Department of Basic Education urges learners to register for free Second Chance Programme
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has encouraged National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates who did not pass their exams to take advantage of the free Second Chance Programme, warning against private services that charge fees.
The DBE has urged NSC candidates who were unsuccessful in their initial examinations to register for the official Second Chance Programme, which is offered free of charge.
According to the department, eligible candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects during the May/June examination cycle without making any payment, in line with existing DBE policies.
The department emphasised that it does not support or endorse any private or commercial services that require payment to participate in the Second Chance Programme.
ALSO READ: Gauteng Department of Education rolls out 8 596 smart classrooms
“For authentic information, please contact the Department of Basic Education directly or visit the official website,” a statement from the DBE read.
The Second Chance Matric Programme is designed to support learners who have not met the requirements of the NSC or the extended Senior Certificate. It forms part of the department’s efforts to meet the goals of the National Development Plan and strengthen the basic education sector.
Through the programme, learners receive academic support aimed at improving learner retention, while also being exposed to bursary opportunities for further study.
The programme caters for two main groups
* Senior Certificate examination candidates: Learners registered to write the Senior Certificate examinations in June
* NSC part-time candidates: Learners who attempted the NSC examinations after 2008 and will be writing in the May/ June and November examination sessions.
ALSO READ: Gauteng education department provides latest learner placement update
Targeted subjects include Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.
The DBE confirmed that the 2025 matric results will be released on January 12. More than 900 000 candidates wrote the 2025 examinations at over 7 000 centres nationwide, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51 000 markers and moderators.
