What You Can Do After Failing Matric
Failing matric can feel overwhelming and disappointing, especially after years of hard work. However, failing matric does not mean your future is over. Thousands of South Africans who did not pass matric have gone on to build successful careers through alternative pathways.
This article explains what it means to fail matric ,what happens next , and what options are available .
What Does “Failing Matric” Mean?
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) , you fail matric if you do not meet the minimum requirements for a Higher Certificate Pass.This usually happens when:You fail too many subjectsYou do not achieve the required minimum percentagesYou fail to pass six subjectsFailing matric means you do not receive the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for that year.
What Happens Immediately After You Fail Matric?
If you fail matric:You will receive a Statement of Results showing your marksYour result status will indicate “Not Achieved”You will not qualify for university, TVET college diplomas, or higher certificates based on those resultsAlthough this can be difficult to accept, it is not the end of your education journey .Your Options If You Fail Matric1. Rewrite Matric SubjectsYou may choose to rewrite the subjects you failed .You can:Rewrite through the DBE May/June examsRewrite in the November NSC examinationsThis allows you to improve your marks and qualify for a matric pass.2. Upgrade Your Matric ResultsA matric upgrade is ideal if:You passed matric but want better marksYou failed only one or two subjectsUpgrading helps you:Improve subject marksQualify for higher pass levelsMeet university or college entry requirements3. Enrol in Adult Education (ABET / Adult Matric)Adult Education programmes allow learners to:Complete matric at a later stageStudy at a flexible paceRewrite selected subjectsThis option is suitable for learners who are older or need a different learning environment.4. Study Without MatricYou do not always need matric to continue learning.You can consider:Skills programmes
Short courses
LearnershipsApprenticeshipsMany institutions and employers offer opportunities that focus on skills rather than certificates .5. Attend a TVET College (Alternative Routes)Some TVET colleges offer:Entry-level programmes without matricBridging courses that lead to formal qualificationsWith time and effort, these routes can still lead to higher education.
Can You Still Build a Career Without Matric?
Yes. Many careers do not require matric immediately, including:Trades and technical workHospitality and tourismRetail and salesConstruction and artisan fieldsEntrepreneurshipWith experience, additional training, and determination, many people succeed without a traditional matric pass.
What You Should Avoid Doing
- Giving up completelyBelieving you are not capable
- Comparing yourself negatively to others
- Making rushed decisions out of panic
- Failure is a setback — not a permanent condition.
Final Thoughts
Failing matric is disappointing, but it is not a life sentence . South Africa’s education system offers multiple second chances , and many successful people took alternative paths after failing matric.
