Millions of South Africans over the age of 21 struggle to find meaningful work because they didn’t complete Matric. If you’re one of these people, you may feel that it’s too late for you to finish your high school education. But we have good news for you – you can still get your Matric certificate and move towards a brighter future.

Introducing the Senior Certificate (as amended)

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has recognised that many adult South Africans do not have a National Senior Certificate, which greatly limits their opportunities to further their education and find employment. Based on this, the DBE approved a revised Senior Certificate that is available to people over the age of 21.

How does it work?

The Senior Certificate (as amended) includes subjects under the new National Curriculum Statement (NCS) that was introduced into schools in 2012. Those who are accepted for the programme must choose six subjects, two of which must be official languages. The subjects available at Oxbridge Academy are as follows:

  • Life Orientation
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Geography
  • History
  • Accounting
  • Business Studies
  • Economics
  • Agricultural Science

Candidates who previously passed Senior Certificate subjects in Matric at Higher Grade and Standard Grade Levels can receive credits for those subjects.

Who qualifies for the Senior Certificate (as amended)?

You can write the Senior Certificate, as amended, if you are 21 years or older and have:

  • a Grade 9 or Standard 7 report stating they passed the year, OR
  • a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), OR
  • a recognised equivalent obtained at NQF level 1 which requires two official languages.

Candidates may also register if they have an incomplete Senior Certificate or if their School-Based Assessment (SBA) has expired.

Exam sessions are held every year in June/July.

How do you pass your Senior Certificate (as amended)?

You can achieve your Senior Certificate by passing your examinations with the following marks:

  1. Three subjects at 40% or above, one of which must be an official language at Home Language level.
  2. Two subjects at 30%, one of which must be an official language at First Additional or Home Language level.
  3. A subminimum of 20% for the sixth subject.

Once you’ve passed, you’ll be awarded your Senior Certificate and be ready to take the next step towards your future!

What can you do with your Senior Certificate?

The Senior Certificate (as amended) gives you all the advantages of a National Senior Certificate. Once you’ve passed, you will be able to apply for national qualifications and diplomas. If you pass with the required marks, you could also gain university endorsement, which means you will be able to apply for university studies.

Having a Senior Certificate therefore opens up a wealth of opportunities for you to further your education in a field of your choice. In addition, it will make you far more attractive to employers, and opens the door to a more promising career!

Ready to start your path to a brighter future? Click here to see more about gaining your Senior Certificate (as amended) through Oxbridge Academy.