Matric Rewrite 2027: How to Rewrite Matric in South Africa
Didn’t get the matric results you needed? You’re not out of options. You can rewrite matric subjects in the June NSC exam (the old February/March “supplementary” exam no longer exists). This guide explains who can register, the deadlines to watch, and how to prepare.
Facts checked on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website in October 2026. The 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet; we’ll update this page when they are.
Is there still a supplementary exam?
No. The DBE says the February/March supplementary exam “has been phased out”. In its place, there’s an exam in May/June where you can improve your results or finish outstanding subjects. Most people call this “the matric rewrite”.
Who can register for the June matric rewrite?
According to the DBE, you can register if:
- you wrote the NSC in November 2008 or later and want to improve your overall result, or just one subject
- you missed one or more November papers for a valid reason (illness, a death in the immediate family or another special reason), as long as you have valid school-based marks (SBA, PAT and orals)
- you didn’t write or finish a November paper for another reason, again as long as your SBA, PAT and oral marks are valid
You can only register for subjects you were registered for in a previous November exam. If you missed a paper with a valid reason, you must write all the papers for that subject.
Key dates (check these every year)
| Class of 2025 (for reference) | Class of 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Final exams | ended 27 Nov 2025 | 13 Oct – 26 Nov 2026 |
| Results released | 13 Jan 2026 | to be announced (expected January 2027) |
| Re-mark / re-check applications | 13–27 Jan 2026 | to be announced |
| June exam registration closes | 6 Feb 2026 | to be announced |
Last year the June exam registration closed less than four weeks after results came out, so don’t wait.
Re-mark or re-check first?
If you were close to a pass or a higher pass level, a re-mark might be faster than a rewrite. For the Class of 2025 the DBE charged R120 per subject for a re-mark and R30 for a re-check, and viewing your script (only after a re-mark or re-check) cost R230. You apply at your school, your district office or online at eservices.gov.za. Instructions are on the back of your Statement of Results. (2027 fees may change.)
How to register
Ask your school or your nearest education district office how to apply for the June exam in your province, and do it well before the closing date. The DBE lists district offices and learning centres on its Second Chance Matric Programme page on the DBE website.
What if I don’t qualify for the June exam?
The DBE lists these options:
- re-enrol as a full-time repeater at a school if you’re under 21 (7 subjects including Life Orientation, with all SBA)
- register as a part-time repeater at a Public Adult Education Centre
- if you’re 21 or older, write the Senior Certificate (as amended), the school-leaving qualification for adults
- look at TVET colleges for vocational training
Free support: the Second Chance Matric Programme
The DBE runs a free Second Chance Matric Programme for learners who didn’t meet the NSC requirements. It offers study resources in subjects including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting and English FAL, plus broadcast lessons. Contact: SecondChance@dbe.gov.za.
What do you need to pass?
For the NSC (DBE wording): 40% in three subjects, one of them a Home Language, and 30% in three other subjects. For a bachelor pass, you need 50%+ in four recognised 20-credit subjects and at least 30% in the university’s language of teaching. Read more in What Happens If You Fail a Subject in High School?
How to prepare for your rewrite
- Start in January, not May. You have about four months, so spread the work out.
- Find your weak topics from your results and old tests, and start there.
- Use past papers, including previous May/June papers (free on the DBE website), and mark yourself with the memo.
- Make a weekly timetable you can keep. See The Power of Routine and Essential Exam Preparation Tips.
- Get help early. Seventh Star offers Grade 12 support in Maths, Physical Science and Life Sciences, including our Grade 12 Mathematics Re-write and Grade 12 Physical Science Re-write courses. See our services or contact us.
Matric rewrite FAQ
Can I rewrite just one subject?
Yes. The DBE allows candidates who only want to improve one subject to register for the June exam.
Can I rewrite matric if I passed?
Yes, if you want to improve your results, for example to reach a bachelor pass.
Is there a supplementary exam in February/March?
No, it’s been replaced by the June exam.
When is the closing date for the 2027 matric rewrite?
It hasn’t been announced yet. Last year it was 6 February. Check the DBE website after results are released.
Keep learning
- What to Do When You Get a Bad Result
- What Happens If You Fail a Subject in High School? A Guide for SA Students
Rewriting Maths in June? Have a look at our Grade 12 Mathematics Re-write course.
