Your Guide to the 2026 Exam Seasons

As we begin the new year, it is important for candidates and parents to familiarise themselves with the key dates published by Tutors & Exams South Africa for the 2026 exam season. Our entry deadlines, access arrangement timelines and fee structures are already available, and reviewing them early helps ensure a smooth and well-organised exam year.

This guide summarises the major deadlines for the January, May/June and October/November sessions, along with important information regarding access arrangements and fees as outlined on the Tutors & Exams SA website.

Understanding the 2026 Exam Sessions

Tutors & Exams South Africa accommodates candidates sitting examinations from Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Each awarding organisation operates across several exam windows:

January: Pearson Edexcel International A/AS Levels only
May/June: CIE and Pearson Edexcel (IGCSE, International GCSE, AS and A Levels)
October/November: CIE and Pearson Edexcel (IGCSE, International GCSE, AS and A Levels), as well as the South African IEB Matric Finals

Each session has its own set of entry and access arrangement deadlines, and certain qualifications are only available in specific seasons. Reviewing these distinctions early helps candidates plan subject loads and revision schedules accurately.

Access Arrangements: Early Deadlines for Evidence and Applications

Access arrangements must be approved well in advance of the exam date. These may include extra time, the use of a reader or scribe, supervised rest breaks, assistive technology or modified papers. Each form of support has its own cut-off date, and late submissions cannot be accepted.

For the May/June 2026 exam series, the Tutors & Exams SA access arrangements page outlines several key deadlines:
https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/access-arrangements/#deadlines

These deadlines ensure sufficient time for the awarding organisations to review medical or psychological reports and obtain approval for any requested arrangements. Families who anticipate needing support should begin preparing documentation early to avoid missing critical cut-offs.

Entry Deadline Dates for 2026

The Tutors & Exams SA entry deadline tables provide clear guidance on registration periods for each exam session. These dates are important because fees change across three distinct phases:

Standard Entry Period
Late Fee Period
High-Late Fee Period

Please refer to:
https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/exam-centre/entry-deadline-dates/

It is advisable to register early to avoid unnecessary stress and additional fees. Exams are stressful enough without administrative complications.

Fees and Payment Requirements

The 2026 fees and payment guidelines published by Tutors & Exams SA include the following important points:

Full payment is required before the entry deadline.
No refunds are given, as the awarding bodies do not refund us.
Payment method: EFT.
Stationery requirements: We sell stationery packs containing all permitted items for the exams, should you require them.
We have no hidden fees; all costs are clearly listed and transparent.
Keep an eye on our communications throughout the year, as we often run specials that help ease your exam budget.
Full fees list:
https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/fees-and-awarding-body/#fees-information

Planning Ahead: January as a Foundation Month

For many candidates, especially those home-schooling in South Africa, January serves as the organisational foundation for the entire exam year. By reviewing the Tutors & Exams SA deadlines early, candidates can:

Establish realistic revision timelines
Register for the correct exam session
Confirm subject availability
Submit access arrangements documentation early
Avoid late fees
Prepare for mock exams and internal assessments where needed

Taking these steps early helps reduce pressure later in the year when exam activity intensifies.

Where to Find Official Information

All deadlines and information can be found on our website:

Access Arrangements:

https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/access-arrangements/#deadlines

Entry Deadlines:

https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/exam-centre/entry-deadline-dates/

Fees & Awarding Body Information:

https://www.tutorsandexams.co.za/fees-and-awarding-body/#fees-information

These pages are updated as new timelines and awarding-organisation requirements become available, so families are encouraged to consult them regularly.

A successful exam year begins with clear awareness of dates, requirements and administrative processes. January provides the opportunity to organise entries, confirm access arrangements, review fees and ensure that all documentation is submitted well before awarding body cut-offs. By familiarising themselves with the deadlines published by Tutors & Exams South Africa, families can approach the 2026 exam season with structure, clarity and confidence.

We are here to support your learning pathway for 2026.