Not happy with your matric results and thinking “What are my options If I have poor matric results?” Then this article is for you. The best option is to retake your Matric exams and achieve better Matric results. If you want to enrol in a specific course at a university or college, you must first meet the entry requirements for that course.
Your chances of getting into your desired course are reduced if your Matric results are poor. Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers a variety of courses for you to improve your Matric results, as well as courses that do not require Matric as an entry requirement.
What Causes Poor Matric Results?
There are many factors that can affect a learner’s ability to perform well in matric.
Here are some reasons why students might perform badly and receive poor Matric results:
- Discipline problems in classrooms
- Children living in poverty who cannot afford to attend school every day
- Students who must work to support their families do not have enough time to study
- Teenage pregnancy prevents students from finishing all of their exams or having time to study
- Students are too shy and afraid to ask questions, and they do not understand the curriculum material
- Students do not know how to study effectively and are surrounded by too many distractions
- Classrooms are overcrowded, and there are not enough textbooks and study materials for everyone
- Poor time management skills and not enough time to study before an exam
How Do I Deal With Disappointing Matric Results?
Getting poor results can be upsetting, but it doesn’t mean the end of your education or career goals.
Here are some tips on how to handle disappointing Matric Results:
| Tips | Description |
| Speak to someone | If you are unsure how to deal with the disappointment of receiving poor Matric results, you can talk to a family member, a close friend, or, if you prefer, a professional |
| Do not panic | Take a deep breath after receiving your results, do not panic, and remain calm. There are ways to retake the exams and improve your grades |
| Do something fun | Exams are stressful for everyone, and regardless of the outcome, you should be proud of yourself for completing them. Treat yourself to something nice, and then you can think about how to solve your problem |
| Learn from your mistakes | Take a look at all the places you might have gone wrong, such as sections of work you have not covered, using incorrect study methods, or cramming the night before. When you write your exams again, try to avoid these mistakes |
| Do not compare yourself to others | After the Matric results have been released, do not compare them with your friends and other classmates. Not everybody has the same strengths and methods of studying. Keep your results to yourself to avoid further disappointment |
| Have a backup plan | There are many ways you can redo your Matric examinations and get better grades. Sit down and do some research on your available options |
Can I Redo My Matric Year?
Yes, you can redo your Matric year. If you so wish, you can re-enrol in your Matric year at your high school and redo all of your school work, assignments, tests, and examinations. However, you must be younger than 21 years old to be able to do this. You will be attending school again like a normal high school student.
How Can I Improve My Matric Results?
If you didn’t get the results you wanted, there are still ways to achieve your goals and boost your marks.
You can improve your Matric results by applying for one of the following programmes:
What Is A Matric Upgrade?
A Matric Upgrade is a course that you can take if you have already completed your Matric exams, and you are unhappy with the results you received. You can register for a Matric Upgrade and redo the subjects you want to improve. You can also add vital subjects to your Matric certificate, which will allow you to further your studies in a specific direction.
Who Qualifies For A Matric Upgrade?
A Matric Upgrade is designed for individuals who want to improve their previous Matric results.
You are eligible for a Matric Upgrade if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 21 years or older
- You have already written your Matric exams
- Apply with your final Matric results or incomplete Matric results
How Many Times Can I Upgrade My Matric Results?
You can upgrade your Matric results as many times as you want until you are satisfied with the results. You can apply as long as you are 21 years or older. Take your time, and concentrate on your studies. Do not rush into universities or colleges. First, get the necessary results, and then apply with confidence, knowing that you meet the entry requirements.
Is Upgrading Matric A Good Idea?
Yes, upgrading your Matric results is a good idea if you want to improve your chances of studying further or finding a job.
You will be able to do the following:
- Get a higher APS on your Matric certificate
- Add new subjects to your Matric certificate, which you will need for university entrance
- Get a higher Matric pass to study the qualification you want
- Want to improve your current subject marks to meet university or college entry requirements
- Pass the subjects you have failed to complete your Matric certificate
What Is A Matric Rewrite?
A Matric Rewrite is your second opportunity to rewrite your Matric exams. You can apply for this programme as soon as you receive your Matric results. If you are unhappy with your results in one or more of your subjects, you do not have to rewrite all of them. You can only rewrite the subjects you want to improve on or pass.
Who Qualifies For A Matric Rewrite?
A Matric Rewrite is meant for students who want to improve their recent Matric exam results.
You qualify for a Matric Rewrite if you meet the following:
- You are younger than 21 years old
- You have already written your final Matric exams
- You can apply with your final Matric results or your incomplete Matric results
Where Can I Study For A Matric Rewrite?
At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, you can study for a Matric Rewrite even after 5 years. We will assist you in obtaining all of your study materials and textbooks for your exams. We will also help you register for the Matric exams, which can be taken in May/June or October/November.
Why Should I Do A Matric Rewrite?
You should do a Matric Rewrite because it will help you get better marks and a higher pass level on your Matric certificate. If you want to study at a university, you must have a bachelor’s pass, which can be obtained by earning higher grades.
Some courses also require you to have a certain percentage for your subjects, which rewriting specific subjects can help you achieve.
What Is An Amended Senior Certificate?
An Amended Senior Certificate (SC) is for students who did not complete their Matric Certificate and left school at an earlier age. You can apply for this course with only a grade 9 certificate.
If you are over the age of 21 and are unable to apply for the Matric Rewrite Programme, or if you have too many subjects to upgrade through the Matric Upgrade Programme, you can apply for the Amended Senior Certificate programme to complete your Matric and achieve good results.
How Do I Qualify For The Amended Senior Certificate?
The Amended Senior Certificate is intended for adults who want to complete their matric.
You will qualify for the Amended Senior Certificate if you meet the following requirements:
- You are 21 years or older when you write your first examinations
- You have a Grade 9 report or Grade 9 Equivalent that contains two (2) official languages
Do Universities Accept Amended Senior Certificates?
Yes, universities do accept Amended Senior Certificates. The value of an Amended Senior Certificate (SC) is the same as that of a National Senior Certificate (NSC), which is a NQF Level 4 and is accredited by Umalusi. With this certificate, you can apply to any higher learning institution.
How Many Subjects Do I Need To Obtain An Amended Senior Certificate?
To pass an Amended Senior Certificate (SC), you must pass five (5) of the six (6) subjects. However, to ensure that your Matric certificate looks good to universities, colleges, or employers, we recommend that you pass all of your subjects.
What Is The Difference Between a National Senior Certificate And An Amended Senior Certificate?
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) and the Amended Senior Certificate (SC) are both recognised Matric qualifications in South Africa. However, they are designed for different groups of learners and have some key differences in how they are earned.
Here are the differences between a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and an Amended Senior Certificate (SC):
| National Senior Certificate (NSC) | Amended Senior Certificate (SC) |
| Study through high school | Study at a college |
| Be younger than 21 years | Be 21 years or older |
| Complete classes, assignments, tests and exams | Only complete Matric exams |
| Need to pass six (6) subjects | Need to pass five (5) subjects |
Can I Get A Job If I Did Not Pass Matric?
Yes, you can still get a job, even if you do not have a Matric certificate. It might be a bit difficult because a Matric certificate is usually a minimum requirement. But there are jobs out there that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be able to do the job.
What Jobs Can I Do Without Matric In South Africa?
Not having a Matric certificate does not mean you cannot find work. There are many job opportunities available in South Africa that focus more on skills, experience, and attitude than formal qualifications.
Here are some job opportunities you can apply for in South Africa that do not require a Matric certificate:
- Sales Representative
- Receptionist
- Personal Assistant
- Cashier
- Call Centre Agent
- General Worker
- Entrepreneur
Please keep in mind that each job has its own requirements, and not all the jobs listed above can always be applied for without a Matric certificate. Please read the application requirements thoroughly before you apply.
Which Courses I Can Do Without A Matric Certificate?
If you do not have a Matric certificate, you can still study and build a successful career. At Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, there are several recognised and valuable courses you can enrol in without needing Matric.
Here is a list of courses you can apply for at Bellview Institute of Distance Learning if you do not have a Matric certificate:
| ICB Course | Entry Requirement |
| Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate | Grade 10 Certificate or an Equivalent |
| Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate | Grade 11 or an Equivalent Or Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate |
| Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate | Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate |
If you were unable to complete your Matric certificate or did not meet the minimum pass requirements, this does not prevent you from furthering your studies.
You will be able to learn skills and knowledge on how to work in an organisation and build a successful career for yourself by taking the courses mentioned above.
What Are The Benefits Of Studying With Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning?
Studying with an accredited distance-learning college holds many benefits. Bellview Institute of Distance Learning makes it easier for you to reach your education and career goals—no matter where you are or how busy your schedule is. Some of these benefits are:
- Study from anywhere in South Africa
- Study materials are delivered directly to your doorstep
- Work and study at the same time
- Create your own study schedule
- Save on travelling costs
- Have an online student support system
How Do I Apply?
Applying for one of our Matric programmes is quick and easy. You can choose the option that works best for you, and our team will guide you through every step.
Applying for one of our Matric programmes can be done by contacting us in one of these ways:
- Complete our online application form
- Contact a course specialist
- Call us: 021 838 8220
- Send a WhatsApp to: 065 656 9818
frequently asked questions
No, you will need at least a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Amended Senior Certificate (SC) which is an NQF Level 4, to apply for SAPS.
Not having a Matric certificate doesn’t mean your future is over—there are still many ways to build a successful career.
You can survive without Matric by doing one of the following:
- Study a course without Matric
- Apply for entry-level job positions
- Start your own business
You are allowed to fail one (1) subject in your Matric year, and you will still be eligible to receive your completed Matric certificate, provided the subject you did not pass is not your home language.
No, you cannot improve or rewrite any subjects at Unisa. You can only study courses at Unisa after you have completed your Matric certificate and met the entry requirements of their courses.
In 2024, the province with the lowest Matric pass rate was the Northern Cape, with a pass rate of 84.2%.
Author: Esmari Pool
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: January 24, 2023