Each year, thousands of grade 12 students in South Africa appear for the matric exams, which will help define their future educational path. Once the results are declared, many students fail or remain dissatisfied with their scores despite passing and want to retake the matric to improve them. This is called a matric rewrite exam and is available only to students who are under 21 years of age.
For this, students can apply for admission to Matric rewrite centres. These centres are registered with the Provincial Education Department and accredited by Umalusi. In this article, we will introduce you to matric rewrite centres, explain their benefits, and help students choose one for success.
Table of Contents
What is a Matric Rewrite Centre?
Matric rewrite centres are specialised institutes that provide education and resources to help students improve their scores for the matric rewrite exams. This is usually done by students to achieve a higher pass level on the matric certificate, allowing entry into better higher education programmes.
The main requirement for registration at these centres 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. They 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.
The following are some of the reasons why students choose to study at a rewrite centre:
- Pass subjects that they previously failed
- Improve the score of specific subjects
- Pass the matric exam
- Gain a higher matric pass level
- Improve the APS score
Read more on What Is A Matric Rewrite Exam? Benefits, Challenges & Application Process.
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 poor performance during the matric exams. It also provides structure and can help students create a timetable to improve their matric scores and gain admission to a higher education programme.
Find below the qualifications for admission to a matric rewrite centre in South Africa:
- Must have appeared for the matric exam previously
- Should be a South African citizen or resident
- Below 21 years of age
- Matriculated less than three years ago
Read more on What is the Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Upgrade?
What Are The Types Of Matric Rewrite Centres?
There are various types of these 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 programme 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 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. |
| 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 individualā€™s commitment to learning and submitting assessments. |
Read more on Learn How to Access and Check Your Matric Rewrite Results Online.
What is the Cost Of Enrolling in a Matric Rewrite Centre?
A matric rewrite centre operates similarly to schools. Therefore, they have operating costs. They must also pay their teachers and overhead costs such as electricity, etc. Private and online centres charge a registration fee plus subject-wise fees. So, students pay more when they register for more subjects to rewrite. Fees can range from R350 to R1500 per subject, depending on the centreā€™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. Students can write a maximum of four subjects when they attempt the matric rewrite. Additionally, they must rewrite the subjects they attempted during their first attempt.
Read more on A Complete Guide to the Second Chance Matric Programme.
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.
The following 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
- Programme Duration
Read more on Can I Change Subjects In Matric? Understand The Rules And Procedures.
How To Register At A Matric Rewrite Centre?
A certified copy of ID, final matric exam results certificate and Statement of Results are the general documents that are required during registration. Once students have their documents prepared, have finalised the centre of their choice and their mode of study, they need to register before the deadline closes to begin their classes. The last date to register for private and online centres varies depending on the institute.
Find below the process to follow when registering at a matric rewrite centre in South Africa:
Government Centre
- Find 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
Read more on How to Successfully Upgrade Your Matric Results Online? Get Details Here.
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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 the Regenesys Education website for detailed information regarding our higher education programmes.
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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 the 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 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 programme duration.
