A matric pass with good grades comes with many advantages. For instance, it allows you to pursue any tertiary course you want, but some students do not always get the desired results. However, if you are unhappy with your results, you can consider a matric upgrade, which is designed to help students improve their grades. With this option, you can study and work simultaneously since you can set your schedule. This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results
What Is a Matric Upgrade?
When you fail your matric final exams, a matric upgrade gives you a second chance to write the exams and improve your marks. Even if you want better marks in certain subjects, you can consider a matric upgrade to improve your grades. After a matric upgrade, your results will be consolidated into one certificate. The certificate appears just as someone who has passed matric in one sitting.
To qualify for a matric upgrade, you must be over 21 years and interested in improving your grades. Adult students can study at home, and they can also go to work at the same time. Additionally, a matric upgrade allows you to change subjects or take as many as you can handle.
How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Your Matric Results?
Some people can complete a matric upgrade in one year, while others can do it in two years. If you want to get the best marks, it is a good idea to take your time and prepare for your exams. When you prepare for your matric upgrade, you should know some of the factors that can affect your progress, including the following:
- Availability of study material- students with access to study material are likely to understand the subject better and take a shorter time to complete their matric upgrade. Other institutions provide different study resources such as online notes, textbooks, and reading material prepared by experts.
- The number of subjects- if you intend to write more subjects, then you will need more time to prepare for your matric. Students taking a new Matric program with new sets of subjects will take longer to complete their matric upgrade.
- Other career goals- if you are ambitious and pursuing several career goals at the same time, your studies might be affected. This will affect the time you may need to complete your matric upgrade program.
- Family and work commitment- although a matric upgrade allows you to work and study simultaneously, creating a work/life balance can be problematic. Make sure you have a flexible schedule to achieve your goals.
Is Upgrading Matric Results a Good Thing?
Upgrading your matric results is one of the best things you can do if you want to improve your career opportunities. For example, a good matric pass plays a crucial role in shaping your future. You can add value to your matric certificate if you improve your previous passes. If you have a bachelor’s pass at Matric, you can study at any university or tertiary institution in South Africa.
A matric upgrade allows you to choose new subjects that align with your career goals. When you choose new subjects, you stand a better chance of improving your passes. Alternatively, you can also use your matric upgrade to look for your dream job. Recruiters in South Africa are always looking for prospective employees with good matric results.
If you want to pursue other courses, you are likely to get unlimited scholarships and bursary opportunities. Funding higher and tertiary education in South Africa is usually a big challenge to many people. Therefore, if you upgrade your Matric, you are likely to get sponsorship, which makes your life easier.
How Much Is a Matric Upgrade?
Registering for a Matric upgrade is free since you can do it at any centre recognized by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). However, it will cost you R141.00 to have your Matric certificates combined. Additionally, you also need to consider the costs involved in undertaking your Matric upgrade. The institution you choose to redo your matric usually determines the cost of completing the program. Other colleges provide online lessons and study materials to adult matric students.
What Is the Process of Upgrading Matric Results?
Matric upgrade examinations are written in May and June each year, so you must first register to be eligible for the program. Registration for matric upgrade opens in October and closes sometime in January of the following year. You need to register soon after the opening of registration to avoid the last-minute rush.
You can register in person at your nearest Department of Basic Education (DBE) district, circuit, or provincial offices. Alternatively, you can consider online registration, where you can register on this e-Government portal site.
To register for a Matric upgrade, you should have the following requirements:
- Certified ID copy
- You have written and have proof of your previous exams.
- Email address
- Cell Number
If you want more details about the requirements for matric upgrade registration, you need to visit your local DBE office. If you want to sit for your exams in May/June of the following year, make sure you have enough time to study the subjects which you want to write.
Registered students can write their exams at the closest venues to where they live. The centre where you will write your matric exams is usually determined when registering for your matric upgrade. The Department of Basic Education communicates all the changes with the candidates before the onset of exams.
If you are not satisfied with your final matric results, you can improve them via a matric upgrade course. This program usually takes 1 year up to 2 years, depending on your level of preparedness. Ensure you meet all the requirements to be eligible for a matric upgrade. More importantly, you should consider registering early to avoid inconveniences. Take time to prepare for your exams to improve your grades.
