How to Get Your Matric as an Adult in South Africa

how to get your matric as an adult image

Want to know how to get your matric as an adult? Here's the short answer: if you are 21 or older, you can write the Senior Certificate (amended). Most people call it adult matric. You write six subjects in the May/June exams. Passing can open the door to a degree, diploma or higher certificate.

You are not too old. You are not too late. Let's go step by step. 👇

What is adult matric?

Adult matric is the everyday name for the Senior Certificate (amended), or SC. It is run by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

School learners write the National Senior Certificate (NSC). Adults write the SC. Here is what is different:

You write six subjects.
There is no schoolwork mark (called School-Based Assessment). Your exam is 100% of your final mark.
The exams are written in May/June each year.
Subjects with a practical part are usually not offered, because adult candidates don't get full-time lessons. Some provinces allow IT or CAT if you show proof of practical classes. Ask your province.

Who can write adult matric?

You can write if you are 21 or older and have one of these:

A GETC (General Education and Training Certificate).
A Grade 9 school report that shows you passed Grade 9 (or old Standard 7).
A recognised qualification at an equal level.
An incomplete Senior Certificate or incomplete NSC.

You can also write if you already have a qualification and want to improve your results.

Are you under 21 (about 18 to 20)? Only in exceptional cases. The DBE says 18 to 21, and the Western Cape says 18 to 20, so ask your province. The Head of Department in your province's education department must check your situation first. You can't register online. You fill in an application form instead.

Started the NSC but never finished? You can finish it as a part-time candidate. Or you can switch to the SC. But once you switch, you can't go back to the NSC. Think carefully first.

How many subjects do I write, and what marks do I need to pass?

You write six subjects. You choose the rest of your subjects from a list of 34 adapted NSC subjects. Ask your province if you may spread your subjects over more than one sitting.

To pass, you need all three of these:

Three subjects at 40% or more. One must be an official language at Home Language level.
Two subjects at 30% or more. One must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level.
At least 20% in your sixth subject.

Example (made up, to show the sums): Your six marks are 55%, 48%, 41%, 33%, 31% and 22%. Three are 40% or more. Two more are 30% or more. The last is above 20%. If the language rules are also met, that is a pass.

How do I register for adult matric?

You can register online or in person.

Online: go to eservices.gov.za. You need:

A valid South African ID number. It will appear on your certificate.
A working email address. Your admission letter is sent there.
A cellphone with you. A one-time PIN is sent to it.
Scans or photos of your documents. Each file must be 512 KB or smaller. Use PDF, JPG, JPEG, TIFF or PNG.

In person: go to a provincial education office, a district office or a circuit office. Take:

A filled-in registration form.
A certified copy of your ID.
A copy of your highest qualification, if you are rewriting.

How much does adult matric cost?

The DBE registration pages we checked don't list a registration fee. They also don't say it is free. Ask your district office before you pay anyone.

Some things do cost money. For example, the Western Cape Education Department lists a remark at R130 per subject (a 2026 fee that may change). Private tuition costs whatever the provider charges.

🚩 Never pay a stranger to "register you". Register yourself, or go to an official office.

Where can I get help studying?

The DBE runs the Second Chance Matric Programme. It supports people who haven't met the NSC requirements. People registered for the June SC exams can use it.

You can ask about it through:

Your district education office.
A Community Education and Training (CET) college.
A Second Chance Matric support centre.
Email: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za
Phone or SMS: 063 696 7246

The programme also offers TV and radio lessons. In 2023, SAnews reported that the government learning materials were given to learners at no cost. Ask for the current details.

You can also take a private tuition course. If you do, read the next section first.

How do I avoid fake adult matric providers?

Some people sell fake "quick matric" certificates. Don't fall for it.

SAnews reported that only institutions registered with the provincial education department and accredited by Umalusi may offer the NSC. Umalusi is the quality council for school-level qualifications.
The four quality councils warned in December 2025 about fake matric rewrite centres and back-room tuition centres.
Vuk'uzenzele (January 2026) quoted Umalusi's CEO: "There are no shortcuts to achieving a credible qualification."
Vuk'uzenzele also lists the National Anti-Corruption Hotline for reporting suspected fraud: 0800 701 701.

Ask any provider: "Are you registered with the provincial education department and accredited by Umalusi?" Get the answer in writing.

What can I do with adult matric?

According to the DBE, SC candidates "can also qualify for admission to Bachelor, Diploma or Higher Certificate programmes" at higher education institutions.

Every course has its own entry rules. Some need specific subjects. Check the course you want before you choose your subjects.

Learn how marks become an admission score in Matric results explained: pass levels, codes and APS.
Look at careers to see which subjects your dream job needs.
Look at funding for bursaries and NSFAS. Ask the funder if they accept an SC before you apply.

Is there another way into university without matric?

Maybe. It's called mature-age exemption. It isn't a matric. It's permission to study a degree.

According to Universities South Africa (USAf), a university's senate must support your application. Then a certificate of conditional exemption is issued. Two rules apply for a bachelor's degree of at least three years:

Age 23 or older by the end of the year you enrol, and you passed at least four old Higher Grade or Standard Grade subjects at 40% or more. At least three of them must have been passed at the same time. Most adults won't have these old subjects.
Age 45 or older by the end of the year you enrol, whatever your qualifications.

There are extra conditions, so don't guess. Start by asking the university you want to apply to.

What about the GED?

The GED is an American test. It is not the same as matric. Read Matric vs GED in South Africa before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I write matric at 30 or 40?

Yes. Adults 21 and older can write the Senior Certificate (amended) if they have a GETC, a Grade 9 report or an equal qualification.

What is the difference between adult matric and normal matric?

Adults write six subjects and have no schoolwork mark. Exams are in May/June. School learners write the NSC with a schoolwork mark.

When do I register for adult matric in 2027?

The Western Cape Education Department lists online registration from 1 October 2026 to 5 February 2027, and in-person registration from 2 November 2026 to 5 February 2027. Check your own province.

Can I register for adult matric online?

Yes, at eservices.gov.za. You need an ID number, an email address and a cellphone for a one-time PIN.

Can I go to university with an adult matric?

The DBE says you can qualify for Bachelor, Diploma or Higher Certificate programmes. Check each course's entry rules.

Do I need Grade 9 to write?

You need a Grade 9 report, a GETC or an equal qualification, or an incomplete SC or NSC.

What is NASCA?

It is the National Senior Certificate for Adults, a qualification registered with SAQA. A 2022 news report said the Department of Higher Education postponed its rollout. The DBE pages we checked list only the Senior Certificate (amended). Ask the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training or Umalusi before you rely on NASCA.

Who do I call for help?

The DBE call centre is on 0800 202 933.

Sources: