Yes, universities do accept upgraded marks. Upgraded marks work the same way as Matric marks.
Can You Upgrade Your Matric Results While In University?
Yes, you can upgrade your marks while you are studying. Some universities will allow you to upgrade your marks and then transfer to a higher qualification. For example, you can begin studying for a Diploma, and once you have upgraded your marks you may be allowed to transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree programme.
How Do Upgraded Marks Work?
Upgraded marks work exactly the same way as Matric marks. Once you have combined your Matric results, your combined certificate works exactly the same way as your National Senior Certificate. You can apply for anything with your combined certificate the same way you would apply with your National Senior Certificate.
How Do I Combine My Results?
Once you have upgraded your Matric marks, you will apply to the Department of Education for a Replacement Certificate: Change of Status. This will combine your best marks into one certificate, which you can then use to apply to universities or to apply to transfer to a higher qualification level.
To apply for this certificate, you will need the following documents:
- Your ID
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your results from all exam sittings (Matric and Matric Upgrade included)
Can I Combine My Results Even If I Failed?
No, you cannot combine your Matric results if you fail the Matric Upgrade. You can only combine your results if they have improved. Applying for and receiving a combined certificate is a lengthy process, and so is only available if you pass and do better in the Matric Upgrade than you did in Matric.
Which Marks Do Universities Look At?
Universities can look at both Grade 11 and Matric marks. You can use your Grade 11 marks to apply early to universities. You may be granted provisional entry based on your Grade 11 marks. You will then submit your Matric marks once they are released for the university to make a final decision for admission.
If you do not apply early, universities will only look at your Matric marks. If you upgrade your Matric marks, the universities will only look at the upgraded marks.
What Is A Matric Upgrade?
A Matric Upgrade is a way to improve your Matric results after you have turned 21. Whether you failed and would like to change to a pass, or if you simply want to improve your marks to be eligible to study a certain course, you can do a Matric Upgrade for this.
You can apply for a Matric Upgrade as early as 19. However, you must be over the age of 21 to write the exams because you will write the Adult Matric exams.
What Is The Difference Between Matric Upgrade And Matric Rewrite?
There are three main differences between a Matric Upgrade and a Matric Rewrite, ad they are as follows:
Matric Upgrade | Matric Rewrite |
Must be over the age of 21 | Must be under the age of 21 |
May change up to four subjects | May not change any subjects from the ones written in Matric final exams |
Where Can I Study For A Matric Upgrade?
There are many reputable distance learning colleges that provide this course. Some of these colleges are:
What Have We Learned?
- Universities do accept upgraded marks
- You can upgrade your Matric while studying a lower level qualification
- Upgraded marks work exactly the same way as Matric marks
- You can combine your results as long as you improve them
- Universities look at Grade 11 and Matric marks
- If you upgrade your marks, universities will only look at the upgrade marks
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: June 30, 2022