The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is proud to announce the Matric Second Chance Programme 2026, providing learners who were previously unable to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) with another opportunity to achieve their Grade 12 qualification.
This initiative aims to increase learner retention, improve skills, and open pathways to higher education, bursaries, and career opportunities, supporting the goals of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP).
Matric Second Chance Programme Overview
The Second Chance Matric Programme is a structured, year-long initiative that supports learners who:
- Attempted matric in the past but did not pass all subjects
- Are adult learners with incomplete NSC or SC qualifications
- Require targeted support to complete matric examinations successfully
The programme aligns with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) of the National Senior Certificate, offering subjects without the School-Based Assessment (SBA) component.
Who Qualifies for Admission?
The following learners may register for the Senior Certificate under the Second Chance Programme:
- Adult learners aged 21 years and older with:
- A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)
- A Grade 9 school report (or old Standard 7)
- A recognised equivalent NQF qualification requiring two official languages
- Adult learners with an incomplete Senior Certificate or NSC
- Exceptional cases: Out-of-school youth aged 18–21 who could not complete school due to circumstances beyond their control (verified by the Head of Department)
- Adult learners who have already obtained a qualification but wish to improve results or status
- Adult candidates with incomplete NSC may choose to complete the NSC part-time or convert to the Senior Certificate (once converted, they may not revert to NSC)
Subjects Offered
Learners must select six subjects to qualify for the amended Senior Certificate. Previously earned Senior Certificate credits are recognised, provided they comply with the six-subject package requirement.
Official Languages (Home and First Additional):
- Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
Key Subject Groups:
- Agriculture: Agricultural Sciences
- Business, Commerce & Management Studies: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics
- Human & Social Studies: Geography, History, Religion Studies
- Physical, Mathematical, Computer & Life Sciences: Computer Applications Technology, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Full CAPS documentation and exemplar question papers are available via the DBE website or the nearest provincial education office.
Examinations
- Written in May/June annually
- Examinations are 100% of the final mark (SBA is exempted)
- Administered at designated examination centres by the Provincial Education Department or accredited independent assessment bodies
Promotion Requirements for a Senior Certificate:
- Pass three subjects at 40%, including one official language at Home Language level
- Pass two subjects at 30%, including one official language at Home or First Additional Language level
- Achieve a subminimum of 20% in the sixth subject
Benefits of the Second Chance Programme
- Obtain a Grade 12 matric certificate
- Increase access to bursaries, tertiary education, and career opportunities
- Improve computer literacy and 21st-century skills
- Increase learner retention and engagement
FAQs on the Second Chance Matric Programme
Q: Can I improve my university eligibility if I failed matric previously?
A: Yes, rewriting subjects under the SC or NSC can allow entry into higher education institutions.
Q: Can I combine previous SC results with new ones?
A: Yes, as long as subject choices comply with programme requirements.
Q: What if I have incomplete SC results from multiple years?
A: You can apply for a combination of results while meeting subject choice and pass requirements.
Q: What if my desired subject is not available in the SC list?
A: Subjects with practical components are unavailable because candidates do not receive full-time tuition.
Learners can register for the 2026 Senior Certificate examinations online via www.eservices.gov.za or at any education district office. Registration closes 7 February 2026.
Candidates are advised to start preparing immediately, as the curriculum is structured for a full-year programme.