I Failed Matric, Now What?

• You need to find out why you have failed. This will determine the next best course of action
• You can have your exams rechecked, remarked, reviewed, or get a Matric Upgrade at Matric college
• Studying without Matric is another option. At Matric College you can get a Matric Equivalent Certificate with The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers 
• ICB offers 2 study streams you study without Matric
• Completing a short course without Matric is also an option

Not passing Matric is tough, but you still have options. Your first move is to figure out why you didn’t pass — this will guide your next best step, whether that’s redoing subjects or choosing a different study route that doesn’t require a Matric Certificate.

Why Did You Fail?

You need to know the reasons why you have failed Matric then decide on the next best course of action. If you did not work hard enough or had personal problems, try to complete your Matric.

Study Matric Online and you will be able to further your studies where colleges/universities require Matric. Adult Matric is commonly referred to as Senior Certificate (Amended). 

If you have failed because you are not academically inclined, or you do not think Matric is the right path for you, you should consider doing a Matric Equivalent Certificate or a Short Course.

Reasons Why You Failed

Reflect honestly on what happened so you can choose the right path forward:

• Didn’t study effectively or consistently

• Distractions — friends, TV, games, social media

• Low class participation or weak exam technique

• Personal challenges that affected your focus

• You feel Matric isn’t the right fit for how you learn

If your challenges were temporary or practical — study habits, time management, exam strategy — redoing Matric may be the right call. If Matric itself doesn’t feel like your path, consider vocational options that don’t require Matric.

 

I Want To Redo Matric, What Are My Options?

You can take formal steps to review or improve your results, or you can focus on improving specific subjects.

1) Re-check

Your exam papers are checked again for any marking or totaling errors. Apply at your school or your Department of Education district office by the published deadline.

2) Re-mark

Your scripts are re-marked from scratch. This is useful if you believe your initial marking didn’t reflect your performance.

3) View Your Exam Paper

After a re-check or re-mark, you can apply to view your script. Applications must be made within seven days of the re-check or re-mark results being released.

4) Matric Upgrade

If you’re unhappy with specific subjects, a Matric Upgrade lets you redo only those subjects to improve your marks. You can prepare through a distance learning college, such as Matric College, and then write at a registered exam centre — Matric exams can’t be written online, even if you study online.

Also known as: Adult Matric is referred to as the Senior Certificate (Amended) for adults 21 and older who meet the entry requirements.

If Matric Isn’t Your Path — Study Without Matric

There are credible, career-building options that don’t require a Matric Certificate.

ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Programmes

ICB offers nationally and internationally recognised qualifications in business and finance. These are practical, scarce-skills programmes valued by employers. Some streams also count as Matric Equivalent at certain exit levels.

• Financial Accounting — apply with a Grade 10 certificate

• Business Management — apply with a Grade 11 certificate

Where can you study ICB?

Several distance learning colleges offer ICB courses to students without Matric, including:

• Ember Academy

• Matric College

• Skills Academy

• Bellview Institute of Distance Learning

Short Courses (No Matric Needed)

Short courses help you upskill quickly, strengthen your CV and open doors to entry-level roles or side businesses. Options often include:

• Beauty Therapy

• Educare and Childcare

• Tourism and Guesthouse

• Events and Wedding Planning

These can be completed via distance learning, with flexible study schedules to fit around work or family commitments.

How To Choose Your Best Option

• Goal first — Decide where you want to be in 6 to 18 months.

• Match path to reason — If study habits were the issue, fix the habits and redo subjects. If Matric isn’t your learning style, choose vocational routes.

• Be realistic about timelines — Re-check/re-mark deadlines are strict. Upgrades and ICB routes each have their own pacing.

• Study online, write in person — You can study online, but Matric exams are written at physical venues.

Failing Matric is a setback, not a full stop. You can re-check, re-mark, view your scripts, or upgrade specific subjects to improve your results. If Matric isn’t your fit, ICB programmes and short courses offer respected, job-ready alternatives — many of which can lead to a Matric Equivalent over time.

Choose the route that aligns with your strengths and career goals, get a realistic study plan, and start again with better tools. The path forward is yours to take.

Last Updated: 10 August 2025