Check matric results quickly: A 2025 guide for first-time users
The National Senior Certificate is an important milestone and knowing what you scored determines how you will proceed with your tertiary education. Candidates who sat for their NSC examinations in 2024 can check their matric results online or get a physical copy.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Umalusi gives the go-ahead to release matric results in South Africa. The quality assurance body is responsible for assessing the integrity and credibility of the NSC results.
How to check matric results in 2025
Candidates have several options to choose from when trying to access their National Senior Certificate results. Below are the five ways on how to check if someone passed matric;
1. How can you check your matric results online?
For matric results online check, go to the Department of Basic Education website at www.education.gov.za. Enter your examination number to search to get your Statement of Results.
- Only full-time November National Senior Certificate candidates can access their results online. Part-time NSC students can access their results from the centre where they wrote their exams.
- Full-time NSC students may fail to access their results on the department website due to technical problems. If this happens, the candidate is advised to make enquiries at the exam centre where they wrote or visit the provincial/district office.
Source: UGC
2. School or exam centre
Candidates can access their Statement of Results at the examination centre or school where they wrote their exams. An original statement will be issued to you.
3. Matric results via SMS
Candidates can use the SMS service to access their NSC results. To sign up, send your 13-digit ID number and examination number to 35658. The results will be sent to your phone, and you will be charged R1.50 per SMS.
4. MatricsMate app
You can access your results directly through the MatricsMate app. Download it from your phone’s Google Play Store if you have an Android or the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone. Enter your ID number and examination number to access the results.
5. Matric results via USSD code
To use the USSD code service, dial *120*35658* and follow the prompts to enter your examination number. The results will be sent to your phone. USSD usage costs 50 cents per 20 seconds.
Source: Getty Images
Can you check your matric results in the newspaper?
Candidates can check their results in South African newspapers. This practice has been challenged by the Information Regulator, citing concerns about privacy and compliance with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.
In December 2024, the IR filed an urgent court application against the Department of Basic Education. On January 8, 2025, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the IR’s application.
The court ruled that the matter was not urgent, giving the DBE the go ahead to put matric results in online and print media. The results are published with examination numbers instead of names.
What is IEB matric?
The Independent Examinations Board is an alternative examination system in South Africa for independent and private schools. The IEB offers a rigorous curriculum and assessments that are separate from the public exams administered by the Department of Basic Education.
Candidates who pass the IEB matric examinations receive a National Senior Certificate, which qualifies them for tertiary education. Successful students can enrol for a degree, a diploma, or a higher certificate level. The IEB matric is recognized by universities both locally and internationally.
How to check IEB matric results
To check the IEB National Senior Certificate results, candidates can use the following methods;
- Online via IEB website: Access your IEB matric results by going to the IEB website. Enter your exam number and your date of birth, the click the submit button.
- SMS service: Send an SMS with your examination number and ID number to 35135 to get your IEB results. You will receive a message on your phone at a cost of R1.50 per SMS.
- School/exam centre: IEB matric candidates can get their results directly from their designated examination centers or schools where they wrote their exams. You can contact the centre to inquire about the results.
Source: UGC
How to recheck/remark matric exams
Students who are not satisfied with their matric results can apply for a remark or recheck of their examination scripts. You can do so online at eservices.gov.za or visit the school/district office. Instructions for applying are indicated on the reverse side of your Statement of Results.
The remark/recheck application window closes on January 29, 2025. Candidates will be charged R120 for a remark and R30 for a recheck.
Once the remarking is complete, candidates will be able to access their new matric results from March 7, 2025. They will be available for checking at the examination center/school where you sat for the 2024 NSC examination.
How do you get old matric results?
Those who have lost or damaged their matric certificate can apply for a new one online. Applicants are required to register on the e-Government Portal at eservices.gov.za to access the re-issue online service.
Applicants should have electronic copies of the following;
- An affidavit stating what happened to your certificate
- The original matric certificate (if it is damaged): Not applicable if the certificate is lost
- A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of payment: The application fee is R141.
Source: UGC
The above processes to check matric results should make the process less overwhelming. Choose the most convenient method for you.
READ ALSO: How to reapply for NSFAS: All you need to know about re-registering
Briefly.co.za highlighted all you need to know about reapplying to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Reapplication is open to students whose initial application was denied or those moving from a TVET college to a university.
Students must meet the stipulated eligibility criteria for their NSFAS reapplication process to succeed. Check the article for a detailed guide.
Source: Briefly News
Peter Kinuthia Peter Kinuthia is a 2018 graduate of Kenyatta University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Management. With over five years of copy-writing experience about media, lifestyle, and health affairs, Peter has cemented a solid career in copy-writing/journalism. He previously worked with Ace My Homework before joining the Briefly team in 2017. With over 5 years of experience in Briefly, Peter has become a remarkable wordsmith. (Email: petekinuthia9@gmail.com)
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
