When you complete matric, your results will determine the career path you can pursue after high school. For instance, students with good metric passes can study at universities of their choice in South Africa or choose other lucrative professions. However, this does not necessarily mean your dream to acquire tertiary education is ruined if you perform badly or fail in your matric. The good news is that you can consider a matric upgrade to improve your results to take any tertiary course you want. This article explains everything you want to know about upgrading your matric results.
How Long Does It Take To Upgrade Matric Results?
If you are unhappy with your first matric results, a matric upgrade will give you a second chance to obtain better marks in specific subjects. One good thing about a matric upgrade is that your previous results and new results are consolidated into one certificate. No details about upgrading your matric results are provided on the certificate. As a result, you will be able to enjoy several benefits like any other student who passes their matric in their first sitting.
Before undertaking a matric upgrade, you should know this is not a once-off event. Instead, it is a process that requires commitment, or else you will get frustrated when you fail again. The minimum period to complete a matric upgrade is one year. Students are encouraged to take their time and finish the upgrade in two or even three years.
Several factors can determine the time you will take to upgrade your matric results. For instance, if you have sufficient study material, it becomes easier to understand the subject. Therefore, students upgrading their matric results must source study materials such as textbooks and notes designed by course experts. Online study resources and discussion groups can go a long way in helping you grasp different topics.
The number of subjects you want to upgrade also determines the time it will take you to complete your matric. If you choose a new set of subjects, you will likely take longer to finish the matric upgrade program. Students must also be well-organized and stick to a study timetable to achieve their goals. Other elements like family and work commitments also determine the time you will take to complete your matric upgrade program.
How Are Matric Upgrade Marks Calculated?
Matric upgrade results are calculated in a different way from traditional matric results. People undertaking adult matric do not attend formal classes, so they will not get school-based assessments (SBA), contributing 25% toward the final result. Only the final exam mark is considered when calculating the matric upgrade marks.
If you give yourself time to prepare for your exams, there are high chances of getting high passes since class marks will not dilute your final score. All you need to do is to get the right study material and take time to prepare for your matric exams.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Matric Results?
You can register for upgrade matric exams for free at the Department of Education. However, you will be required to pay fees to cover study materials and tuition at the college or school you choose to undertake your Matric Upgrade. You can combine your matric certificates when you complete your matric upgrade course. To do this, you will be required to pay a fee of R140 to the responsible department that handles certification issues.
How Do I Check My Matric Results for Upgrading Students?
If you rewrite your matric examinations, there are different methods you can consider to check your results. You need to first register with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on its official website to upgrade your matric. To check your results, you need to follow the steps below:
- Visit the Education Department’s official website at https://www.education.gov.za/matricresults/examresults.aspx
- Input your examination number in the appropriate space provided
- Enter other required personal details
- Click on the “Search” button
- Your results will be displayed on the screen
What Happens if I Fail My Matric Upgrade?
You can upgrade your matric results but fail to achieve the desired grades. If you find yourself in this situation, you don’t need to worry too much. You can always retake the failed subjects when you want. The good thing about matric upgrades is that you can retake multiple subjects until you achieve your desired goals.
There is no limit for individuals who want to improve their matric results. However, it will be a good idea to choose an institution that provides appropriate services designed to help adult learners pass their matric. You also need to play your part by doing your assignments and engaging in online discussion forums to improve your knowledge. Don’t get frustrated by failing since this is part of learning.
If you feel that you will not be able to pass the subjects you have failed in your matric upgrade, you can consider other career options like applying to study at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. Matric is not required for one to get a place at a TVET College. Alternatively, you can also seek other educational paths to reach your career goals. There are other good courses you can do without matric, so you need to choose wisely.
Matric is a crucial component of the education system in South Africa. It allows you to study at university and choose any course you want. This may not be possible without matric. Fortunately, you can upgrade your matric by rewriting the subjects you’ve failed to improve your results. Upgrading your matric is just as good as obtaining a traditional matric certificate at high school. It can take you one year or even three years to complete your matric upgrade, depending on the number of subjects you’re studying and other factors.
