If you’re a student in South Africa, you know how important it is to have access to past exam papers. These papers can help you prepare for your upcoming exams, giving you an idea of the format and type of questions you can expect.
However, finding past papers can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why, in this article, we’ll show you where to find past exam papers in South Africa, so you can start preparing for your exams with confidence.
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Find Past Exam Papers at Your Tertiary Institution
The first place to start when looking for past exam papers is at your college or university. Many tertiary institutions keep copies of past papers for their students to use as study aids. If your college or university has a library, check with the librarian to see if they have any past exam papers available. Alternatively, ask your lecturer if they have any copies they can share with you.
Although the above methods are effective, the easiest way to find past exam papers at your tertiary institution is by searching online! Depending on where you’re studying, you can easily find past papers on your institution’s website.
To help get you started, we’ve rounded up South African universities and TVET colleges that list past exam papers on their websites.
University Past Exam Papers
There are several South African universities that list past papers for students on their websites.
Note that in order to download past exam papers from some of these universities, you need to be a registered student and will have to either log in or know your course code:
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University (RU)
- North West University (NWU)
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Pretoria (TUKS)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of Venda (Univen)
For students who are busy studying at a university of technology, be sure to find past exam papers at any one of the below tertiary institutions:
TVET College Past Exam Papers
Students who are completing their studies at TVET colleges can find past exam papers at their current TVET college. Note, however, that certain TVET colleges may require you to log in before you may access old question papers or exams.
Find Past Exam Papers at the Department of Education
The Department of Basic Education provides past exam papers for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, which are written by Grade 12 learners. These exam papers can be found on the department’s website, and are available for download in PDF format. The papers go as far back as 2008, and cover subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and many more.
For learners who are going to be studying for the upcoming May/June 2024 exams, here’s a list of the past 2023 May/June exam papers for your ease of viewing:
2023 May/June Exam Papers: Languages
Subject
Paper
Memo
Afrikaans Second Additional Language (SAL)
2023 May/June Exam Papers: Non-Languages
Subject
Paper
Memo
Agricultural Management Practices
Civil Technology (Civil Services)
Civil Technology (Woodworking)
Civil Technology (Construction)
Electrical Technology (Digitals)
Electrical Technology (Electronics)
Electrical Technology (Power Systems)
Mechanical Technology (Welding and Metalwork)
Mechanical Technology (Fitting and Machining)
Mechanical Technology (Automotive)
Find Past Exam Papers at the Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
If you’re a Grade 12 learner who is busy completing matric via the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum, then you may be wondering where to find IEB past exam papers. Thankfully, the answer is quite simple: all you have to do is visit the IEB website!
The IEB has made it easier for matric learners to download past papers on its website. To download IEB past papers, all you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Visit www.ieb.co.za.
- Follow the link to access Past IEB Papers and Marking Guidelines
- Login with your details or the “guest” details provided to you on the IEB website
- Once you’ve logged in, click on ‘NSC Public Resources’
- Select ‘NSC Examination Papers’
- Choose which year of examinations you’d like to see
- Download your chosen subject from the list of past papers on the IEB directory
Find Past Exam Papers Using Online Resources
If you’re looking for additional exam papers or resources, then you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of websites that offer past exam papers for a variety of subjects and levels. Some of the most popular sites include:
FundiConnect
FundiConnect offers various resources for learners and students, including past exam papers and study guides to help you prepare for your exams.
Some useful resources that you can use to help you study for your upcoming exams are:
MyComLink
MyComLink is a comprehensive online learning platform in South Africa that offers a range of educational resources to learners, teachers and parents. The platform features a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily access and navigate its resources, which include past exam papers.
MyComLink is designed to support learners at all levels of education—from Grade R to Grade 12—and has a variety of past papers available for download for both the NSC and IEB curriculum.
Together We Pass
Together We Pass is an online study group platform in South Africa that provides college and university students with a collaborative learning environment to enhance their academic performance. The platform allows students to join or create study groups, which can be specific to their course, module or university.
With Together We Pass, students can share study materials, ask and answer questions, and provide feedback on each other’s work. Together We Pass also provides access to past exam papers and other study resources, making it an invaluable tool for exam preparation.
Navigate Student Life With FundiConnect
Being a student is hard enough—especially when you’re tackling everything on your own. That’s why FundiConnect is here to help! FundiConnect is an online student platform offering all the essential tools you need to navigate student life.
At FundiConnect, you can find all the latest study advice, career guidance and funding options at your fingertips.
Not only that, but FundiConnect also gives you access to valuable resources that can help you ace your exams, such as:
- Student tutoring: Find an online or face-to-face tutor to help you pass all your subjects and modules.
- Matric rewrites: Qualify for university and get a second chance at matric with a matric rewrite.
- Fundi Shop: Shop Fundi’s range of electronics and gadgets that can help make studying that much easier.
With the above resources, we’re sure you’ll be able to amp up your study game and hopefully ace your exams.
Good luck to all the matrics and students writing their 2024 June examinations!
