What To Do If You Don’t Qualify For June Matric Exams?

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 01/23/24 •  5 min read

Students who fail their Matric are given a second chance to write supplementary examinations, which are also known as rewrites. These exams are written in May/June, and candidates are only allowed to sit for the papers they failed during their previous papers. However, not all candidates qualify for these exams. Read on to learn what you can do if you don’t qualify for June matric exams

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What To Do If You Don’t Qualify For June Matric Exams?

To qualify for supplementary exams, you should have failed the paper, or you missed it due to illness or death of a loved one. You must produce a written statement with the reason for absenteeism when you register for a supplementary exam. If your exams are being investigated, you will be eligible to write June exams. 

Students unsatisfied with their Matric results may also register to register for the June exams. However, you can return to school to do your NSC full-time if you don’t qualify for these exams. This option is available to students who are below 21 years. The advantage of returning to school is that you can access valuable resources.

Alternatively, you can also consider a Matric upgrade where you can go to a Public Adult Education Center. Adult learning centers provide students with the necessary support and resources to improve their results. The good thing about a Matric upgrade is that candidates are allowed to change subjects.  

Alternative Options if you don’t Qualify For June Matric Exams

If you don’t qualify for the June exams, you can consider a second chance matric program. This allows you to upgrade your results. The program is designed to give students the necessary resources and support to help them improve their grades. With a Matric upgrade, you can change subjects and choose the ones which you can manage. 

Registering for a Senior Certificate (SC) exam is another viable option you can choose if you don’t qualify for your June exams. Registering as a part-time candidate for the November NSC examinations is also a good idea. Registering for the November examinations will give you ample time to prepare.

Vocational education and training is another option available for students who fail to sit for June exams. There are more than 50 TVET colleges in South Africa where you can choose an appropriate program to study. Matric is not the only gateway to success in your career in South Africa. Vocational courses are designed to empower students with skills required in different industries. 

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What Happens if You Fail June Exam Grade 12?

If you fail the June exams, you can register to write the exam again. As long as you are below 21 years, you can register as many times as you want until you pass your matric exams. All you need to do is prepare for your exams to improve your grades. When you reach 21 years, you will be eligible for a matric upgrade to improve your results. With this option, you can change subjects and choose the ones which you can manage.   

How Do You Qualify for Supplementary Exams?

Supplementary examinations allow you to pass the exams you have failed. To qualify for these exams, you must have sat for the papers which you failed in November. You cannot change subjects when you write second chance exams. The Department of Basic Education has also set other requirements that each student must meet.  

If you have written your exams, but the course you want to pursue at a tertiary learning institution requires more credits, you can register for a supplementary examination. All prospective candidates for supplementary exams must have valid reasons for being absent. For instance, you may fail to write exams due to illness or the death of a loved one. Ensure that you have a written statement explaining why you failed to take your November exam.

If there is an irregularity in your Matric exams being investigated by the Department of Basic Education, you qualify to register for supplementary exams. All applicants must speak and write Afrikaans or English. Remember to register before the closing date. 

Who Qualifies for Matric Rewrite in June?

Supplementary exams are means for students who failed their Matric exams the previous year. You can only register for the subjects you have failed. Candidates cannot add new subjects when they write second chance exams. You can register for supplementary exams if you need more credits in your results. 

Some students fail to write their exams due to circumstances beyond their control, like illness or the death of their loved ones. To be eligible for a supplementary exam, you must have a written report explaining why you failed to write your exams in November. If you meet these requirements, you can register for a second chance exam. 

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