Writing matric finals soon? Here are 6 free study resources you can use

With the 2026 matric final exams approaching, Grade 12 learners are entering one of the most important parts of the school year.

While there are plenty of paid tutoring services, study platforms and revision courses available, learners do not necessarily need to spend money to get extra help.

Several free resources are available online, including official past examination papers, study guides, textbooks and revision programmes.

Here are some worth knowing about.

1. Past matric exam papers from the Department of Basic Education

One of the most useful resources for any matric learner is also completely free: past examination papers.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides previous National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination papers online, including papers from recent years.

The papers allow learners to familiarise themselves with the format of the exam and identify areas where they need more practice.

The DBE currently provides papers going back to 2021, as well as older examination papers.

Learners can also use past papers under timed conditions to simulate the real examination.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/NationalSeniorCertificate(NSC)Examinations/NSCPastExaminationpapers.aspx

2. Mind the Gap study guides

The DBE’s Mind the Gap study guides are another useful free resource.

The guides were developed specifically to help Grade 12 learners prepare for their NSC examinations and cover a range of subjects, including Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Economics and Geography.

There are also English language and literature guides covering prescribed works.

Rather than trying to work through an entire textbook again, learners can use these guides to focus on important curriculum content and revision.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/LearningandTeachingSupportMaterials(LTSM)/MindtheGapStudyGuides.aspx

3. Siyavula

For learners who need additional help with Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Siyavula offers free online resources.

Its practice platform includes past-paper-style questions, automatic marking and step-by-step solutions. Learners can work through complete papers or practise specific topics where they are struggling.

Siyavula also provides open textbooks for South African CAPS subjects, which can be read online or downloaded.

There is another useful benefit for learners trying to save data: Siyavula says its website is currently zero-rated on MTN and Cell C in South Africa, although learners still need mobile connectivity and external links may use data.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.siyavula.com/products/learners

4. The DBE’s Second Chance resources

The DBE’s Second Chance Programme is not only for people rewriting matric.

Its online resources include examination readiness material, Grade 12 exemplars, past papers, Mind the Gap guides, Siyavula textbooks and various revision materials.

The programme also provides multimedia resources, including video tutorials and radio and television lessons.

This makes it particularly useful for learners who prefer watching or listening to explanations rather than simply reading through notes.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/SecondChanceProgramme.aspx

5. Woza Matrics

Learners can also make use of Woza Matrics, a DBE programme designed to provide matric learners with additional lessons and study support.

The programme provides learning materials and lessons through television, online platforms and radio.

According to the DBE, from 1 September, Woza Matrics broadcasts four hours of catch-up lessons a day, seven days a week, covering six key subjects.

For learners who are struggling with a particular subject, these lessons can provide another way of going over the work before the exams.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.education.gov.za/WozaMatrics.aspx

6. Don’t overlook free study-planning resources

Studying more does not necessarily mean studying better.

The DBE’s Thutong education portal also provides advice on study skills, including planning and scheduling revision.

Its guidance recommends breaking study time into specific sessions and setting out exactly which subject or section will be covered during each session.

This can be particularly useful during the final weeks, when learners have multiple subjects competing for their attention.

Find the free study resource here: https://www.thutong.doe.gov.za/LearningChannelStudySkills/tabid/5059/Default.aspx

How to make the most of the free resources

Having access to hundreds of PDFs and past papers is one thing. Actually using them effectively is another.

A simple approach is to:

• Start with your weakest subjects or topics rather than spending all your time revising what you already know.
• Use a past paper to identify gaps in your knowledge.
• Go back to a study guide or textbook to revise those specific sections.
• Do another set of questions to see whether you’ve improved.
• Practise under timed conditions as the exams get closer.
• Keep a record of recurring mistakes so you can revise them before the final exam.