You can apply for the matric exemption through the Matriculation Board. Each certificate is different and so there is no set timeframe for validation. The Matriculation Board takes between 5 and 10 days working days to process the online/faxed inquiries however, should you qualify for an exemption, a provisional letter will be issued which is sufficient in facilitating your admission to a South African public university. This is granted the applicant has met the requirements at the university.
The type of matric exemption certificate depends on the qualifications of the applicant.
Complete exemption certificates are:
- Certificates that do not have expiry dates but take effect on a date that is dependent on the qualification based on which it is awarded. A detailed explanation of the different types of exemption certificates can be found on this page of the website.
Conditional exemption certificates are:
- Mature age which is offered to 23-year-old students and lasts for the full-time duration of study plus two years,
- Foreign conditional which lasts for the full-time duration of study plus two years and
- Ordinary conditional which lasts for a year, and have to be renewed every year until the student meets the requirements of the exemption.
- Senate’s discretionary exemption, which is granted once the student, has completed a recognised Access course or a Foundation programme and it lasts for three years.
For more information about matric exemptions, you can read here.
