Matric Exemption Motivation Letter Template (Word)
A free, editable template for a motivation letter to Umalusi in support of a matric (National Senior Certificate) exemption application.
How to edit this template
- 1A matric exemption is issued by Umalusi and confirms your NSC (or equivalent) meets the requirements for degree study at a South African university.
- 2This letter is usually attached to your online application on the Matric Exemption Certificate (MEC) portal, alongside certified copies of your results and ID.
- 3Replace everything in orange square brackets with your own details, then delete the brackets.
- 4Be factual and specific about why you need the exemption — most applications are for late/non-matching subject combinations, foreign qualifications, or missed conversion deadlines.
- 5A filled-in example is included on the last page — use it as a guide for tone and length, not for copying word-for-word.
Before you submit it
- Confirm the recipient's latest format, document and submission requirements on its official website.
- Replace every example name, date, address and reference number with your own accurate information.
- Remove personal information that the recipient has not asked for, especially when sending the document by email.
- Check whether the final document must be signed, witnessed, commissioned or certified before submission.
Filled-in example
[Your Full Name] [Your ID / Passport Number] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] [Date] The Matric Exemption Certification Office Umalusi Council 37 General Van Ryneveld Street, Persequor Technopark, Pretoria, 0020 Dear Sir / Madam, RE: MOTIVATION FOR MATRIC EXEMPTION APPLICATION — [Your Full Name] ([ID / Passport Number]) I am writing to motivate my application for a matric exemption certificate. I completed my [National Senior Certificate / equivalent qualification] at [School / Institution Name] in [Year], in [Country, if not South Africa]. I am applying for exemption because [reason, e.g. my subject combination does not meet the standard endorsement requirements / my qualification was obtained outside South Africa / I did not apply for endorsement within the required timeframe]. My final results were as follows: [list your subjects and symbols, or refer to the attached results]. I intend to use this exemption to apply for [qualification / degree] at [Institution Name], commencing in [Year]. I have attached certified copies of my results, my ID/passport, and [any other supporting documents, e.g. proof of subject equivalence] to support this application. Please let me know if any further information is required. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for your consideration. Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name] Filled-In Example Aisha Patel Passport: P1234567 9 Marine Drive, Durban, 4001 084 567 2345 | aisha.patel@gmail.com 14 March 2026 The Matric Exemption Certification Office Umalusi Council 37 General Van Ryneveld Street, Persequor Technopark, Pretoria, 0020 Dear Sir / Madam, RE: MOTIVATION FOR MATRIC EXEMPTION APPLICATION — AISHA PATEL (PASSPORT P1234567) I am writing to motivate my application for a matric exemption certificate. I completed my International Baccalaureate Diploma at Greenfield International School in 2025, in Kenya. I am applying for exemption because my qualification was obtained outside South Africa and I need it assessed for equivalence to the National Senior Certificate before I can register for a degree. My final results were as follows: English A (HL) 6, Mathematics 6, Biology 6, Chemistry 5, Economics 6, French B 5 (see attached IB transcript for full details). I intend to use this exemption to apply for a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, commencing in 2027. I have attached certified copies of my IB transcript, my passport, and a letter confirming my school's accreditation to support this application. Please let me know if any further information is required. I can be reached at 084 567 2345 or aisha.patel@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Aisha Patel
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