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Can I Apply If I Am Currently Upgrading My Results?

When it comes to applying for college or university, timing and academic qualifications are everything. But what happens if you're currently upgrading your results? Are you allowed to apply for your desired course or institution while waiting for your improved grades?

University Links Admin 9 August 2026 7 min read 48 views
Can I Apply If I Am Currently Upgrading My Results?

Can You Apply to University While Upgrading Your Results?

 

Did you rewrite or upgrade some of your matric subjects because you didn't get the marks you needed for your preferred university course?

If you're currently upgrading your matric results, you may be wondering whether you can still apply to university or whether you have to wait until your new results are released.

The good news is that you may be able to apply while upgrading your results, but the rules depend on the university, qualification and timing of your upgraded results.

Here's what South African students need to know.

 

What Does Upgrading Your Matric Results Mean?

 

Upgrading your results generally means rewriting one or more matric subjects in an effort to improve your marks.

Students may decide to upgrade their results because they:

For example, a student may have the required overall qualification but need a higher Mathematics or Physical Sciences mark to qualify for a particular degree.

 

Can You Apply to University While Upgrading?

 

Yes, in many situations you can apply while upgrading your results.

However, submitting an application does not automatically mean that the university will wait for your upgraded results or guarantee you admission.

Universities may consider the results you currently have available when assessing your application.

If your upgraded results are released later, you may need to submit them to the university so that your application can be reassessed.

The most important thing is to check the university's policy before applying.

 

What Happens to Your Application?

 

The outcome can depend on your current results and the requirements of your chosen programme.

1. You May Be Assessed Using Your Current Results

If you already meet the minimum admission requirements, the university may be able to assess your application using your existing results.

Your upgraded results could potentially be considered later if the university allows you to submit them.

2. Your Application May Depend on Your Upgraded Results

If you don't currently meet the programme requirements but expect your upgraded results to improve your marks, the university may require your updated results before making a final decision.

This is particularly important for programmes with strict subject requirements.

3. Your Application May Not Qualify

An upgrade does not guarantee admission.

Even if your new results improve, you still need to meet the university's:

Some programmes are highly competitive, meaning meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee a place.

 

What Documents Should You Provide?

 

If you're applying while upgrading your results, the university may ask for your current academic documents and information about your upgrade.

Depending on the institution, you may need to provide:

Requirements differ between universities, so check the application instructions carefully.

 

What If Your Upgraded Results Are Released After the Application Deadline?

 

This is one of the most important things to consider.

A university may have an application deadline that comes before your upgraded results are released.

That doesn't necessarily mean you cannot apply.

You should contact the university's admissions office and ask:

"I am currently upgrading my matric results. Can I apply using my current results and submit my upgraded results once they are released?"

The university can then tell you whether your updated marks can be considered for the programme you're applying for.

Don't wait until your upgraded results are released before checking the application deadline.

You could miss the application window completely.

 

Can Upgrading Help You Get Into a Competitive Course?

 

It can help if your improved marks allow you to meet the programme's requirements.

For example, you may be upgrading Mathematics because your preferred programme requires a higher Mathematics mark than you currently have.

However, improving your marks doesn't automatically guarantee admission.

Competitive programmes can have limited spaces, and universities may rank applicants according to their academic performance.

This is particularly important when applying for programmes such as:

Always check the specific requirements for the programme, not just the university's general admission requirements.

 

Should You Apply Before Your Upgraded Results Come Out?

 

In many cases, yes — you should investigate applying before your results are released, especially if the university's application deadline is approaching.

Waiting for your upgraded results could mean missing the application deadline.

Instead:

 

Step 1: Check the application deadline

Find out when applications close for your chosen university and programme.

Step 2: Check the admission requirements

Look at the required APS, subjects and minimum marks.

Step 3: Compare your current results

Determine whether you already meet the requirements.

Step 4: Tell the university you're upgrading

Don't hide your current academic situation.

Step 5: Ask whether updated results can be submitted later

Get confirmation from the admissions office.

Step 6: Submit your upgraded results as soon as they become available

If the university allows updated results, send them according to its instructions.

 

Don't Assume Every University Has the Same Rules

 

One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming that because one university accepts upgraded results, every university will do the same.

That's not the case.

Universities have their own admission policies and deadlines.

The same applies to different programmes within the same university.

For example, one programme may consider upgraded results while another may have additional requirements or selection procedures.

Always check the specific university and programme you're interested in.

 

What About APS Scores?

 

Your APS (Admission Point Score) can be particularly important when you're upgrading your matric results.

If your improved subject marks increase your APS, you may become eligible for programmes that you didn't qualify for previously.

However, universities calculate or use APS differently, and some programmes may have additional subject requirements.

Don't look at your APS alone.

Check:

APS + required subjects + minimum marks + programme requirements

together.

 

What If You Don't Get the Marks You Were Hoping For?

 

It's always a good idea to have alternatives.

If your upgraded results don't meet the requirements for your first-choice programme, consider:

For example, if you want to study Computer Science but don't meet the requirements for your preferred degree, there may be related programmes that can help you work towards a similar career.

 

Tips for Students Upgrading Their Results

 

1. Don't wait until your results are released

Start researching universities and programmes early.

2. Keep track of application deadlines

Create a list of every university you're interested in and its closing date.

3. Check programme requirements

Don't assume that improving your overall marks will automatically make you eligible.

4. Keep proof of your upgrade

Make sure you have documentation showing that you're rewriting or upgrading your subjects.

5. Contact admissions offices

If you're unsure whether your upgraded results will be accepted, ask the university directly.

6. Have backup choices

Your first-choice programme may be highly competitive, so consider alternative universities and qualifications.

 

Upgrading Your Results Doesn't Mean Your University Dreams Are Over

 

Not getting the marks you wanted the first time doesn't mean that your university journey has ended.

Upgrading your matric results can give you another opportunity to improve your academic record and meet the requirements for programmes you previously couldn't enter.

The key is to plan ahead.

Apply within the required deadlines, understand the admission requirements, communicate with universities and submit your updated results when they become available.

Your academic journey doesn't have to follow one straight path.

Sometimes taking an extra step is exactly what gets you where you want to go.

 

Final Reminder

 

If you're upgrading your matric results and want to study at university, don't automatically wait until your new results are released before starting your application process.

Application deadlines can arrive before upgraded results are available.

Check the university's requirements, contact admissions and find out whether your updated results can be submitted or considered later.

For more university application guides, APS tools, course information and application resources, explore University Applications.

Plan early. Apply smart. Keep moving forward.

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