Finishing Matric is a huge milestone, one you’ll probably never forget. But here’s the thing: at some point, whether it’s for a job application, further studies, or even just peace of mind, you’re going to need that all-important piece of paper, your Matric certificate. So, where exactly do you get it? The short answer is simple: you can fetch it from the school where you wrote your exams or directly from your exam centre. But the real answer goes a little deeper, and that’s exactly what we’ll unpack in this guide.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about getting your matric certificate in South Africa. Whether you never finished school or want to improve your results, we’ll walk you through Adult Matric options, eligibility, costs, and study paths so you can confidently take the next step toward achieving your qualification.
How Do I Get My Matric Certificate Results?
There are five ways that you can use to get your Matric results. Here is what you can do:
- Online
- School or exam centre
- News publications
- SMS
- USSD
Online
Here is how you can get your Matric Certificate results:
- Step 1: Visit the Department of Basic Education website
- Step 2: Click on exam results
- Step 3: Enter your examination number
- Step 4: Fill in your personal details
- Step 5: Click search
- Step 6: Your matric results will be displayed
School Or Exam Centre
You can get your results from the school or examination centre where you wrote your exams. You will be issued a ‘statement’ of your results.
News Publications
You can also obtain your results from online news publications. Here are some of the publications that publish Matric results:
- News24
- Sowetan
- Mail & Guardian
- Cape Argus/Cape Times
- The Citizen
SMS
As a student, you can also retrieve your Matric results by SMSing your exam number to 45856. Once your exam number is verified by the system, your results will be displayed. You will pay for the SMS.
USSD
Here is what you do:
- On your phone, dial the USSD code *120*35658#
- Enter your exam number
- results will then be sent to your phone once they are available
- You will be charged for the USSD
The wait is over, follow these steps, get your results, and own the future you’ve been working toward
Where Can I Study To Get My Matric Certificate As An Adult?
For adults looking for a second chance to gain a matric, Matric College is an amazing institution to do so. We offer the Adult Matric course for students 21 and over who want to get their matric certificates. Our benefits make sure that students get the best out of their education without interrupting their daily responsibilities.
Here is some information on the course:
| Certificate Type: | Senior Certificate |
| Awarded By: | Umalusi |
| Award Type: | Senior Certificate |
| NQF Level: | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID: | 49647 |
| Credits: | 120 credits |
| Entry Requirements: |
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Can I Study And Write My Matric Online To Get My Certificate?
Yes, you can study for your matric exams online through our distance learning courses. However, writing the exam is required to be done in person. This ensures that your certificate is recognised and credited.
Choosing distance learning is a good thing, because our guidance and benefits such as tutor assistance, study materials and Telegram group chats make sure that you are confident to write your exams. You would be able to understand the work enough to matriculate with your desired matric pass.
NOTE: Students who are rewriting are advised to find and apply at an exam venue near them, such as a high school or a registered venue where they allow older and supplementary students to rewrite/upgrade their exams.
evening I’m Siya from Mpumalanga and like to give thanks to Matric college for giving me such an amazing opportunity though sometimes it gets hard but our tutors always make sure we are taken care of like Mr Steven Mutema He’s work is remarkable I won’t mention my other tutors they are good too – Siyabonga
Can I Rewrite/Upgrade My Matric Exams To Gain A Matric Certificate After Failing?
Yes, whether you recently wrote your exams or 7 years ago, you are allowed to rewrite or upgrade your matric exams. We offer courses to help students gain the knowledge and assistance they will need to change their results for the better. Here are our second-chance courses:
Matric Rewrite
The Matric Rewrite course is for students under 21 who want a second chance to gain better marks. You can rewrite up to 4 subjects and with our benefits to assist you in your studies, you can get the marks you deserve to further your studies or receive better job opportunities. Here is some information on the course:
| Certificate Type: | National Senior Certificate (NSC) |
| Awarded By: | Umalusi |
| Award Type: | National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a Programme Completion Certificate |
| NQF Level: | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID: | 49647 |
| Credits: | 130 credits |
| Entry Requirements: |
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Matric Upgrade
The course is for adults 21 and over who want to upgrade their matric certificate. They can do this by upgrading the marks they already have or adding new subjects to their matric certificate. So whether you wrote 3, 5 or 10 years ago, you can reach your goals with this course and head further up your journey to success. Here is some information on the course:
| Certificate Type: | Senior Certificate (Amended) |
| Awarded By: | Umalusi |
| Award Type: | National Certificate and a Programme Completion Certificate |
| NQF Level: | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID: | 49647 |
| Credits: | 130 credits |
| Entry Requirements: |
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Your dream career or studies don’t have to wait any longer. Start your Matric journey now and prove to yourself that you ca
How Do I Replace My Matric Certificate?
If you have lost or damaged your original Matric certificate, you must apply for a replacement certificate. You can apply in person at any Department of Basic Education (DBE) office. You can also apply online on the official Umalusi application portal.
Here is what you will need for your application:
- An affidavit stating what happened
- The original national/ senior certificate (if it is damaged) A certified copy of your ID
- Proof of payment
Payment will vary depending on whether you apply in person or online, and whether you collect it in person or have it couriered to you. To apply in person, it will cost R170,00. To apply online and collect it yourself from the Umalusi offices in Pretoria, and to apply online and have it couriered to you will have an additional cost which you can find on the Umalusi website. Note that these fees are only valid for the 2025 – 2026 financial year, and are subject to change in the new financial year.
When applying in person, you can take the physical documents with you. When applying online, you will need to upload scanned copies of the documents.
To apply online, you must first register and select which certificate you need to be replaced. Once you have done that, you will need to upload the scanned copies of your documents. Then select whether you will collect the certificate in person at the Umalusi offices in Pretoria, or if you would like the certificate to be couriered to you.
What Is A Matric Certificate?
A Matric certificate is also referred to as A National Senior Certificate or Amended Senior certificate, issued to students who have met the requirements of obtaining the Matric Certificate. There are different types of Matric certificates depending on the level of achievement. They are:
- National Senior Certificate Matric Pass
- Higher Certificate Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass
National Senior Certificate Pass | This Matric certificate requires the following :
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Higher Certificate Pass | This Matric certificate requires the following:
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Diploma Pass | This Matric certificate requires the following:
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Bachelor’s Degree Pass | This Matric certificate requires the following:
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How Can I Get My Matric Certificate Quickly?
If you want to get your Matric certificate quickly, you can study the Adult Matric course, here is the course information:
| Certificate Type | Senior Certificate |
| Awarded By | Umalusi |
| NQF Level | Level 4 |
| SAQA ID | 49647 |
| Credits | 120 Credits |
| Duration | 12 – 36 Months recommended |
Here is what you need to do:
- Contact one of our course experts
- As soon as you register, you will receive your textbooks and study notes within 5 -7 days
- Come up with a realistic timetable
- Stick to your study timetable
- Attempt your first assignment and more thereafter
- Interact with your tutor by discussing the challenges you may be having
- Interact with fellow students in online study groups
- Practice with past exam papers
- Get exam tips
- Write your exam
- Pass your Matric
- Get your Matric Certificate
How Can I Get My Matric Statement Online?
Here is how you can get your Matric statement online:
- Step 1: Visit the Department of Basic Education website
- Step 2: Click on exam results
- Step 3: Enter your examination number
- Step 4: Fill in your personal details
- Step 5: Click search
- Step 6: Your matric results will be displayed
Your Matric journey doesn’t end with a lost certificate. Take control today, apply for a replacement, and keep your dreams within reach.
Can I Get My Matric Results With My ID Number?
Yes, you can get your Matric results online with your ID number. When you log on to the Department of Basic Education website, you will be required to provide some personal information. This personal information includes your 13-digit ID. Your exam number will also be required.
How Much Does It Cost To Get My Matric Certificate?
There is no charge for collecting your certificate after you have completed your Matric. The cost for both a replacement certificate and a combination of results is R170. You will to make a bank, ATM deposit or EFT. These fees were valid from 01 April 2025 until 31 March 2026.
Where Do You Collect Your Matric Certificate?
When you have applied for a replacement certificate through the Department of Basic Education, you can collect it from their offices when the replacement is done.
When you have completed your Matric, you can collect your certificate from the centre where you wrote your exams or from the school where you wrote your exams.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Matric Certificate?
When you apply for a replacement certificate either because your original one has been lost or damaged, you will have to wait for about four to six weeks before the replacement is done.
However, If your records are not on the system, it will take longer as records needs to be retrieved from the Archives and loaded on the system.
How Long Are Matric Results Valid?
Matric results do not have an expiry date. Matric results are valid for as long as you live. If you lose your certificate, you can get it replaced through the Department of Basic Education.
What Does The Following Codes On My Statement Of Results Mean?
- An NSC/BACH – National Senior Certificate, qualifies to study towards a Bachelor’s degree
- NSC/DIP – National Senior Certificate, qualifies to study towards a diploma
- NSC/HC – National Senior Certificate, qualifies to study towards a higher certificate
- NSC – Achieved the National Senior Certificate only
- NSC/LSEN – National Senior Certificate, a learner with special educational needs
- NOT ACHIEVED – does not qualify for National Senior Certificate
- INCOMPLETE – subject package of 6/ 7 (depending on curriculum) not offered
- CODES
- 999 – absent
- 888 – subject change
- 777 – outstanding mark
- zz – ending (irregularity)
- px – null and void (irregularity)
- mo – marks outstanding
Is A Matric Certificate A Qualification?
Yes, a Matric is a qualification. Here is what a Matric qualifies you for:
- Further education
- Learnerships
- Entry-level employment
Your results never expire, but opportunities won’t wait, get your Matric certificate today.
People Also Ask
Matric College offers Diplomas in the form of our NATED courses. These courses require a matric certificate, and allow you to study your chosen course from NQF level 4 to NQF level 6, with the final qualification being an 18-month practical where you gain real world experience.
Yes, the adult matric course covers grade 10,11 and 12, and allows anyone over the age of 21 that has a grade 9 certificate to be able to study for 3 years and gain their matric certificate.
Umalusi combines your matric results if you are someone who wrote their matric exams more than once. The results from all attempts will be considered, but the marks of each subject will be the highest ones you achieved from all your certificates.
While it may sound convenient for some students, these exams are managed in person for several reasons. This is because different and important governing bodies are in charge of the exams.
They are responsible for making sure they are fair for every student and are written in official exam venues, with government officials invigilating to make sure that no cheating or illegal activities happen before or during the exam.
You can verify your matric certificate through the Department of Basic Education or through the official Umalusi website for their verification services.
Scams are a valid reason to make sure your certificate is real. You can verify your certificate through the SAQA ID it has. You can also use Umalusi verification services that come at a fee
A Bachelor’s Pass means you got good enough marks to study at university. To get it, you need at least 50% in four important subjects, 40% in your home language, and 30% in two more subjects. This shows you’re ready for a degree course at university.
You can check if your Matric certificate is real by using Umalusi’s online service. This helps you make sure it’s not fake, especially when applying for jobs or studies. You’ll need to upload a copy of your certificate and your ID online.
You can check if your Matric or any other South African qualification is real by going online. There are safe websites like SAQA and Umalusi that help you confirm your qualifications. This is helpful when applying for jobs, studying further, or replacing a lost certificate.
Steps to check your qualifications online:
- Go to the SAQA e-verification or Umalusi website.
- Sign up or log in.
- Upload your certificate or enter the certificate number.
- Send your request and wait for the answer by email or on the site.
Yes, Adult Matric is the same as a normal Matric, it’s just completed later in life. The only difference is that it’s called a Senior Certificate (Amended), while school-leavers get a National Senior Certificate (NSC). Both are accredited by Umalusi and carry the same value, meaning universities, colleges, and employers will accept them equally.
You can study for your Matric online through distance learning colleges that offer Adult Matric or rewrite courses. While you’ll do all your learning, assignments, and exam prep online, the final exams must be written in person at an approved exam centre. Once you pass, your certificate will be issued by Umalusi, exactly the same as if you completed it at school.
Your Matric certificate number is printed on the top right-hand corner of your certificate. It’s a unique number that identifies your document and proves it’s authentic. If you’ve lost your certificate and can’t access the number, you’ll need to apply for a replacement through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi.
The fastest way to get a matric certificate is by completing an Adult Matric programme if you never finished school, or by reissuing your certificate if you already passed but lost it. For adults starting from scratch, it usually takes 12–24 months of study before you can write the Senior Certificate exams. If you already passed and only need a replacement, you can apply at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or Umalusi, and it usually takes about 4–6 weeks to receive the new document.
If you’ve completed matric, you’ll receive your original certificate directly from your school, exam centre, or the provincial education department where you wrote your exams. For adults completing matric later in life, Umalusi issues the original certificate once you’ve successfully written and passed your exams. If your certificate is lost or damaged, you can apply for a replacement or re-issue through the DBE or Umalusi.
You can access your matric results online in several ways:
Department of Basic Education website – Visit the DBE’s official site, enter your exam number, and view results.
Provincial education portals – Some provinces publish results on their own platforms.
SMS or USSD services – Register with your exam number to receive results directly on your phone.
News platforms – Major newspapers and news websites often publish matric result lookups.
School or exam centre – Collect printed statements directly from where you wrote your exams.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: May 27, 2022