Matric results are a big milestone in South African schools. They mark the end of high school and show how well you did in Grade 12. These results are important. They help you apply to universities, get scholarships, or find better jobs. Good marks can shape your future.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) manages Matric exams. These exams test your skills and knowledge in different subjects. Understanding how results are calculated helps students plan for further studies or work.
This article explains everything about Matric results in South Africa, including what they are, how they are calculated, the types of certificates, and options after Matric.
Table of Contents
What is Matric?
In South Africa, “Matric” is Grade 12, the last year of high school. You need to pass your final exams to get the National Senior Certificate (NSC), also called the Matric certificate. This certificate is needed for university or college, and it also improves job opportunities.
Matric marks show your academic achievement. Passing Matric opens doors to higher education and future careers.
The Matric Results release date for the November 2025 exams is January 13, 2026. Candidates can view their results once they are uploaded.
How are Matric Results Calculated?
Traditional Matric results in South Africa are calculated using two main components- School-Based Assessments (SBA) and Final Examinations. Together, these two components give a complete picture of a student’s performance in their final year of high school. Let’s take a closer look at them:
1. School-Based Assessments (SBA)
These make up 25% of your final marks. They include tests, assignments, projects, and other tasks during the year. They show how well you understand each subject.
2. Final Examinations
The other 75% of the Matric marks come from the final exams students take at the end of the year. These exams cover everything learned throughout the year for each subject. They test a student’s overall knowledge and their ability to use what they have learned in an exam setting.
Understanding Your Matric Certificate
Understanding your Matric certificate is very important because it shows your academic achievements. Moreover, it helps you get into higher education and find jobs. Therefore, knowing the different types of matric certificates and what they mean can help you make better choices for your future.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): The NSC is the usual matric certificate given to students who pass Grade 12 exams. It is needed to get into universities and other higher education institutions.
- National Certificate (Vocational): This certificate is given to students who finish vocational training courses. It offers another way to continue education and find jobs, focusing on practical skills and specific industry knowledge.
Learning to Interpret Matric Symbols, Percentage and APS Level
When you check your Matric results online, you will see the subject grades in symbols. These symbols in the Matric results are classified in alphabetical order, reflecting your performance in each subject.
The table below will be a guide for you to understand the relation between the percentages, Matric symbols and APS score level:
| Matric Symbol | Marks Achieved | APS Level |
| A | 80-100% | 7 |
| B | 70-79% | 6 |
| C | 60-69% | 5 |
| D | 50-59% | 4 |
| E | 40-49% | 3 |
| F | 30-39% | 2 |
| FF | 0-29% | 1 |
Read More: How to Check Matric Results 2026 Online?
Pass Requirements For Different Qualifications
Matric Marks in South Africa help decide what kind of programmes students can apply for. Therefore, this will impact their chances for further education and future career options.
The following table will showcase the pass requirements for each programme type:
| Qualification Type | Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Pass | At least 40% in the Home Language. At least 50% in 2 High Credit subjects. At least 30% for 2 other subjects. |
| Diploma Pass | At least 40% in the Home Language. At least 40% in 4 High Credit subjects. At least 30% in 2 other subjects. |
| Higher Certificate Pass | 40% in the Home Language. At least 40% in 2 other subjects. At least 30% in 3 other subjects. Note: One of your languages must either be English or Afrikaans to qualify for a Higher Certificate. |
| NSC Pass (Matric Pass) | 40% in the Home Language. 40% in 2 other subjects. 30% in 4 other subjects. |
Where to Check Matric Results?
Knowing where and how to check your Matric results in South Africa is important. Seeing your marks early helps you plan your next steps, whether applying for university, scholarships, or jobs. Checking on time also ensures you do not miss any deadlines.
Here are the main ways to access your Matric results in South Africa:
- Department of Basic Education (DBE) Website: View your results online through the official DBE portal.
- School or Exam Centre: You can collect your results in person from the school or exam centre where you wrote your exams.
What to Do if You Do Not Pass?
Failing your Matric exams can be stressful, but there are ways to improve your results. Acting quickly and knowing your options can help you stay on track for university, college, or future job opportunities.
Students who are not happy with their Department of Basic Education results can take the following steps:
- Second Chance Matric Support Programme: The DBE offers this programme for students who did not meet the requirements for the NSC.
- Supplementary Exams: You can rewrite up to two subjects to improve your marks and qualify for your NSC. Make sure to register before the January cut-off date.
- Re-mark or Re-check: If you think there was an error in marking, you can apply to have your exam papers re-checked or re-marked. Forms are available from your school or exam centre.
Impact of Matric Results on Future Opportunities
Your Matric results play a crucial role in shaping your future. They not only affect which courses and institutions you can apply to but also influence your career options. Understanding the impact of your marks can help you plan your next steps more effectively.
Listed below are ways the Matric results can impact students:
- Strong Matric results can increase your chances of receiving scholarships and bursaries, helping to cover the costs of higher education.
- Financial aid is often based on academic performance, making it easier and more affordable to pursue your chosen course.
- Your Matric marks influence career options, as many jobs require specific subject passes and achievement levels.
- Fields like engineering, medicine, and technology often need strong results in subjects such Mathematics and Science.
Conclusion
Understanding your Matric results in South Africa is crucial because they have a significant impact on your future. Your results can affect your chances of getting into higher education and finding job opportunities. Whether you decide to continue studying or start working right away, your results will influence the paths you can take.
Knowing how your results are calculated, the types of certificates you can earn, and how to read your grades helps you make choices that align with your goals. However, if your results are not as good as you hoped, there are options to help you improve.
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Matric Results in South Africa – FAQs
When will the Matric results be released?
The matric results for the 2025 examinations will be released on 13 January 2026.
How are Matric results calculated?
Results are based on two components: School-Based Assessments (25%) and Final Exams (75%). SBAs include tests, projects, and assignments throughout the year, while final exams test all your knowledge in each subject.
How do I read my Matric results?
Matric results show grades in symbols (A–FF), percentages, and APS levels (1–7). These indicate how well you performed in each subject and help with university or career planning.
How do Matric results affect my future?
Good results can help you get scholarships, bursaries, and access to higher education. They also affect career opportunities, as some jobs require specific subject passes or strong results in mathematics and science.
What are Matric Pass requirements in South Africa?
To pass the Matric exams, students need at least 40% in the Home Language, 40% in 2 other subjects, and 30% in 4 other subjects.
