By Ontonda Teczo | January 2, 2026
Failing matric can feel like the ground has fallen away beneath you. One result slip suddenly seems to erase twelve years of school, family expectations, and plans you had for your future. For many young South Africans, this moment comes with shame, fear, and silence.
But here is the reality most people do not explain clearly enough: failing matric is a setback, not a dead end. Every year, thousands of learners receive a “Not Achieved” status — and many of them still go on to build stable careers, earn qualifications, and support their families.
This article explains what failing matric really means, what happens next, and what practical options exist in South Africa today.
What “Failing Matric” Actually Means
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), you are considered to have failed matric if you do not meet the minimum requirements for a Higher Certificate Pass.
This usually happens if you:
- Fail too many subjects
- Do not achieve the required minimum percentages
- Do not pass at least six subjects
When this happens, you do not receive the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for that year. Instead, you receive a Statement of Results reflecting your marks and a status of “Not Achieved.”
This result can limit immediate access to universities, TVET diplomas, and some formal qualifications — but it does not end your education journey.
What Happens Right After You Fail Matric
The days after results are often the hardest. Many learners describe feeling stuck while everyone else seems to move forward.
Practically, this is what happens:
- You receive your official results statement
- You cannot register for university or most diploma programmes using those results
- You may feel pressure to “fix things quickly”
This is where many young people make rushed decisions — or give up entirely. Both are understandable reactions, but neither helps in the long run.
Taking time to understand your options is critical.
Your Real Options After Failing Matric
There is no single “right” path after failing matric. The best option depends on your age, subjects, marks, and personal situation.
1. Rewriting Matric Subjects
Many learners choose to rewrite the subjects they failed.
You can rewrite through:
- DBE May/June examinations
- November NSC examinations
This option works well if you were close to passing and need improved marks in specific subjects. It requires discipline, but it allows you to eventually qualify for a matric pass.
2. Upgrading Your Matric Results
If you passed matric previously but with low marks — or failed only one or two subjects — a matric upgrade may be more suitable.
Upgrading helps you:
- Improve specific subject marks
- Qualify for higher pass levels
- Meet entry requirements for further study
This is a common route for learners who need better marks rather than a full rewrite.
3. Adult Education and Adult Matric
Adult education programmes are often misunderstood. They are not only for older people — they are for learners who need flexibility and a different learning environment.
Adult education allows you to:
- Complete matric at a later stage
- Study at your own pace
- Rewrite selected subjects
For learners who struggled in traditional school settings, this option can be life-changing.
4. Studying and Training Without Matric
One of the biggest myths in South Africa is that nothing is possible without matric. This is not true.
Many opportunities focus on skills, not certificates, including:
In fields like construction, hospitality, retail, and technical trades, experience and practical ability often matter more than school results.
5. TVET Colleges and Alternative Routes
Some TVET colleges offer:
These routes may take longer, but they allow learners to build qualifications step by step — instead of being locked out completely.
Can You Still Build a Career Without Matric?
Yes — and many South Africans already have.
Careers that often do not require matric at entry level include:
- Artisan and technical trades
- Hospitality and tourism
- Retail and sales
- Construction
- Entrepreneurship
With experience, additional training, and persistence, many people progress into stable jobs, management roles, or self-employment.
The journey may look different, but success is still possible.
Mistakes to Avoid After Failing Matric
What you do not do after failing matric matters just as much as what you do.
Try to avoid:
- Giving up completely
- Believing you are “not smart enough”
- Comparing your path to others
- Making panic-driven decisions
Failing matric does not define your intelligence or your future. It only reflects one moment in time.
Final Thoughts: Your Result Is Not Your Life Story
Failing matric is painful. That truth should not be minimised. But it is also not permanent.
South Africa’s education and skills system offers multiple second chances — and many successful people took alternative paths after early setbacks.
What matters most is not the result you received, but the choices you make next.
Your journey may take a different route — but you can still reach your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still study if I failed matric?
Yes. You can rewrite, upgrade, enrol in adult education, or study through skills-based programmes and TVET routes.
How many times can you rewrite matric?
There is no fixed limit, as long as you meet DBE requirements and register correctly.
Is adult matric recognised in South Africa?
Yes. Adult matric qualifications are nationally recognised when completed through accredited institutions.
Can you get a job without matric?
Yes. Many entry-level jobs, learnerships, and trades do not require matric, especially when skills and experience are gained.
