A Cambridge homeschool matric is one of the options for South African high school homeschool students to get a matric certificate with university exemption.
If you are looking for a faster option to do a matric equivalent, you might prefer to investigate the GED as a matric alternative as it can be achieved in only a few months! Read more about how the GED is a matric equivalent in South Africa at Go Prep
Watch the short video chat with Wendy Young, who has two homeschooled children who did Cambridge solo for Grade 12.
Who is Cambridge?*
Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge Assessment, Europe’s largest assessment agency and a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Assessment was established in 1858 as the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
What qualification does your student get?
In South Africa most students do two courses:
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Education) takes 18 months – 2 years to complete and is for students from 14 – 16 years of age. This is the same as grades 10 and 11 in local schools although the subject content is different. Your student will take 7 subjects on this level.
Following this South African high school students do the AS Levels normally from about 16 – 19 years of age. This is also an 18 month – 2 year course and is the equivalent of Grade 12 in South Africa. Your student will take 5 subjects on this level.
NOTE: If your student does very well on a subject at IGCSE level (B or A) they can “carry” it over as an AS level subject. This means that they will only write for 4 subjects at the end of their AS course and one of their IGCSE subjects can count for the 5th.
To achieve the equivalents of “A Levels” the South African student needs to complete a Grade 13, but most students do not take this option as it is not necessary for matric exemption and university exemption.
What subjects must your student take?
According to the guidelines set by the Universities South African (USAf), a student needs to choose subjects from specified groups to meet the requirements for exemption.
What is Matric Exemption?
A matric exemption is an official certificate issued by Universities South Africa (USAf) via the Matriculation Board. It confirms that a student’s high school qualifications, whether completed through the South African NSC, Cambridge or other high school options (local or foreign) meet the minimum statutory requirements for entry into a bachelor’s degree programme at a South African university. In short, while a standard matric confirms high school completion, an matric with exemption is required to qualify for degree-level studies.
Please Note: Exemption criteria and subject requirements are subject to change. Readers should always check the official USAf Matriculation Board Website to verify the latest, most accurate regulations before finalizing any subject choices.
For example:
Compulsory Subjects
- English
- Afrikaans (or another second language)
- Maths or Maths literacy
Discretionary Subjects (two from the following list)
- A third language or Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics;
- Art, Economics, Geography, History, Music
- Accounting, Business Studies, Computing, Design and Technology or Further Mathematics;
However, practical subjects are not available to some homeschoolers who prefer to do the Cambridge Homeschool Matric independently i.e. without the help of a private college. While Cambridge offers over 70 subjects at IGCSE and AS level, not all can be taken in South Africa. Therefore you must check the South African requirements if you wish your child to meet the requirements for matric exemption.
Where does my student get their textbooks?
Once you have chosen your subjects you will refer to the list of resources for each subject on the Cambridge website. These books can be bought directly from the publishers but online stores are just as reasonably priced and quick to deliver.
Where and when does the student write exams?
Exams are written twice a year either through the chosen college or if you are an independent student at a Cambridge examination venue. Some private schools allow independent examinees to sit and write with their students or you can write at the British Council in your town. (ssa.enquiries@britishcouncil.org.za)
Exams are written in May/June and November each year. Cambridge will charge a per subject exam fee of about R450 which you have to pay in advance. There may be other fees on top of this according to where you choose to write the exam.
Where can I find tutors to help my student with their Cambridge Homeschool Matric?
There are some subjects that may be above a homeschooling mom’s skill level. Let this not put you off. There are many homeschool tutors that can help your student with tough subjects. On the Cambridge website there is a list of tutors but also consider past Cambridge homeschool matric students to help your child.
The added bonus with these ex-homeschool students is they have the same point of view as your child and are thus more equipped to help them through issues like exam preparation and time management skills.
More High School Homeschool Options
GED
SAT Test
High School Science
American High School Diploma
GED vs. AHSD: Which is best for your child?
Conflict with Your Homeschooled Teen
South African Homeschool Success Stories
Meer oor Afrikaans tuisonderwys kurrikulums op die Afrikaans High School Options bladsy.
* This website is not affiliated with Cambridge in any way. Please visit the Cambridge International Assessment website to ensure that you get the most up to date information about Cambridge courses and examinations. Go to http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/