The Department of Basic Education (DBE) reminds unsuccessful matric candidates that the Second Chance Matric Programme is free and is run by the department.

The programme is aimed at learners who did not pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or who wish to improve their results.

According to the DBE, qualifying candidates may register to rewrite or add subjects during the May/June examination cycle without paying any fees.

The department has warned learners and parents to be cautious of private or commercial service providers claiming to offer access to the Second Chance Programme for a fee.

“The DBE does not endorse any paid services linked to the Second Chance Matric Programme,” the department said, urging candidates to rely only on official DBE communication and its website for accurate information.

The Second Chance Matric Programme is part of the department’s efforts to improve learner retention and support the National Development Plan. It also helps participants find bursary opportunities for further studies.

Candidates eligible for support include Senior Certificate candidates writing the June examinations, as well as part-time NSC candidates who wrote matric after 2008 and are registered for the May/June or November examination sessions.

Subjects covered by the programme include Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Economics, English First Additional Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.

Meanwhile, the DBE has confirmed that the 2025 matric results will be released on January 13. 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.