Registration for the 2026 May/June Senior Certificate (SC) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) May/June matric rewrites is now open - and you have until the 6th of February 2026 to apply.
The Department of Basic Education said:
NSC Candidates: Registration can only be completed at your school or nearest district office. SC candidates can be completed at your nearest district office or online via e-services.
Registration is also available for the November exams and the closing date for this is the 13th of March 2026.
While NSC matric candidates could register to rewrite their matric exams during the 2026 November matric exams, Senior Certificate students are only permitted to participate in the 2026 May/June Matric exams.
Matric candidates are reminded that February/March supplementary exams have been phased out. The May/June 2026 exams are the first opportunity for candidates who are not satisfied with their matric exam results to improve their results.
The supplementary examination in February/March has been phased out and is therefore no longer available. A examination period in May/June is to allow candidates to improve their results or complete outstanding results.
Senior Certificate candidates are only eligible to write the May/June examinations and not the November examinations.
HOW TO REGISTER
For the NSC exams go to your school or your local district office of the Department of Basic Education.
For SC exams you should go to your nearest district office of the DBE, or apply online at www.e-services.gov.za
Different Matric Passes
Bachelor's Pass
To get a bachelors pass, it requires you to obtain at least 50% for five designated subject, this includes Life Orientation.
You also have to get above 30% for two other subjects and you are only allowed to fail one subject.
A bachelors pass allows you to study at any higher education institutions, like universities and colleges, to become doctors, lawyers and psychologists.
Diploma
A diploma pass requires you to obtain at least 40% in five designated subjects including Life Orientation.
You also have to receive at least 30% in two other subjects and can only fail one subject.
A diploma allows you to attend some higher learning institutions and technical colleges, to study things like engineering, nursing and many other things.
Higher Certificate
For a higher certificate, you must obtain at least 40% in Home Language.
You must receive 40% in at least two subjects and 30% in three other subjects.
You are also still only allowed to fail one subject.
When studying further with a higher certificate you can apply to TVET colleges and some private colleges to study in a field of your choice, as long as you meet the admission requirements.
Fail
Regardless of the marks on you final certificate, if you fail two subject, which mean scoring a 1 (0-29%), you fail the year.
Don't let this discourage you however, matric can be difficult, there are many opportunity available for you to rewrite matric and better you marks. You can choose to do the entire year over or just rewrite the subjects that you failed.
Important Links For Matric Results
- How To Check For Matric Results Online
- Where Can I Get My Matric Results
- Can I Get Matric Results Online?
- Important Dates Before Matric Results Are Released
- What Date Will The Matric Results Be Released?
- Here's When Education Minister Will Announce The Matric Results For 2024
- School Performance Report Shows Results For All SA Schools
- How To Check Your IEB Matric Results
- Guide To Check Your Matric Results With ID Number
- Will Matric Results Be In The Newspaper
- How To Check Your IEB Matric Results
