Each year, thousands of grade 12 students in South Africa appear for the matric exams, which will help define their future educational path. Sometimes, students are unsatisfied with their scores and want to reattempt the matric to improve their scores. This is called a matric rewrite and is available to students who are under 21 years of age.
Students can self-study or apply for admission at Matric rewrite centres. These centres are specialised institutes that provide education and resources to help students improve their scores for the matric rewrite exams. Matric centres are registered with the Provincial Education Department and accredited by Umalusi.
This article will introduce students to rewrite centres, identify their benefits, and help students choose one for success.
Table of Contents
What is a Matric Rewrite Centre?
Students can rewrite the matric if they have failed the examination or wish to improve their scores. This can help students achieve a higher pass level on the matric certificate, allowing entry into better higher education programmes. These are some of the reasons why students choose to study at a rewrite centre:
- Pass subjects that you previously failed.
- Improve the score of specific subjects
- Pass the matric exam
- Gain a higher matric pass level
- Improve your APS score
Matric rewrite centres are institutes that help students prepare for their matric rewrite exams and improve their scores. The main requirement for registration is that the candidate must have appeared for the matric exam in the past.
While many matric centres are private, government centres are also available. Students can also choose to study offline or opt for online classes if they are employed.
Students can enrol for subjects they wish to study and opt for offline and online programmes. Offline centres also offer additional benefits such as study groups and extra tutorials. Matric rewrite centres in South Africa offer different subjects based on their subject specialisation.
Learn more about What is Matric Rewrite Exams
Who Can Register at a Matric Rewrite Centre?
When students apply for admission at a matric rewrite centre, they must be certain they can dedicate themselves to studying again. These programmes are usually 12 months long and help to cover the entire curriculum in detail before the students register to apply for a matric rewrite.
A matric centre can help students identify factors that led to their inadequacy during the matric exams. It also provides structure and can help students create a timetable to help them improve their matric scores and gain admission into a higher education programme.
These are the qualifications for admission to a matric rewrite centre in South Africa:
- Must have appeared for the matric exam previously
- Should be South African citizens or residents
- Below 21 years of age
- Matriculates less than three years ago
Know what is the difference between Matric Rewrite and Upgrade here!
What are the Types of Matric Rewrite Centres?
There are various types of matric rewrite centres in South Africa, and they all operate with the goal of helping students improve their matric scores. In addition to providing classes, centres also help students with additional resources such as course material, study tips, and past examination papers.
Students also have the option of choosing from offline and online centres. They can attend classes full-time, which means Monday through Friday, or they can opt for a part-time centre, which offers weekend classes. The table below helps differentiate between the various types of matric rewrite centres.
| Criteria | Government Sponsored Centres | Private Matric Rewrite Centres | Online Matric Rewrite Centres |
| Fees | Free | Registration, deposit and subject-wise fees | Registration and subject-wise fees |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) | Must be accredited. Students should check. | Must be accredited. Students should check. |
| Admission Deadline | Yes | No | No |
| Curriculum | Follows the national curriculum | Follows the national curriculum | Follows the national curriculum |
| Additional Resources | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flexibility | Set locations and schedules | More flexible with schedule and locations. | Highly flexible. Students study at their own pace. |
| Support Service | None | Personalised support | Online chats, study material, one-on-one tutoring. |
| Success Rate | This could be lower due to the larger class size | Higher due to additional support and a structured classroom environment. | It is dependent on the individual’s commitment to learning and submitting assessments. |
What is the Cost of Enrolling in a Matric Rewrite Centre?
Matric rewrite centres operate similarly to schools. Therefore, they have operating costs. They must also pay their teachers and overhead costs such as electricity etc. Private and online matric rewrite centres charge a registration fee plus subject-wise fees. So, students pay more when they register for more courses to rewrite.
Fees can range from R350 to R1500 per subject, depending on the centre’s location. Students also need to pay a registration fee, exam fees, ID fees, etc.
On the other hand, government centres do not charge fees and are overseen by the DBE. These centres help provide classes in rural and semi-rural areas where private rewrite centres might not operate. They are also
Students can write a maximum of four courses when they attempt the matric rewrite. Additionally, they must rewrite the subjects they attempted during their first attempt.
Know What is Second Chance Matric Programme In detail here!
How to Choose the Right Matric Rewrite Centre?
When students attempt the matric rewrite, they do so with the primary goal of improving their scores. This could be a single subject score, which can help them apply for their dream undergraduate programme, or multiple subjects to help improve their overall matric score.
Therefore, students must choose a centre with a high success rate, which is affordable, and which offers classes that fit their needs. Students will also need to create a study schedule to revise independently.
These are important factors to consider when deciding on a matric rewrite centre.
- Location and accessibility
- Subject availability
- Class size
- Accreditation of the centre
- Reputation of the centre
- Fees
- Payment Timeline
- Course Duration
How to Register at a Matric Rewrite Centre?
Once students have finalised a centre and their mode of study, they need to register before they can begin their classes. All matric rewrite centres require students to be under 21 years of age when they appear for the matric and should have previously attempted the matric exam.
These are the general documents that are required during registration:
- Certified copy of ID
- Final matric exam results
- Statement of Results
Once students have their documents prepared and have their centre selected, they must register before the deadline closes. The last date to register for private and online centres varies depending on the institute. This is the process to follow when registering at a matric rewrite centre in South Africa.
Government Centre
Registration closes on 7 February 2025
- Select the closest centre
- Gather documents
- Register at the nearest district office
Private Centre
- Contact the centre
- Gather documents
- Complete the Application Form
- Make the Payment
Online Centre
- Fill out the registration form online
- Speak with the support staff
- Finalise subjects, choose a payment plan and complete registration over the phone.
- Submit documents
What are the Benefits of Attending a Matric Rewrite Centre?
Many students do not perform well during the matric exams due to external factors such as illness or family problems. Other times, time mismanagement, lack of preparation, or low-quality teachers could also be issues.
When students register at a matric rewrite centre, they wish to improve their matric scores and have the opportunity to continue higher education.
These are some of the benefits of attending a matric rewrite centre.
- Improved academic performance
- Access to additional resources
- Flexible learning options
- Guidance in exam preparation
- A better understanding of subjects
- Personalised support
- Periodic assessments to test knowledge
Conclusion
If a student is unhappy with their matric score, they can rewrite the exams and improve their scores. This helps students gain better employment and higher education opportunities.
Many students who are unsatisfied with their matric scores choose to attend matric rewrite centres to help improve their scores. These centres offer structured classes, regularly test students, and offer additional support and guidance. They offer offline and online classes, and students are free to select a programme that suits their needs.
Check out Regenesys for more information regarding our higher education programmes.
Matric Rewrite Centre – FAQs
What is a matric rewrite centre?
These are educational institutes that help students prepare for their matric rewrite exams.
Who can register at a rewrite centre?
To register at a centre, students must be under 21 years of age and have previously appeared for the matric exams.
How to register at a matric rewrite centre?
Students need to gather necessary documents, fill out the application form, and pay the fees to register at a rewrite centre.
What types of rewrite centres are available?
There are three main types: government-sponsored, private, and online matric rewrite centres.
What subjects can I study at a matric rewrite centre?
Students can choose from a variety of subjects based on the offerings of the centre they select. Most centres follow the national curriculum and provide resources for multiple subjects.
How do I choose the right centre?
When selecting a centre, consider factors such as location, accessibility, subject availability, class size, accreditation, reputation, fees, payment timelines, and course duration.
What are the benefits of attending matric rewrite centres?
Benefits include improved academic performance, access to additional resources, flexible learning options, personalised support, guidance in exam preparation, and a better understanding of subjects.
