathways
For those who failed and are over 21, the road to success doesn’t end with matric. Depending on your career goals, you can explore further education options such as TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, adult matric programs, or skill-based certifications that align with your interests and aspirations.
Act now!
The journey to success after a setback begins with taking the first step. Whether you choose remarking, supplementary exams, or going back to school, the key is to act quickly. Gather the necessary documents, meet the deadlines, and commit to improving your future.
For more information, resources, or assistance, visit DBE website here / or your local education office.
