How many supplementary exams can I take?

Most universities allow you to take supplementary exams for all units you failed in a given semester. However, if you fail more than a certain number (commonly more than half your units), you may be required to repeat the semester or face academic probation. Check your university regulations.

Does a supplementary show on my transcript?

Yes, in most cases. The transcript may show the unit as passed on supplementary or show the capped mark. For tech employers, this rarely matters. For postgraduate applications, it may be noted but does not disqualify you.

Can I retake a unit I passed to improve my grade?

Some universities allow this, others do not. Where it is allowed, you pay the unit fee again and the higher mark counts. Check with your registrar before assuming this is an option.

What happens if I fail a supplementary exam?

You will need to retake the unit in full: register, attend, and sit the exam again when the unit is next offered. This is the most expensive outcome in both time and money, which is why preparing properly for the supplementary matters.

Supplementary exams, retakes and special exams: what they mean for your degree | Campus

Supplementary exams, retakes and special exams: what they mean for your degree

A supplementary exam is a second chance to pass a unit you failed. A special exam is given when you missed the main exam for a valid reason like illness. A retake means repeating the entire unit. Supplementary and special exams are capped at a pass mark at most universities. Apply through your department within the deadline.

What supplementary exams are

A supplementary exam is offered to students who failed a unit (scored below the pass mark, typically 40 out of 100). It is a second sitting of the end-of-semester exam, usually held before the next semester begins or during the first weeks.

Key facts about supplementary exams:

Your mark is usually capped at the pass mark (40 or 50, depending on the university). Even if you score 80 on the supplementary, your transcript may show 40.
You must apply and pay a fee. The fee varies by university but is typically a few thousand shillings per unit.
There is a deadline to apply. Miss it and you lose the supplementary option for that sitting.
Your transcript will indicate the unit was passed on supplementary. Some employers notice this, most do not.

A supplementary is not a punishment. It is a safety net. Use it if you need it. Failing and not taking the supplementary means carrying the unit forward or retaking it, both of which cost more time.

Special exams: when you missed the main exam

A special exam is different from a supplementary. It is for students who did not sit the main exam due to a valid reason: illness, bereavement, or other documented emergencies.

To qualify, you must:

Provide documentation (a medical report from a recognised facility, a burial permit, or other proof)
Apply to your department within the specified window, usually within two weeks of the missed exam
Get approval from the dean of students or the examination board

The key difference: special exam marks are not capped. If you score 75 on a special exam, you get 75. It is treated as though you sat the main exam, just at a later date.

Do not lie about the reason. Universities verify documentation, and academic fraud has consequences that follow you long after the exam is over.

Retaking a unit: what it costs

If you fail a unit and do not pass the supplementary, or if your university does not offer a supplementary for that unit, you retake it. This means:

Registering for the unit again the next time it is offered
Attending lectures, doing CATs, and sitting the exam again
Paying the unit fee again

Retaking delays your graduation if the unit is a prerequisite for later courses. It also adds to your cost. One retake is manageable. Multiple retakes across several units can push your graduation back by a semester or more.

If you are in a situation where multiple units are at risk, talk to your academic advisor. They can help you prioritise which units to focus on and map out a recovery plan. The guide to resetting after a bad semester covers this in detail.

What to do this week

Check your exam results as soon as they are posted. Do not wait for someone to tell you.
If you failed a unit, find out the supplementary exam application deadline and apply before it passes.
If you missed an exam for a valid reason, submit your documentation to the department within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many supplementary exams can I take?: Most universities allow you to take supplementary exams for all units you failed in a given semester. However, if you fail more than a certain number (commonly more than half your units), you may be required to repeat the semester or face academic probation. Check your university regulations.
Does a supplementary show on my transcript?: Yes, in most cases. The transcript may show the unit as passed on supplementary or show the capped mark. For tech employers, this rarely matters. For postgraduate applications, it may be noted but does not disqualify you.
Can I retake a unit I passed to improve my grade?: Some universities allow this, others do not. Where it is allowed, you pay the unit fee again and the higher mark counts. Check with your registrar before assuming this is an option.
What happens if I fail a supplementary exam?: You will need to retake the unit in full: register, attend, and sit the exam again when the unit is next offered. This is the most expensive outcome in both time and money, which is why preparing properly for the supplementary matters.