The Matric Results Are Coming Out On 19 January 2024

The matric results are coming out on 19 January 2024, for the matric class of 2023

As the matric results are eagerly awaited by students all around South Africa, the Department of Education has announced that the 2023 Matric results will be available on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website on January 19, 2024. Students will be able to collect their results from the examination centre or the school they wrote at, from 19 January 2024. 

Below, we have compiled a list of dates when Matric results were released in South Africa:

  • 2023: 20 January 2024
  • 2022: 20 January 2023
  • 2021: 21 January 2022
  • 2020: 23 February 2021
  • 2019: 04 January 2020
  • 2018: 05 January 2019
  • 2017: 04 January 2018 
  • 2016: 05 January 2017

How To Check My Old Matric Results Online?

There are different ways you can check your results online. You can do this by using SMS services. Or you can use your exam number in the following way:

  • Step 1: Visit the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website
  • Step 2: Select the quick link for the exam results
  • Step 3: Insert your examination numbers (13-digit number)
  • Step 4: You might need to provide more personal information
  • Step 5: Click the search button and your Matric results will appear

How Do I Get A Copy Of My Matric Results?

Having a copy can come in handy, especially for application to universities or jobs. You can make a copy of the original document and have it certified at the nearest police station. If you have lost or damaged your original certificate, or you need to combine your results, there are options available:

For A lost And Damaged Certificate

You will need to make electronic copies of the documents that are required for the online application. The following documents you will need to have prepared:

Documents (Electronic Copies If Applicable)Description
AffidavitYou will need to provide an affidavit, that will cover the details of how you lost or came to damage your certificate
Matric Certificate
  • Provide the original document if it is damaged
  • You will not be required to provide the certificate if you have lost it
Identity Document (ID)
  • You will need to provide a certified copy
  • Please make sure that the copy is not older than 3 months
Proof Of PaymentOnce you have paid the amount for the service of re-issuing your certificate, you will need to send proof of it
For Combining Results
Exam ResultsPlease ensure that you provide your results from all the examination sittings
Identity Document (ID)A certificate copy that is not older than 3 months
Proof Of PaymentInclude a digital copy of the proof that you paid for the service

Are Part-time And Full-time Students Results Released At The Same Time?

Yes, these results are released on the same day. The main difference between part-time and full-time students is the duration of completion. Everything else remains the same. Exam dates and the release dates of the Matric results remain the same. 

The DBE will always notify you of when you should register for the exams and when your results will be available. So always keep yourself updated!

What Time Will Matric Results Be Released?

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) usually announce the Matric results release date for the following year in January. The Minister of Basic Education of South Africa will announce the Matric results for the class of the year.

Students can only get their results from their schools and exam centres the next day. Here is an overview of what typically happens:

  • The minister will announce the results of the Matric Class of a particular year
  • Grade 12 final exam Statements of Results are available at your school or exam centre on the day after the results are released
  • In February, the Last day for students to apply for remarking or rechecking of examination papers. If you are not happy with your matric results, this is a critical date!
  • February is also the month to register for the May/June examinations.  This also applies if you want to improve your matric results by rewriting a subject in the May/ June exams sitting!
  • In March, the last day to register for the October/November examinations is available

How To Get Your Matric Results Via SMS 2024

As a Matric student, you will be able to access your results through the DBE SMS services. Here is how you can do this:  

  • Send your exam number via SMS to 45856
  • The exam numbers must have 13 digits to be accepted
  • Please note that the SMS will cost you R1.50 
  • Once registration is completed, results will be delivered by SMS when they are released
  • You will receive your Matric results once they are available 

Use the USSD service by dialling *120*45856#.

    • After answering multiple questions, enter your ID number
    • You will receive your results per subject after you have completed the process
    • USSD rates apply

Can I Check My Matric Results With My ID Number?

Your Matric results can be obtained using your Identity Document. You will need your ID number for the SMS option or using the USSD services. A much simpler option would be to visit the DBE website and get your exam results only using your exam number.   

Watch The Principal Of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, Answer All Your Questions About Your Matric Results

Will Matric Results Be Published In Newspapers?

Yes, Matric results will also be published in newspapers, just as they are yearly. Newspapers usually run out quickly, which means you buy them as soon as they are published. 

Below is a list of some of the newspapers that publish Matric results. Please note that each province has a different newspaper: 

  • The Rapport
  • The Argus
  • The Star

Will My Name Appear In The Newspaper?

No, your name will not appear in the newspaper. In fact, all of your personal information will be protected. This is due to the (POPI) Protection of Personal Information Act also known as the POPIA Act.

The only information that will appear in the newspaper is your examination number. This number is only provided to you (Matric student) before the final examination. You are the only person that will have access to your examination number, which in turn, people will not have.

Watch This Video That Shows An Interview With Afriforum’s Attorney

Not Posting Some Matric Results: Decided By The DBE (Department of Basic Education)

New information regarding Matric results being published was released by the DBE (Department of Basic Education). 

The Department of Basic Education has decided to only publish some Matric results. This means you can now decide whether you would like to have your results published in the newspaper or not.

Forms were sent out to the class of 2022, to give their consent to publish their results online and in newspapers. The department will also not publish Matric students’ results if written permission is not given by the Matric students.

How To Check Matric Results Online

You can check out your Matric results online through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website this way: 

  1. Visit the website of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) 
  2. From the menu, click “Exam results” 
  3. Click on the NSC exam results button 
  4. Your exam number will be needed
  5. In case more information is needed, please provide it
  6. To begin searching, click the search button 
  7. As soon as the results are available, you will see them

Watch The Principal Of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, Discuss Admission Point Scores (APS)

What Are The APS Scores?

The Admission Point Score is used to measure your performance in each subject. The points range from 1 to 7. Where 7 is equal to a distinction, and 1 means you have failed the subject.  These points are then added up to determine if the student has met a passing grade or if they have failed the exam.

First, take a look at how the APS scores work in this table. Afterwards, you will be able to understand how the different Matric passes add to a specific APS score:

PercentageAPS Points
80% – 100%7
70% – 79%6
60% – 69%5
50% – 59%4
40% – 49%3
30% – 39%2
0% – 29%1

To calculate the total APS score you would add up the APS points according to the percentage you received per subject. Follow this example:

  • English Home Language: 5 (65%)
  • Additional Language: 6 (70%)
  • Mathematics: 4 (55%)
  • Physics: 6 (77%)
  • Life Science: 7 (85%)
  • History: 7(86%)

Total APS Score: 5+6+4+6+7+7 =35 (we exclude Life Orientation)

Notice the APS points, and use the table to see in which range of percentages it falls under. In the end, you would add the APS Scores to determine the Matric Pass. An APS Score of 42 points is considered the highest. 

The Different Matric Pass Levels According To Your APS Score

Knowing how to calculate your APS score can come in handy when you need to set goals for passing Matric. There are four different pass criteria, that will provide you with certain opportunities. Here are the different pass levels:

Bachelor’s Degree Pass

If you receive this pass, it means you have passed your Matric with distinctions. This pass allows you to apply to any university or college. However, you will still need to meet the subject requirements of some degree programmes. 

Here is a summary of the results you need for this pass: 

  • Receive 40% in your Home Language
  • Receive 50% in four subjects 
  • Receive 30% in two other subjects
  • APS Total: 23 points

Diploma Pass

Receiving this pass will allow you entry into most diploma and some degree programmes, depending on the institution. Always make sure that you are applying for the course that you qualify for. This will avoid delaying your studies. Take this overview into consideration: 

  • Receive 40% in your Home Language
  • Receive 40% in four subjects 
  • Receive 30% in two other subjects
  • APS Total: 19 points

Higher Certificate Pass

Although this pass is not as high as the previous ones, you can still attend a university’s higher certificate programmes. These certificates are formal qualifications that could act as bridging courses for degree programmes. 

Here is an overview of what you need to know: 

  • Receive 40% in your Home Language
  • Receive 40% in two subjects 
  • Receive 30% in three other subjects
  • APS Total: 15 points

It is encouraged that you try and improve your results within the timeframe of registering for the Matric rewrite exams. These exams typically take place in May/June of each year.

National Senior Certificate Pass

Students meet the minimum pass requirement with this pass. You may not be successful in applications to universities, since most universities require you to have a bachelor’s pass. First, take a look at the requirements to pass, and then we will provide you with alternative options to improve or enter specialised courses:

  • Receive 40% in your Home Language
  • Receive 40% in two subjects
  • Receive 20% in three other subjects
  • APS Total: 14 points

At Matric College we provide you with options that give you special insights into business, finance and administration. Consider the table below:

Improve Your ResultsEnter Specialised Courses

Matric Rewrite:

  • Provide incomplete or complete Matric results
  • For students who are under 21
  • Available through distance learning
  • Rewrite the same subjects chosen before

Matric Equivalent Courses:

  • These courses do not require you to have completed Matric. Depending on the course you choose, you will need;
    • Grade 10/11

Matric Upgrade:

  • Provide incomplete or complete Matric results
  • For students who are 21 years and older
  • Available through distance learning
  • Can change or add subjects

ICB Courses:

These courses are great to perform well in the corporate sector. There are three mainstreams we offer:

Adult Matric:

  • This is for anyone who has not completed Matric
  • You will need Grade 9 or,
  • ABET level 4
  • Available through distance learning

NATED Courses (Diplomas): These are great options if you want to complete a diploma with 18 months practical experience:

Watch The Principal Of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, Speak About National And Provincial Results

Independent Examination Board (IEB) Results

The Independent Examination Board (IEB) is an assessment agency in South Africa. They offer exams to different academic institutions, mostly private schools. For students who wrote final exams set by the IEB, you will receive your Matric results from the IEB. This is how you can get your IEB results:

  • Online
  • SMS 
  • School

Online

You can register to get your results on the IEB website. Here is how you can complete this process: 

  • Provide your exam number and date of birth as requested 
  • After registration of your details, You will be able to see your results

SMS

  • Open the SMS menu on your mobile device
  • Type in your exam number and ID number
  • Send an SMS to the code: 35135 (Note that the SMS code is subject to change)
  • You will receive confirmation that your registration has been approved
  • Your Matric results will be sent to you as soon as they are available

NOTE: To send the above SMS may cost you (This fee is subject to change)

Watch The Principal Of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst Explain How You Can Access Your Matric Results Through SMS

School

Your Matric results are available at the school where you wrote your Matric final examination. Please contact your school to hear when you can collect your Matric results. The release dates are usually made available online, through social media and even through local news. 

  • The time frame for results is in January
  • If you have applied for a remark or recheck, your results could be out in March. There are fees involved for these two options:
     
    • Remark: R116 per subject
    • Recheck: R29

Please note that you can use your Matric results to study through Matric College. We have a variety of courses that you can study, whether you failed or passed your Matric.

Do Matric Results Expire?

No, Matric results do not expire. You will get your Matric results in the form of a statement of results and a Matric Certificate. While the statement of results is temporary and expires, the Matric results that you obtained, and your Matric Certificate are permanent. It will always be valid.

How Many Subjects Do I Need To Pass Matric?

In High School, you need seven subjects to study Matric. To pass Matric, you must pass all seven subjects or six subjects. Please note that you are allowed to fail one subject and still pass Matric. However, this subject should not be your Home Language.

What Happens If I Fail Two Subjects In Matric?

If you fail two subjects in Matric, you fail the class. In this case, you have to apply for a rewriting course to rewrite your final examination. You can apply for the Matric Rewrite Course through Matric College. 

The Matric Rewrite Course allows you to rewrite a minimum of four subjects. We also provide you with our tutors and study materials to assist you in the course. In this course, you simply study and prepare for the final exam. 

When you pass the final exam, you receive a Matric Qualification that is issued by Umalusi.

What Happens If I Fail A Rewrite?

If you fail the rewrite exam, you get another chance to rewrite. At Matric College, you can rewrite as many times as you can. However, we ensure that you have enough resources to pass the rewrite exam when you write it the first time. These resources include: 

You can further your studies at Matric College today.

We have courses for students who do not have Matric, failed or passed Matric. You can study courses that help you obtain skills and knowledge that are needed to gain employment or start your own business.

People Also Ask

The requirements for a Bachelors pass are:

  • 40% in your Home Language subject
  • 50% in four other subjects
  • 30% in two other subjects

Yes, you can check your Matric results online. You can visit the Department of Educations Matric results page to see your results. All you will need to do is enter your examination number and other personal details, select search and your Matric results will come up.

You will receive a Matric distinction when you pass one or more subjects with an 80% or more.

The four Matric pass levels are:

  • National Senior Certificate
  • Higher Certificate
  • Diploma Pass
  • Bachelor’s Degree Pass

If you fail your matric, you will be able to apply for one of our adult matric courses.

The final exam will account for 75% of your overall grade.

Yes, you are going to be able to access your Matric results on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website.

The National Senior Certificate is issued by Umalusi.

Yes, the Matric results are going to be published to the newspaper. Students are going to need to sign a consent form that grants permission for their Matric results to be published in newspapers and other social media platforms.

No, you could still pass if you failed Maths.

The highest Matric pass level you can achieve is a Bachelor’s Degree Pass.

You are going to need a total APS score of 23 to achieve a Bachelor’s level pass.

An AP score of 18 is a Diploma pass, you are going to be able to apply for admission at a College or University.

The requirements for a Diploma pass are:

  • 40% – in Home Language
  • 40% – in four other subjects
  • 30% – in two other subjects

You can apply for our Matric Upgrade or Matric Rewrite courses. These courses are intended to give you the chance to better the grades you received.

Matric and Grade 12 are similar. Grade 12 refers to the final Grade of high school, whereas Matric refers to the graduation of the Grade 12.

An A symbol means you did exceptionally well. This a grading system, you achieve an A symbol when you earn between 80% and 100% for a subject.

The pass mark for English is 40%. You will need to achieve at least 40% to pass English.

Overall, the class of 2023 achieved a 82.9% pass rate.

Matric certificates will be available at your High School or examination centre as soon as the results are released. This is usually in January.

No, you cannot. To pass your Matric you need to pass six out for your seven subjects.

The lowest Matric pass level is a National Senior Certificate pass.

You will be able to study a NATED or ICB course with a National Senior Certificate pass.

An AP score of 15 is a Higher Certificate pass. You will be able to study any ICB or NATED course.

The highest AP score is 42.

Anything below 14.

Yes, 70% is a good grade. Earning a 70% is a B symbol and it means you earned a meritorious mark.

You could earn up to seven distinctions in Matric.

If you received a fail, you will need to either rewrite the failed subjects or upgrade to different ones. If you pass with the minimum pass level, you will be able to complete our courses.

The province with the highest Matric pass rate is Free State. They had an impressive 89% pass rate.

The provinces with the lowest Matric pass rate were the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and the Northern Cape

Yes, you can study Matric from your home if you apply for an Adult Matric course. You will be writing the final exam at a registered exam venues.

You are going to apply with your Grade 11 final marks and your Grade 12 June results.

Yes, you can apply for a Matric Upgrade Course to improve your results.

An NQF level 7 qualification is a Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma.

The 999 on your Matric certificate is a code that indicates you were absent.

A good AP score is 35 points or more.

We will not limit the amount of subjects you rewrite. You could either rewrite all your subjects or just a few subjects.

The Matric Rewrite exams will be happening during the May/June exam period.

No, it will not. It is not going to be possible for you to complete the Matric Upgrade course in 3 months. It is going to take you at least 1 year to complete.

You can upgrade as many subjects as you would like to. We will not limit the amount of subjects you can upgrade.

Yes, you can. You can upgrade your results regardless of the marks you achieved in Matric.

The supplementary exam may be taken as many times as necessary until the age of 21.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Stacey Christian
Date Published: January 2, 2023