What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrade?
What Is The Difference Between Matric Rewrite And Upgrade?
Finishing high school and receiving your matric certificate is a major milestone, but not everyone gets the results they were hoping for the first time around. Fortunately, there are options available in South Africa for students who want to improve their matric results, most commonly through a matric rewrite or a matric upgrade. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing, and understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your situation.
A matric rewrite is generally for students who completed their matric within the last few years and want to improve specific subjects. This option is mostly available to recent school leavers (usually under the age of 21) who qualify to write the exams again through the Department of Basic Education. It is essentially a second chance to perform better in certain subjects without having to redo the entire school year or change your certificate type.
On the other hand, a matric upgrade is mapped for individuals who have been out of school for a while, or who are over the age of 21. This option allows you to combine your original results with new marks from re-examined subjects to obtain a better overall matric certificate. It is more flexible and often taken through private colleges or adult education centres.
Selecting between a rewrite and an upgrade depends on your age, the marks you achieved, and your long-term goals. Both options provide a valuable second chance at improving your academic record, gaining university admission, or qualifying for better job opportunities.
What Is Meant by Matric Rewrite
Matric rewrite is a process that allows students to rewrite specific subjects in which they obtained unsatisfactory results. It provides an opportunity for students to improve their grades by retaking the exams for the subjects they wish to enhance. Matric rewrite is typically available for students who have completed their matriculation examinations but are not satisfied with their scores.
The rewriting process involves registering for the desired subjects at an accredited examination center. Students are then required to prepare and study independently or seek help from tutors or study materials. The rewritten exams usually take place during the next examination cycle, providing students with a chance to demonstrate their improved knowledge and skills in specific subjects.
About Matric Upgrade:
On the other hand, matric upgrade focuses on improving the overall matriculation certificate by increasing the aggregate score. Unlike matric rewrite, which targets specific subjects, matric upgrade aims to enhance cumulative performance across all subjects. It allows students to revisit their original exam papers and have them re-evaluated for potential errors or discrepancies.
The matric upgrade process involves applying to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or the relevant provincial education department for a remark or re-evaluation of the original exam papers. Experienced examiners review the papers to ensure accurate marking and evaluation. If any errors or discrepancies are identified, the necessary corrections are made, potentially leading to an increase in the student’s overall aggregate score.
Read Also: How Much Does it Cost to Rewrite Matric 2026?
Key Differences:
- Focus: Matric rewrite focuses on improving specific subject grades, whereas matric upgrade aims to enhance the overall aggregate score of the matriculation certificate.
- Scope: Matric rewrite allows students to retake exams for individual subjects, while matric upgrade involves a re-evaluation of the original exam papers across all subjects.
- Process: Matric rewrite requires students to register for specific subjects and retake the exams in the subsequent examination cycle. Matric upgrade involves applying for a remark or re-evaluation of the original exam papers through the relevant educational authorities.
- Objective: The objective of the matric rewrite is to improve grades in specific subjects for more satisfactory performance. Matric upgrade aims to rectify potential errors or discrepancies in the original marking process, leading to an improved overall aggregate score.
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