The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane, has extended her best wishes to the 2024 matric class as they begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. The exams officially started on Monday, 21 October 2024.
A total of 732,448 full-time and 136,195 part-time candidates have registered to write the 2024 NSC examinations, marking an increase of 8,400 compared to the previous year. The exams, which will be held at over 6,900 centres nationwide, are scheduled to run from 21 October 2024, until the final week of November.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
Matriculants Urged to Apply for NSFAS Funding
Many students participating in the 2024 NSC exams plan to continue their studies at tertiary institutions. Minister Nkabane has encouraged all eligible matriculants to apply for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Dr. Nkabane also reminded students that the application window for NSFAS funding closes on 15 December 2024, leaving just 55 days to submit their applications. She urged students to act quickly to secure funding for their post-school education.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
Matric Results Not Required for NSFAS Applications
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Minister Nkabane also encouraged students to explore educational opportunities at TVET Colleges, Universities, Private Colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges. She urged all matriculants to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available in South Africa's Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
Basic Education Minister Confident in Exam Integrity
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed confidence in the integrity of the NSC exams, citing that the Department of Basic Education has implemented extensive security measures to protect the examination process.
To ensure the secure handling of examination materials, the department has completed audits of all storage facilities nationwide, verifying that they meet the required standards.
Additionally, more than 55,000 qualified markers will be involved in grading the exams, with strict quality control and standardization protocols in place. To further maintain consistency, Marking Standardisation Meetings (MSMs) will be held for each subject.
These meetings will bring together subject specialists and chief markers to ensure that marking aligns with agreed standards.
