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Get a second chance at matric through distance education, here's how

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Picture: iStock
Picture: iStock

Final results for the Matric Class of 2019 have been released and thousands of learners are set to begin tertiary education or look for work. 

The majority of these matriculants will look to move on from their schooling careers, but some may be unhappy with their final pass results.

And then there will also be those learners who have unfortunately not met the pass requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

In these instances, it isn’t always possible for these learners to return to their schools and rewrite one or more subjects during 2020, especially those 21 and older. 

But this doesn’t have to be the end of the road and these learners do have a second chance at success. 

"You can always go back through a distance education provider... and redo one or all of your subjects to improve your marks and get the pass you want. Moreover, you can do this with a high degree of flexibility from home, during your own time, says Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director of Impaq's Optimi Home, a programme offering homeschooling options for those hoping to complete their matric year or obtain a better pass level. 


Also see: Disappointing matric results? Here are your options

How it works 

Regardless of the assessment body that learners were previously registered with, any matric candidate who had a final examination sitting either last year or even in previous years - can register with an Umalusi accredited distance education provider like Impaq, UNISA, Damelin Correspondence or Intec College in order to complete their matric year or improve on their previous results. 

Impaq’s Matric Repeater programme, for example, can be used to either improve or repeat Grade 12. 

Writing the Amended Senior Certificate in June/July 2020

But whether you're registered with an adult learning centre or not, you'll still be able to complete or redo your matric year via the Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) exams.

Registration for the 2020 ASC exams can be done either online, via your provincial education department's website, or with your distance education provider. 

NB: Registration for the 2020 Amended Senior Certificate exams closes: 31 January 2020. 

To register, you'll need: 

Local candidates 

  • your previous results (a certified copy) 
  • your ID (certified)
  • proof of residence

Foreign candidates

  • your previous results or highest qualifications (the copy you provided must be approved by any of South Africa's Qualifications Associations) 
  • your valid passport, visa or study permit (certified)
  • proof of residence

Find more information by reading: How to get your matric as an adult in 2020

A few useful links

Thorough research is recommended when considering completing matric through distance learning, here are a few useful links to get the ball rolling on your research: 

An alternative to matric and varsity: your study options in SA explained

Are you over the age of 21 and wish to pursue a matric certificate but was unable to complete your matric studies? 

Download past matric exam papers for free here 

Here's a list of all the NSC and IEB matric past exam papers and memos, to download for free and practice on. 

You need these 5 skills if you're thinking of distance learning 

Distance learning has changed tertiary education for the better but is not without its challenges. Consider these tips before signing up.

Don't fret! From remarking your exams to completely redoing your subjects – there are so many options available to you.

South Africa's universities and colleges: contact details

Here we list nearly 200 accredited tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Are you considering redoing your matric year as an adult? Find our details below and share your story with us. 

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