Grade 12 Past Exam Papers – All Subjects And Languages

If you are trying to prepare for the upcoming Matric Finals and looking to find some old papers to work through, then you came to the right place. Below you will find old final papers from 2020 for every language and subject in South Africa.

On the Matric Downloads site, you will find Grade 12 past papers and memos. You can download these past papers at no cost. You can simply click on the linked subjects to download these papers and memos. 

We have Independent Examinations Board (IEB) Assessments language and non-language papers, as well as Department of Basic Education (DBE) past papers and memos. These are the past papers that we have available:

IEB Assessments

2020 Language Papers

Afrikaans

AP Afrikaans

Arabic

English

AP English

French

German

Greek

Gujarati

Hebrew 

Hindi

IsiXhosa

IsiZulu 

Italian

Latin

Mandarin

Portuguese

Sepedi

Sesotho

Setswana

Siswati

Spanish

Tamil

Urdu

Xitsonga

2022 Non – Language Papers

Accounting

Agriculture Management Practices

Agricultural Sciences

Advanced Programme Maths

Business Studies

Computer Applications Technology

Consumer Studies 

Dance Studies

Design

Dramatic Arts 

Economics

Engineering and Graphics Design

Electrical Technology

History

Hospitality Studies 

Basic Education

2021 Language Papers

Afrikaans

Exam Paper: Memo:
Afrikaans HL Paper 1  Afrikaans HL Paper 1 Memo
Afrikaans HL Paper 2  Afrikaans HL Paper 2 Memo
Afrikaans HL Paper 3  Afrikaans HL Paper 3 Memo
Afrikaans FAL Paper 1 Afrikaans FAL Paper 1 Memo
Afrikaans FAL Paper 2  Afrikaans FAL Paper 2 Memo
Afrikaans FAL Paper 3 Afrikaans FAL Paper 3 Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Western Cape Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Western Cape Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2  – Northern Cape
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – North West  Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – North West Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Mpumalanga  Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Mpumalanga Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Limpopo Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Limpopo Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – KwaZulu-Natal Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – KwaZulu-Natal Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Gauteng Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Gauteng Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Free State Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Free State Memo
Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Eastern Cape Afrikaans SAL Paper 2 – Eastern Cape

English

Exam Paper: Memo:
English HL Paper 1  English HL Paper 1 Memo
English HL Paper 2  English HL Paper 2 Memo
English Hl Paper 3  English HL Paper 3 Memo
English FAL Paper 1  English FAL Paper 1 Memo
English FAL Paper 2  English FAL Paper 2 Memo
English FAL Paper 3 English FAL Paper 3 Memo

IsiXhosa

Exam Paper: Memo:
IsiXhosa HL Paper 1  IsiXhosa HL Paper 1 Memo
IsiXhosa HL Paper 2 IsiXhosa HL Paper 2 Memo
IsiXhosa HL Paper 3 IsiXhosa HL Paper 3 Memo
IsiXhosa FAL Paper 1 IsiXhosa FAL Paper 1 Memo
IsiXhosa FAL Paper 2  IsiXhosa FAL Paper 2 Memo
IsiXhosa FAL Paper 3 IsiXhosa FAL Paper 3 Memo
IsiXhosa SAL Paper 1 IsiXhosa SAL Paper 1 Memo
IsiXhosa SAL Paper 2 IsiXhosa SAL Paper 2 Memo
IsiXhosa SAL Paper 3  IsiXhosa SAL Paper 3 Memo

Sesotho

Exam Paper: Memo:
Sesotho HL Paper 1  Sesotho HL Paper 1 Memo
Sesotho HL Paper 2  Sesotho HL Paper 2 Memo 
Sesotho HL Paper 3  Sesotho HL Paper 3 Memo
Sesotho FAL Paper 1 Sesotho FAL Paper 1 Memo
Sesotho FAL Paper 2  Sesotho FAL Paper 2 Memo
Sesotho FAL Paper 3  Sesotho FAL Paper 3 Memo
Sesotho SAL Paper 1 Sesotho SAL Paper 1 Memo 
Sesotho SAL Paper 2 Sesotho SAL Paper 2 Memo
Sesotho SAL Paper 3  Sesotho SAL Paper 3 Memo

2020 Language Papers

Sepedi

Exam Paper: Memo:
Sepedi FAL Paper 1  Sepedi FAL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Sepedi FAL Paper 2  Sepedi FAL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Sepedi FAL Paper 3  Sepedi FAL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Sepedi HL Paper 1  Sepedi HL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Sepedi HL Paper 2  Sepedi HL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Sepedi HL Paper 3  Sepedi HL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Sepedi SAL Paper 1 (Limpopo) Sepedi SAL Paper 1 (Limpopo) Nov Memo
Sepedi SAL Paper 2 Sepedi SAL Paper 2 Nov Memo

Setswana

Exam Paper:  Memo:
Setswana FAL Paper 1  Setswana FAL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Setswana FAL Paper 2 Setswana FAL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Setswana FAL Paper 3 Setswana FAL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Setswana HL Paper 1  Setswana HL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Setswana HL Paper 2  Setswana HL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Setswana HL Paper 3  Setswana HL Paper 3 Nov Memo

Siswati

Exam Paper: Memo:
Siswati FAL Paper 1  Siswati FAL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Siswati FAL Paper 2  Siswati FAL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Siswati FAL Paper 3  Siswati FAL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Siswati HL Paper 1  Siswati HL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Siswati HL Paper 2  Siswati HL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Siswati HL Paper 3  Siswati HL Paper 3 Nov Memo

Tshivenda

Exam Paper: Memo:
Tshivenda FAL Paper 1  Tshivenda FAL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Tshivenda FAL Paper 2  Tshivenda FAL Paper 2 Nov Memo 
Tshivenda FAL Paper 3 Tshivenda FAL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Tshivenda HL Paper 1  Tshivenda HL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Tshivenda HL Paper 2  Tshivenda HL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Tshivenda HL Paper 3 Tshivenda HL Paper 3 Nov Memo

Xitsonga 

Exam Paper:  Memo:
Xitsonga FAL Paper 1  Xitsonga FAL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Xitsonga FAL Paper 2  Xitsonga FAL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Xitsonga FAL Paper 3  Xitsonga FAL Paper 3 Nov Memo
Xitsonga HL Paper 1  Xitsonga HL Paper 1 Nov Memo
Xitsonga HL Paper 2 Xitsonga HL Paper 2 Nov Memo
Xitsonga HL Paper 3  Xitsonga HL Paper 3 Nov Memo

2021 Non – Language Papers 

Accounting

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans) Paper 2 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)

Agricultural Management Practices

Exam Papers: Memos:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English)

Agricultural Sciences

Exam Paper: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 (Afrikaans)

Agricultural Technology

Exam Paper: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Memo

Business Studies 

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)

Computer Applications Technology

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans) Paper 2 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)

Civil Technology

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 – Woodworking (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Woodworking Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Construction (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Construction Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Civil Services (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Civil Services Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Construction (English) Paper 1 – Construction Memo (English)
Paper 1 – Woodworking (English) Paper 1 – Woodworking Memo (English)
Paper 1 – Civil Services (English) Paper 1 – Civil Services Memo (English)

Consumer Studies 

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)

Dance Studies

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)

Design

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 2 (English)

Dramatic Arts

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)

Economics

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)

Engineering Graphic and Design

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans) Paper 2 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)

Electrical Technology

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 – Digital (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Digital Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Electronics (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Electronics Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Power Systems (Afrikaans) Paper 1 – Power Systems Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 – Digital (English) Paper 1 – Digital Memo (English)
Paper 1 – Electronics (English) Paper 1 – Electronics Memo (English)
Paper 1 – Power Systems (English) Paper 1 – Power Systems Memo (English)

Geography

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)

History

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 (Afrikaans) Paper 2 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 2 Addendum (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (English)
Paper 1 Addendum (English)
Paper 2 (English) Paper 2 Memo (English)
Paper 2 Addendum (English)

Hospitality Studies

Exam Papers: Memo:
Paper 1 (Afrikaans) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)
Paper 1 (English) Paper 1 Memo (Afrikaans)

Frequently Asked Questions

There are not many schools that write IEB exams in South Africa, but this is a list of the schools in South Africa that does write IEB exams:

  • Harriston School, Harrismith
  • St. Dominic’s College – Welkom 
  • Christian Brothers’ College, St. Joseph’s Bloemfontein
  • St. Andrew’s, Welkom
  • Curro Bloemfontein
  • St. Peter Claver High School, Kroonstad

In order for you to pass an IEB exam, you are required to:

  • Achieve a 40% or more in your Home Language 
  • Pass four other subjects with at least 50% (Excluding Life Orientation)

No, achieving a Higher Certificate pass in Matric is not a fail. A Higher Certificate pass in Matric means that you qualify to study for a Higher Certificate at tertiary institutions. 

You need 14 points to pass matric, which is the bare minimum. This is called a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a Matric pass. Although, this score might not get you admitted into a tertiary institution or higher certificate courses. 

Yes, you can fail one subject in Matric. You will still be able to pass your Matric year and gain your Matric certificate.

No, you cannot buy your Matric. It is illegal to buy a Matric Certificate.

Yes, you can still get a job if you did not pass Matric. You can also study a variety of courses without a Matric certificate to help you become prepared for the workplace.

If you have enough time, you can do all of the past papers on the all subjects you writing about in your Matric exams. If not, studying the past papers of the last three (3) years on each of your subjects, should be sufficient.

No, you will need a Matric certificate to study to become a teacher. There are however other courses, such as the NATED Educare Diploma, that can get you into the education industry, but not as a teacher.

It will take a minimum of 12 months to study for and get your Matric certificate.

No, 75% is not a distinction in Matric. To get a distinction, you will need to get 80%.

Yes, you can fail Maths and still pass your Matric.

You will need a minimum of 14 points to pass your Matric.

Some of the hardest subjects in Matric are physical science, Mathematics, and Accounting.

If you fail your Matric, you will have to apply for the supplementary exams to rewrite the subjects you have not passed. However, if you are over the age of 21, you need to apply for Adult Matric.

Accordion You will need a minimum of 23 APS points to receive a bachelor’s pass.

A diploma can generally take between one (1) and three (3) years to complete.

A student must take seven (7) subjects in their Matric year.

With an APS of 18, you can study for a Diploma at a higher education institute.

Yes, you can write your Matric after 15 years. You can apply for the Amended Senior Certificate.

You can stay motivated in Matric by always thinking about the bigger picture. Always remember you are working towards a qualification that can open many doors for your future career and further studies.

You can download IEB Matric past papers on the matric downloads website, or on the IEB website.

Your final examination will count 75% towards your final mark.

No, you should not skip your exams. If you skip your exams you will not be able to pass your school year.

The curriculum currently used in South Africa is called the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

A Matric graduate is someone who has successfully completed high school and earned their Matric Certificate.

Here are three (3) tips to use when studying:

  • Find a learning style that suits you
  • Create a study plan
  • Ask your teachers questions; they are there to help you
Here are some tips on improving your brain before an exam:
  • Get enough sleep
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Avoid cramming the night before
  • Follow an exercise routine

Yes, you can study policing without a Matric certificate, but it will be more difficult for you to find employment. It is recommended that you get a Matric certificate in order to have more opportunities.

No, you cannot study nursing with a grade 11 report. You need a Matric certificate to study a course to become a nurse.

It means there is an outstanding mark on your Matric results.

Yes, you still get a Matric certificate, but it will indicate that you did not passed your Matric.

No, your Matric certificate will never expire.

Obtaining an A in Matric is equal to a percentage between 80% and 100%.

You will be able to further your studies and apply for more career options if you have a Matric certificate.

It can be a bit challenging and overwhelming, but with a Matric certificate, you will have the confidence to build a successful career.

Many students say that the hardest Grade in South Africa is Grade 11 because it has a lot of content to study.

Yes, you can. You can study some courses at an TVET college without Matric. There are also various courses you can do at online collages without a Matric certificate.

Yes, doing past papers is very helpful. It will help prepare you for your examinations.

You can pass Maths by following these tips:

  • Study past papers
  • Do all the exercises in your textbook
  • Do your homework everyday
  • Attend all of your classes
  • Ask questions if you do not understand

It is a pass. This is because a Level 2 is equal to a percentage between 30% and 39%.

No, you cannot write Matric online. You can register for the exams online, but you will need to write the exams at an examination center.

Yes, they can. They can study at a TVET College if they meet the entry requirements of a course.

Some healthy foods you can eat to help not fall asleep while studying include:

  • Fruit
  • Raw vegetables
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Protein bars

Yes, you can study for your Matric exams online, but you need to write your Matric exams in person.

Completing your Matric can take anywhere between one (1) and three (3) years.

Study guides help you understand your school work better. It also condenses the work so you have less to study.

Yes, seven (7) days is enough to study for an exam, but it is always best to study as much as you can before your exams.

You can pass Matric easily by working very hard and ensuring you are up to date with all of your work. Make sure you understand all of your work and study every day.

Yes, it does. It will improve your grades because the group members can all give their points of view on a subject and explain the work to the members who do not understand certain topics.

A Matric mark is a mark you receive at the end of your Grade 12 year and is based on all of the assignments, tests, and exams you have done throughout the year.

Yes, a D counts as a pass. This is because a D is between 50% and 59%.

Yes, 30 is a good APS to have. It is a Bachelor’s pass.

Yes, you can fail Afrikaans and still pass Matric.

No, the 2022 Matric exams have not been canceled.

The Matric exams of 2022 started on the 31st of October and will continue until the 9th of December.

No, you need a Matric certificate or an accredited SAQA Level 4 qualification to apply for SAPS.

You can apply for a replacement of your Matric certificate at the Provincial Department of Education or Department of Basic Education.

No, you cannot. It is considered a criminal offense to buy a Matric certificate.

You can apply for the Matric Upgrade course at Matric college to upgrade your Matric marks.

Yes, you can. If you have just finished your Matric year, the statement will be valid for 12 months and you can use this to apply for a job.

Yes, universities do accept Matric certificates with upgraded marks.

Yes, a Bachelor’s pass in Matric is good. It is the highest pass you can achieve in Matric.

A diploma pass means that you can study towards a diploma qualification at a higher education institution.

A higher certificate pass means that you can go to a university or college that offers higher certificate qualifications.

No, an N6 is a post-Matric qualification you can pursue.

You can study a diploma course if you have an APS of 19

Yes, you can. You can do so by applying for a Matric Upgrade program.

And APS for a bachelor’s pass is 23 points and above.

Yes, you will be able to check your Matric results online when they are available.

The lowest pass in Matric is a National Senior Certificate pass with an APS of 14.

After you have finished writing your final Matric exams, the Matric results will usually be available in January of the following year.

No, a high school is not allowed to withhold a Matric certificate from a student.

No, you do not fail Matric if you fail Maths. You are allowed to fail a subject and still pass Matric.

No, to achieve e a distinction in matric you will need to get 80% or more for a subject.

Yes, it is a good APS score. You have achieved a diploma pass you can use to apply to a university that offers diploma courses.

Yes, level 2 is between 30% and 39% and is the lowest level you can achieve to pass.

Matric can be stressful for many people because the marks they receive will influence what they will be able to study after Matric.

Matric is important for two (2) reasons. To find employment and to further your studies at a university or a college.

The 15-minute rule is when you try to solve a problem for 15 minutes, and if you still cannot solve it, you look up the answer or ask someone for guidance.

No, you cannot buy an original Matric certificate. You need to study and pass your exams to get an original Matric certificate.

To qualify for a matric upgrade you must be 21 years old or older when you write your exams and must have written your Matric exams before.

Yes, universities will accept subjects you have upgraded through a Matric Upgrade program.

Yes, there are courses you can study at a TVET college or distance learning college if you have a Grade 11 report.

Completing your Matric will take between 12 and 36 months.

No, you will need to pass six (6) subjects to pass your National Senior Certificate (NSC). However, you can pass the Amended Senior Certificate (SC) with five (5) subjects.

You will need a grade 9 report and be 21 or older to qualify for this course.

Yes, an Amended Senior Certificate can be used for the same purpose as a traditional Matric certificate.

Yes, universities will accept an Amended Senior Certificate to study their courses.

Author: Arusha Fisher
Editor: Arusha Fisher
Date Published: October 5, 2022