Key Takeaways: What You Get for Free
- Face-to-Face Classes: Free tuition at designated centers on weekends/evenings.
- Multimedia Support: SABC TV and Radio broadcasts.
- Online Resources: Zero-rated access to study guides and past papers.
- Hard Copy: Free “Mind the Gap” textbooks.
- Target Audience: Anyone who failed a subject or wants to improve their marks.
Failing Matric or getting low marks is not a life sentence. It is a temporary setback. Recognizing that thousands of students need a way to improve their results without returning to a high school classroom, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) launched the Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP).
In 2026, this programme has expanded significantly. It is no longer just about allowing you to rewrite; it is about helping you rewrite.
Many students register for a rewrite but fail again because they study alone, without textbooks or teachers. The SCMP solves this problem by providing four pillars of support. This guide explains exactly how to access these free resources so that your second attempt becomes your final success.
What is the Second Chance Matric Programme?
The SCMP is a government-funded initiative designed to provide support to learners who have not met the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the Extended Senior Certificate (SC).
Who qualifies for support?
- NSC Learners (2008-2025): Students who wrote Matric in the past but did not achieve a pass or want to improve their marks.
- SC Learners (Adults): Adult learners (21 years and older) who dropped out of school and want to complete their Matric.
- School Dropouts: Students who passed Grade 9, 10, or 11 and wish to complete their Matric via the Senior Certificate route.
Does it cost money?
No. The registration, the exams, the classes, and the textbooks provided by the SCMP are 100% FREE.
Pillar 1: Face-to-Face Classes
This is the most valuable part of the programme. Studying at home is lonely and difficult. Face-to-Face classes allow you to sit in a classroom with a qualified teacher and other students who are upgrading.
How it works:
- Classes are typically held at “host schools” or community centers in the afternoons (after school hours) or on Saturdays.
- They focus on the 11 high-enrollment subjects: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, English FAL, Geography, History, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, and Physical Sciences.
Where are the centers?
There are over 100 centers across South Africa.
- To find your nearest center:
- Visit the official DBE website (www.education.gov.za).
- Click on “Programmes” > “Second Chance Matric Programme”.
- Download the PDF list of “Face-to-Face Centers 2026.”
- Alternatively, visit your local District Education Office; they have the physical list.
Important: These classes usually start in February/March for the May/June exams. Seats are limited, so you must show up early to secure your spot.
Pillar 2: Multimedia Support (TV & Radio)
If you live in a rural area far from a center, you can use the broadcast support. The DBE has partnered with the SABC to broadcast lessons.
TV Broadcasts:
- Channel: SABC Education (Channel 319 on DStv and OpenView).
- Geleza Nathi: A popular show that covers difficult concepts in Math and Science.
- Woza Matrics: A dedicated catch-up program launched during the pandemic that continues in 2026.
- Schedule: Broadcasts usually run early in the morning (05:00 – 06:00) and late afternoon. Detailed schedules are posted on the DBE Facebook page monthly.
Radio Broadcasts:
- Lessons are broadcast on major SABC radio stations (Ukhozi FM, Lesedi FM, Metro FM, etc.).
- These sessions are interactive, often allowing students to call in or WhatsApp questions to the studio teachers.
Pillar 3: Online Resources (Zero-Rated)
Data is expensive. The DBE has ensured that their digital resources are zero-rated, meaning you can access them even if you have zero airtime on your phone (provided you are using a major network like Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or Cell C).
What is available online?
- Past Exam Papers: The “Gold Standard” of studying. You can download every exam paper from 2008 to 2025.
- Study Guides: Download the “Mind the Gap” series (see Pillar 4).
- YouTube Lessons: The “Woza Matrics” YouTube channel has thousands of video lessons categorized by subject and topic.
Website to bookmark:
- https://wcedeportal.co.za (Western Cape e-Portal – open to everyone).
- https://www.education.gov.za (National Portal).
Pillar 4: Hard Copy Study Guides (Mind the Gap)
The “Mind the Gap” study guides are legendary. They summarize the entire Grade 12 syllabus into simple, easy-to-understand notes.
Why they are better than textbooks:
Textbooks are full of unnecessary information. “Mind the Gap” focuses only on what is tested in the exam. It uses simple language, diagrams, and mnemonics to help you memorize facts.
How to get them:
- Download: PDF versions are available on the DBE website.
- Print: If you register for the SCMP at a District Office, you can often request a physical copy of the study guide for your registered subjects. (Stock is sometimes limited, so go early).
Subjects Supported by SCMP
While you can rewrite any subject, the SCMP puts specific funding and focus on the “Killer Subjects”—the ones most students fail.
The Big 6:
- Mathematics: Focuses on Euclidean Geometry and Trigonometry.
- Physical Sciences: Focuses on Mechanics and Chemical Change.
- Accounting: Focuses on Financial Statements.
- Life Sciences: Focuses on Genetics and Evolution.
- Geography: Focuses on Mapwork (GIS).
- Economics: Focuses on Macro-economics.
If you are upgrading these subjects, the support is massive. If you are upgrading a niche subject (like Visual Arts or Dance Studies), you may have to rely more on self-study, as classes for these are rare.
How to Register for the Programme
Registration for the exams and registration for the programme are slightly different.
- Register for Exams: You must register on the https://www.eservices.gov.za e-Services Portal or at a District Office to write the exams.
- Deadline for May/June 2026: 06 February 2026.
- Accessing Support: Once registered for the exam, you automatically qualify for the support. You simply take your proof of registration to the Face-to-Face center or District Office to claim your materials.
Tips for Success on the SCMP
1. Don’t Wait for the Center to Open
Classes might only start in March. That gives you only 8 weeks before the May exams. Start studying now using the online past papers.
2. Treat it Like a Job
You are not in school anymore. No one will ring a bell or check your attendance. You have to discipline yourself. Set a schedule: “I will study Math from 09:00 to 11:00 every day.”
3. Use the Diagnostic Reports
On the DBE website, look for the “Marker’s Reports” or “Diagnostic Reports.” These documents explain exactly where students made mistakes in previous years. Reading this gives you the “cheat code” to knowing what the examiners are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I join the classes if I haven’t registered for the exam yet?
A: Usually, no. The centers require proof of registration to ensure they are spending resources on students who are actually writing. Register for the exam first.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No. Whether you are 19 or 49, if you are registered to write the NSC or SC exams, you can use the resources.
Q: I work during the day. Can I still attend?
A: Yes. Most centers prioritize late afternoon or Saturday classes specifically to accommodate working youth.
Conclusion: Take the Helping Hand
The government is offering you free tuition, free books, and free exams. The only thing they cannot give you is the will to study.
The Second Chance Matric Programme has helped over 500,000 South Africans get their Matric certificate. In 2026, it is your turn. Locate your nearest center, download the “Mind the Gap” guides, and turn that “Not Achieved” into a “Bachelor’s Pass.”
Next Step:
Once you have your study materials, you need to know exactly how your final score will be calculated so you know what marks to aim for.
Read our guide on How to Calculate Your APS Score
Disclaimer: Center locations and broadcast schedules are subject to change. Always verify the latest information on the official Department of Basic Education website.