What is the Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Upgrade?

The matric is the most crucial exam that high school students in South Africa must take. Since the matric exam results are the first step towards higher education, students should always aim to score high to qualify for a bachelor’s pass. This allows them provisional acceptance into undergraduate programmes. 

However, if a student misses the minimum requirements by a few marks or scores low on a required subject, they can improve their score. 

They might choose to appear for the exam again through a matric rewrite or a matric upgrade. Let us clarify the difference between matric rewrite and upgrade to help candidates choose how to improve their scores.

What Is a Matric Rewrite?

A matric rewrite is sometimes referred to as a supplementary exam and is an opportunity to improve the original matric scores. A rewrite allows candidates to appear only for the subjects they failed in or the ones they would like to improve their scores for. An improved score would grant them a better university as it also improves the Admission Point Score (APS) and offers better job opportunities. 

Candidates who choose a matric rewrite must be under 21 years of age and can only rewrite for a maximum of four subjects. This is one point which highlights the difference between matric rewrite and upgrade. 

These exams are usually held twice a year, and the applications for rewrites for 2025 will open in October 2024. When the exam schedules are released, candidates need to only appear for the subjects they wish to rewrite. 

After candidates receive their new scores, they can apply for a matric certificate replacement to reflect the higher scores.

What Is a Matric Upgrade?

A matric upgrade, also known as the Amended Senior Certificate, is a chance for adults over the age of 21 to improve their original matric score. The age factor is a key difference between matric rewrite and upgrade. There is no limit to how many times one can upgrade their matric. 

Additionally, an upgrade applies to those who failed initially and would like to pass or to those who would like to improve their score. Upgrades allow candidates to appear for up to four exams and the freedom to change four exam subjects from their originals. Students cannot drop the compulsory subjects, but they have the option to change the type of mathematics subject.

Once candidates receive their scores, they can apply to combine their scores and reissue the matric certificate with their top scores. This replacement certificate can be used to apply for better job opportunities and higher education programmes. 

What is the Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade

The matric rewrite and the matric upgrade offer grade 12 students and adults a chance to improve their final matric score or pass the matric. The upgraded score will make them eligible for various higher education programmes, such as certificates and bachelor’s degrees. Those who pass the matric on the re-attempt can use the NQF Level 4 (National Qualification Framework) awarded to them to apply for higher education, vocational training, or enter the job market. 

While the matric rewrite and upgrade fall under the Second Chance Matric Programme, they target different groups. Let us look at the difference between matric rewrite and upgrade. 

Factor	Matric Rewrite	Matric upgrade
Purpose	Retake a maximum of four original subjects to improve overall matric score	Retake a maximum of 4 subjects, with an option to change subjects to improve the score.
Eligibility	Must have previously appeared for the matric	It can also be registered by those who have previously not appeared for the matric
Age	Must be under 21 years of age	Must be over 21 years of age
Exam Date	Takes place twice a year: May/June and November	Takes place twice a year: May/June and November
Registration	Opens twice a year	Can register throughout the year

Benefits of Matric Rewrite

A matric rewrite is an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to improve their matric score and apply for higher education shortly. A matric rewrite can be written as long as the candidate is under 21 years of age. This is one major difference between matric rewrite and upgrade. Although a matric rewrite allows candidates to appear for a maximum of four subjects, they need to appear for the subjects they registered for the first time they wrote their matric exams.

These are some of the benefits of a matric rewrite:

• Improving the overall matric score
• Passing any subjects that one might have failed originally
• Achieve a higher matric pass level
• Improve their APS score

Benefits of Matric Upgrade

A matric upgrade is beneficial for those who might have yet to be able to appear for all their matric exams. This would mean that they failed the matric and never received their certificate. These candidates still only have a grade 11 or NQF level 3 qualification. A matric upgrade is also an option for those who left school after grade 9 and never had the chance to for the matric. This is a key difference between matric rewrite and upgrade. For one to appear for an upgrade, they must be over 21 years of age. Many years have lapsed since the candidate appeared for their original matric exams, so they should spend some time reviewing course materials. 

Some of the benefits of a matric upgrade area:

• Improved matric scores
• Wider job opportunities
• Flexibility to prepare for courses online
• Option to apply for vocational training or higher education

How to Apply for Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade

The DBE makes it easy for candidates to apply for the matric rewrite and upgrade. They need to ensure that they fill out the form correctly and attach all necessary documents. While for a rewrite, candidates must have already appeared for the matric previously; it is not a requirement if you are registering for the matric upgrade. Candidates who have appeared for the matric exam previously will need to submit the original scores and a certified copy of their ID. It can be certified from a Commissioner of Oaths at a police station or by an attorney.

These are the steps students can take to register for the matric rewrite and matric upgrade:

1. Visit the DBE website or any provincial education office
2. Fill out the online registration form correctly
3. Upload all necessary documents

What is the Fee for the Rewrite and Upgrade?

Students usually register to appear for a matric rewrite the following year. This way, the course material is still fresh for them, and most would only need to spend time revising the subject curriculum. However, if they need additional help, they can enrol with a private institute or repeat the school year. The fees to register to study for a matric rewrite vary depending on the number of subjects and institute. 

Many who appear for a matric upgrade choose to register with an institute to help them learn the course material and help prepare them for the exams. Many offer flexible online courses that allow students to set their own pace. The fee varies depending on the number of subjects and the institute. 

There is no difference between matric rewrite and upgrade regarding the fee to register for a rewrite. Both are free to register on the DBE website.

How to Choose Between Matric Rewrite and Matric Upgrade?

Choosing between a matric rewrite and a matric upgrade could come down to two main factors: the candidate’s age and the subjects they wish to rewrite. If the individual only wishes to rewrite a maximum of two original subjects, it is best to opt for the matric rewrite, provided they are under 21.

However, if they wish to change their subjects or if they need to rewrite more than two subjects, they will need to opt for the matric upgrade. While students can register for the upgrade before they are 21 years old, they can only appear for the exam once they are 21.

Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual and can depend on other external factors.

Conclusion

While there is a difference between matric rewrite and upgrade, both options are available to help those in the South African education system improve their matric scores. It will help those registering for the Second Chance Matric Programme to gain better job opportunities, study for an advanced degree, and even gain confidence in passing grade 12.

Once you have completed the matric rewrite or the matric upgrade successfully, check out Regenesys for more information regarding undergraduate programmes you can apply for.

Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Upgrade – FAQs