Matric Exam Dates 2023 in South Africa: NSC and IEB Timetable

Introduction: Matric Exam

2023 Matric Exam The matriculation exams in South Africa are a pivotal moment for high school learners as they near the end of their educational journey. These exams, known as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Exam Board (IEB) exams, play a crucial role in shaping a student’s future. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the 2023 matric exam dates, times, and subjects for both NSC and IEB, helping students and parents prepare for this important phase of education.

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Exam Dates:

The NSC exams for 2023 are scheduled to commence on Monday, 30 October and conclude on Wednesday, 6 December. These exams cover a wide range of subjects, and we’ll break down the dates, days, and subjects for each exam paper below:

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Monday, 30 October:

• Paper 1
• English Home Language (HL, FAL)
• Hebrew Second Additional Language (SAL)
• German (HL)
• German (SAL)

Tuesday, 31 October:

• Paper 1
• Economics
• Arabic (HL, FAL, SAL)
• French (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Italian (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Mandarin (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Modern Greek (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Serbian (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Spanish (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Latin (SAL)
• Portuguese (HL, FAL, SAL)

Wednesday, 1 November:

• Paper 1
• Afrikaans (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Paper 2
• Hindi (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Gujarati (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Tamil (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Telegu (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Urdu (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Hebrew (SAL)
• German (HL, SAL)

Thursday, 2 November:

• Paper 1
• History
• Engineering Graphics and Design

Friday, 3 November:

• Paper 1
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy
• Technical Mathematics
• Paper 2
• Arabic (SAL)
• French (SAL)
• Italian (SAL)
• Mandarin (SAL)
• Modern Greek (SAL)
• Serbian (SAL)
• Spanish (SAL)
• Latin (SAL)
• Portuguese (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Equine Studies

Monday, 6 November:

• Paper 2
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy
• Technical Mathematics
• Paper 3
• Hindi (HL, FAL)
• Gujarati (HL, FAL)
• Tamil (HL, FAL)
• Telegu (HL, FAL)
• Urdu (HL, FAL)
• German (HL)
• Portuguese (HL, FAL)

Tuesday, 7 November:

• Paper 1
• isiZulu (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiXhosa (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Siswati (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiNbedele (HL, FAL, SAL)
• South African Sign Language (HL)
• Paper 2
• Economics

Wednesday, 8 November:

• Paper 2
• History
• Information Technology

Thursday, 9 November:

• Paper 1
• Sepedi (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Sesotho (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Setswana (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Xitsonga (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Tshivenda (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Paper 2
• Computer Applications Technology (theory)

Friday, 10 November:

• Paper 1
• Physical Sciences
• Technical Sciences
• Business Studies
• Paper 2
• Physical Sciences (Chemistry)
• Technical Sciences
• Business Studies

Monday, 13 November:

• Paper 2
• Physical Sciences
• Technical Sciences
• Business Studies

Tuesday, 14 November:

• Paper 1
• Geography (Climate and Weather, Geomorphology and Mapwork)
• Dramatic Arts

Wednesday, 15 November:

• Paper 2
• English (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Engineering Graphics and Design

Thursday, 16 November:

• Paper 1
• Accounting
• Civil Technology
• Maritime Economics

Friday, 17 November:

• Paper 1
• Life Sciences
• Visual Arts

Monday, 20 November:

• Paper 2
• Life Sciences
• Electrical Technology

Tuesday, 21 November:

• Paper 2
• Sepedi (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Sesotho (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Setswana (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Xitsonga (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Tshivenda (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Paper 1
• Geography (Rural and Urban Settlement, Economic Geomorphology of South Africa and Mapwork)

Wednesday, 22 November:

• Paper 1
• Religion Studies
• Marine Sciences
• Paper 2
• isiZulu (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiXhosa (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Siswati (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiNbedele (HL, FAL, SAL)
• South African Sign Language (HL)

Thursday, 23 November:

• Paper 2
• Afrikaans (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Tourism
• Nautical Science

Friday, 24 November:

• Paper 1
• Agricultural Sciences
• Paper 2
• Accounting

Monday, 27 November:

• Paper 2
• Agricultural Science
• Natural Science
• Paper 3
• isiZulu (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiXhosa (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Siswati (HL, FAL, SAL)
• isiNbedele (HL, FAL, SAL)

Tuesday, 28 November:

• Paper 1
• Mechanical Technology
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Paper 3
• Sepedi (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Sesotho (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Setswana (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Xitsonga (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Tshivenda (HL, FAL, SAL)
• South African Sign Language (HL)

Wednesday, 29 November:

• Paper 2
• Religion Studies
• Marine Science
• Paper 3
• English (HL, FAL, SAL)

Thursday, 30 November:

• Consumer Studies
• Hospitality Studies
• Design

Friday, 1 December:

• Paper 3
• Afrikaans (HL, FAL, SAL)
• Agricultural Management Practices

Monday, 4 December:

• Paper 1
• Music Theory
• Paper 2
• Music Comprehension

Tuesday, 5 December:

• Dance Studies
• Agricultural Technology

Wednesday, 6 December:

• Rewrite
• Computer Application Technology (CAT) Practical
• Information Technology (IT) Practical

IEB Matric Exam Dates 2023:

The IEB (Independent Exam Board) matric exam dates differ from the NSC matric exam dates, with Grade 12 students having already begun their final exams on Tuesday, 12 September. The IEB exams will conclude on Tuesday, 28 November.

Students preparing for IEB exams should visit the IEB website for detailed timetables or obtain a copy from their schools. For any questions or additional information, students are encouraged to reach out to the Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA) at (011) 648 1331.

Conclusion:

The 2023 matric exams are a significant milestone in the educational journey of South African students. These exams will determine their readiness for further studies at colleges or universities, both within the country and abroad. It’s essential for learners to stay informed about the exam dates, subjects, and times, as these dates are correct at the time of publishing but may change. We wish all matriculants the best of luck as they tackle their final exams and take this important step towards their future education and careers. Stay updated with the Department of Education or your school for any changes in the exam schedule.