TVET Supplementary Exam Results 2026 — What to Do Next If You Failed

Supplementary exam results for the 2025 academic year are being published on college student portals across South Africa. Whether you passed, are still waiting, or didn't get the result you hoped for — this guide explains exactly what happens next and what your options are.

How to Check Your Supplementary Results Right Now

Supplementary exam results are published on the same student portal as your main results. Follow these steps:

1. 1
   Go to your college's student portal

   Find your college on our Colleges page and click "Open Student Portal". Use Google Chrome for best results on any device.

2. 2
   Log in with your Student Number and PIN

   Your student number is on your registration letter or student card. If you forgot your PIN, visit your campus admin office — there is no online reset option.

3. 3
   Navigate to Student Enquiry → Examination Results

   Select the correct academic year (2025) and the supplementary exam semester. Results for supplementary exams may appear under a different semester code to your main exams.

If the portal shows no results yet, they may not have been uploaded for your specific college or subject. Results are published in batches — check again in 24 to 48 hours before assuming there is a problem.

What a Supplementary Pass Means for Your Recorded Mark

This is something many students are not aware of before the exams: even if you score 90% in a supplementary exam, your recorded mark will be capped at 40%. This is official DHET policy for both NC(V) and NATED (Report 191) qualifications. The supplementary exam exists purely as a second chance to pass the threshold — it is not an opportunity to improve your final mark. The 40% capped mark is what will appear on your academic record and transcript.

If You Failed the Supplementary Exam — Your Options

Failing a supplementary exam is discouraging, but it is not the end of your education. Here is a clear breakdown of your realistic options depending on your qualification:

Option 1: Repeat the Level (NC(V) Students)

For NC(V) students, failing means repeating the entire level — not just the failed subject. NC(V) is a year-based, not a credit-based, system. You cannot carry passed subjects from one year into a repeated year. Speak to your campus academic advisor about re-enrolling for the 2026 academic year. Registration for Semester 1 typically opens in January.

Option 2: Repeat Only the Failed Subject (NATED Students)

NATED (Report 191, N1–N6) is more flexible. You only need to repeat the specific subject or subjects you failed. Your passes in other subjects remain valid. You can re-register for the failed subject in the next exam intake — either Semester 1 (May/June) or Semester 2 (October/November).

Option 3: Apply for a Remark

If you believe your paper was incorrectly marked, you can apply for a formal remark through your college's Student Administration office. You must do this within 30 days of results being published. There is a remark fee of roughly R100 to R300 depending on the college, which is refunded if the remark improves your mark. Bring your student card and the specific subject and module details when you apply.

Option 4: Explore Alternative Pathways

If you have failed the same subject or level more than once, it may be worth speaking honestly with a college careers advisor about whether this qualification and field is the right fit. Skills programmes and learnerships offered through SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) are SAQA-accredited and can lead to formal employment without a full TVET diploma. Artisan programmes through the merSETA or EWSETA are also strong career pathways.

What About NSFAS If You Failed?

If you receive NSFAS funding and failed more than 50% of your registered subjects in the 2025 academic year, your funding may be at risk for 2026. NSFAS has an appeals process and allows one appeal per student per qualification.

Do not wait for NSFAS to contact you. Visit your college's Financial Aid Office now, before the December holiday period. Gather any supporting documentation — a medical certificate, death certificate of a family member, or a letter explaining extenuating circumstances — as this significantly strengthens an appeal. You can also check your status at my.nsfas.org.za or call 08000 67327.

Key Dates to Know for 2026

All dates are indicative. Confirm exact dates with your college or on the official DHET website.

Who to Talk to at Your College

Every TVET college has dedicated support staff. Do not try to navigate this alone — reach out to:

• Student Support Services — academic counselling, study skills, and personal guidance.
• Student Administration — for remark applications, re-registration, and academic records.
• Financial Aid Office — for NSFAS queries, bursary applications, and funding appeals.
• Careers Office — for exploring alternative qualifications and pathways if needed.