A Matric Exemption Certificate is a document issued by the Matriculation Board. You must apply for the Matric Exemption Certificate if you have a Matric qualification that is not recognised in South Africa and was not obtained in high school or as an Adult Matric certificate.
Depending on the type of Matric exemption certificate you apply for, you will then be able to apply for first-degree courses at a university with your qualification. This is especially useful for international students who have already completed their Matric elsewhere.
How Do I Get A Matric Exemption Certificate?
You can follow these simple steps to receive a Matric Exemption Certificate:
- Step 1: Get a Matric exemption certificate application form (M30e) from the Matriculation Board
- Step 2: Fill out all of your personal information
- Step 3: Provide the form back to the Matriculation board
- Step 4: Pay the standard application fee
- Step 5: Wait for five (5) to ten (10) working days for your application to be processed
- Step 6: You will receive your provisional exemption letter as soon as it is ready in about six (6) to eight weeks (8) and use this to apply to universities
Where Can I Get An Application Form?
You can request a Matric exemption certificate application form (M30e) in the following ways:
- At Admissions Offices Of Universities
- The Matriculation Board Website
- Via E-mail: [email protected]
- The Form Is Faxed To You
What NQF Level Is Matric Exemption?
A Matric exemption is typically comparable to a NQF Level 4 qualification, which is equivalent to a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass. However, it is entirely dependent on the university to which you wish to apply. Some universities may request an NQF Level 5 Matric exemption.
Do your research first before considering applying for a Matric exemption.
Who Qualifies For Matric Exemption?
You will qualify for a Matric exemption if you have a Senior Certificate that is not endorsed or a school-leaving certificate from a foreign country that is equivalent to a Matric certificate in South Africa. You can then use this qualification to apply for Matric exemption.
What Are The Different Types Of Matric Exemption Certificates?
There are two (2) main types of Matric Exemption certificates. They are:
- Complete Exemption Certificate
- Conditional Exemption Certificate
What Is A Complete Exemption Certificate?
This is a Matric exemption certificate that depends on the type of qualification you want to study at a university. You will then be awarded this certificate with no expiration date and can use it to apply for your course.
What Is A Conditional Exemption Certificate?
There are four (4) different types of conditional exemption certificates. They are the following:
| Conditional Exception Certificate | Description |
| Mature age | You must be 21 or older. You will be able to use this exemption for the entirety of your studies plus an extra two (2) years |
| Foreign conditional | You will be able to use this exemption for the entirety of your studies plus an extra two (2) years |
| Ordinary conditional | Valid for one (1) year and need to be renewed each year for as much as needed |
| Senate’s discretionary | It lasts for three (3) years after a student has completed an Access course or a Foundation programme |
What Is The Difference Between Matric Exemption And Matric Not Exempt?
Here you will find the differences between a Matric exemption and Matric not except:
| Matric exemption | Matric not except |
| Is recognised in South Africa | Is not recognised in South Africa |
| Can apply for university | Cannot apply for university |
| Can study a degree course | Cannot study a degree course |
How Much Does A Matric Exemption Certificate Cost?
R700.00 is the standard application fee for a Matric exemption certificate, which is non-refundable. This amount is subject to change at any time during the year and is a one-time payment.
How Long Does It Take To Get Matric Exemption?
It will take between six (6) and eight (8) weeks to process the application for a Matric exemption certificate. This is because of the high volume of applications they receive.
So it is advised that you apply as soon as possible to prevent missing any university deadlines.
Is A Matric Exemption Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a Matric exemption is worth it. If you do not have a qualification that is recognised by the Matriculation Board and you want to further your studies at a South African university, you will need an exemption. Obtaining a qualification will help you find employment and start the career of your dreams.
What Does A Matric Exemption Certificate Allow Me To Do?
A Matric Exemption Certificate will allow you to do the following:
- Get your education recognised in South Africa
- Apply for a degree course
- Study further at a South African university
- Find employment with your recognised qualification
Will My Exemption Certificate Be Valid If I Change Universities?
Yes, it will remain valid. However, before changing universities, you must submit an application to the Matriculation Board to notify them of your decision. They must be aware of which university you intend to transfer to and when you intend to enrol.
This is because different universities accept different Matric exemptions, and you must ensure that the university to which you are transferring will accept your application.
Does A Matric Exemption Certificate Expire?
No, a Matric Exemption Certificate does not have an expiration date. It will begin to take effect on the day you are awarded the Matric exemption certificate. This means you cannot begin applying for courses until you have received your Matric exemption certificate.
What Can I Study Without Matric?
Without a Matric, you can start studying one of the first courses in our ICB programmes.
What Are The Entry Requirements For The ICB Courses?
Here are the entry requirements for the non-Matric ICB qualifications:
ICB Business Management Programme
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Entry requirement: Grade 11 Certificate Or Equivalent Or Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Entry requirement: Grade 11 Certificate Or Equivalent Or Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
- Entry requirement: Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Entry requirement: Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma
- Entry requirement: Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Programme
- Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Entry requirement: Grade 10 Certificate or Equivalent
- Entry requirement: Grade 10 Certificate or Equivalent
- Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Entry requirement: Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Entry requirement: Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Entry requirement: Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Entry requirement: Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Entry requirement: Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
Are The ICB Courses Accredited?
Yes, all the ICB courses are accredited by these entities:
What Job Opportunities Can I Apply For With An ICB Qualification?
Depending on which ICB qualification you completed, the following job opportunities are available to you:
| ICB Programme | Job opportunity | Potential salary range |
| ICB Business Management Programme | Business Consultant | Between R17 500 and R158 658 per month |
| Sales Manager | Between R24 955 and R439 141 per month | |
| Customer Service Consultant | Between R13 000 and R24 000 per month | |
| Sales assistant | Between R12 000 and R45 000 per month | |
| ICB Bookkeeping and Accounting Programme | Bookkeeper | Between R15 000 and R30 000 per month |
| Accountant | Between R22 500 and R468 500 per month | |
| Financial Manager | Between R34 995 and R745 275 per month | |
| Auditor | Between R23 979 and R618 333 per month |
The company for which you apply, your educational level, and your responsibilities in an organisation will all influence whether you will be paid within these ranges.
What Are The Benefits Of Studying With Bellview Institute Of Distance Learning?
Studying with Bellview Institute of Distance Learning will offer its students many advantages, such as:
- Study and work at the same time
- Study from anywhere in South Africa
- Tutors available to help you
- A strong student support system
- Access to online study groups
- Study material will be delivered directly to your house
- Receive an accredited and affordable qualification
How Can I Apply For A Course?
You can apply in one of the following ways:
- Fill out an online application form
- Speak to one of our course specialists
- Call us on: 021 838 8280
- Send a WhatsApp or call us on this number: 065 656 9818
frequently asked questions
Yes, you can do your Matric online. You can study for your Matric online from your house at a distance-learning college. But after you have studied, you will have to write your examinations at an examination venue in person.
Yes, Bellview Institute of Distance Learning is a college that is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and is allowed to offer tertiary studies to students who want to study from home.
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning offers distance learning courses in South Africa and has a variety of accredited and affordable courses to choose from.
Yes, NSFAS will fund your online distance learning if you are studying full-time through a public university or college. If you are not, you will not receive funding from the NSFAS funding scheme.
Yes, you can be employed without Matric. You can study a variety of courses without a Matric certificate that will teach you the skills and knowledge to start an entry-level job.
Author: Esmari Pool
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: January 25, 2023