Matric results in South Africa are an important milestone for students. They mark the end of high school and show how well you performed in Grade 12. Your matric results can shape your future by affecting university entry, scholarship eligibility and job opportunities. Strong matric marks can open doors to many study and career paths.
In South Africa, matric exams are overseen by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). These exams assess your knowledge and skills across a range of subjects. Understanding how matric results are calculated can help you make informed choices about further studies or entering the world of work.
This article explains everything you need to know about matric results in South Africa. It covers what matric results mean, how they are calculated, the different types of matric certificates, where to check results and available options if you do not pass.
Table of Contents
What Is Matric?
In South Africa, “Matric” is basically Grade 12, the last year of high school. You need to pass the 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 13 January 2026. Candidates can view their results once they are uploaded by clicking on the official result link.
Read more on Understanding the Matric NQF Level in South Africa.
How Are Matric Results Calculated?
Matric results in South Africa are calculated using two main components: School-Based Assessments (SBA) and final examinations. Together, these give a complete picture of a learner’s performance during the final year of high school.
SBA makes up 25% of your final mark and includes tests, assignments, projects, and other tasks completed during the year. This encourages learners to stay consistent and not rely only on final exams. The remaining 75% comes from the final exams written at the end of the year. These exams test your understanding of the full syllabus and how well you can apply what you have learned.
Let us take a closer look at how this works:
| School-Based Assessments (SBA) | Final Examinations |
| SBA make up 25% of your final marks. | The other 75% of the Matric marks come from the final exams students take at the end of the year. |
| They include tests, assignments, projects, and other tasks during the year. | These exams cover everything learned throughout the year for each subject. |
| They show how well you understand 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
Your matric certificate is an important document that shows your academic achievements in Grade 12. 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.
The following are the two different types of matric certificates:
- 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.
Read more on What Is NSC? What Your Matric Means for Your Future Degree.
Interpreting Matric Symbols, Percentage & APS Level
When you check matric results online, each subject is shown using a symbol, a percentage, and an APS level. These symbols are listed alphabetically from A to FF and show how well you performed in each subject.
Percentages give a clear picture of your actual marks, while APS levels help institutions assess your eligibility for programmes. A higher APS score improves your chances of being accepted into competitive programmes. Understanding how symbols, percentages, and APS levels work together makes it easier to plan your study or career options.
The table below will help you 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 on Matric Pass Symbols and What They Mean.
Pass Requirements For Different Qualifications
Matric results in South Africa determine which types of qualifications you can apply for. Different pass levels open access to different study and career opportunities.
A Bachelor’s pass allows entry into university degree programmes and usually offers the widest range of options. A Diploma pass and a Higher Certificate pass provide access to universities of technology, colleges, and private institutions.
Meeting the minimum pass requirements does not always guarantee admission, as some programmes have additional subject or APS requirements. Always check the specific entry criteria before applying.
The following table mentions 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 the matric results is vital so that you can plan your next steps without delays. Becoming aware of your marks early helps you apply for universities, bursaries, or jobs on time. Checking on time also ensures you do not miss any deadlines. After receiving your results, make sure all personal details and subject marks are correct. Keep both digital and printed copies for future use.
Here are the main ways to access the matric results:
- Department of Basic Education (DBE) Website: View your results online through the official DBE portal result link: Senior Certificate Examination Results.
- 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 Matric?
Failing matric can be stressful, but it does not mean the end of your academic journey. Many learners improve their results by using the available support options.
The Second Chance Matric Support Programme helps learners who did not meet NSC requirements. You can also rewrite up to two subjects through supplementary exams, as long as you register before the deadline.
If you believe there was a marking error, you may apply for a re-mark or re-check of your exam papers. With the right support and planning, you can still reach your education and career goals.
Read more on What is the Difference Between Matric Rewrite and Upgrade?
Conclusion
Understanding your matric results in South Africa is crucial because they significantly impact 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 career goals. However, if your results are not as good as you hoped, there are options to help you improve.
Always remember that your matric results are just the start – study for your bright future with Regenesys Education. Check out some of our popular programmes below.
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FAQs
When will the Matric results be released in 2026?
The matric results for the 2025 examinations will be released on 13 January 2026 on the official DBE website.
How are Matric results calculated?
Matric results are based on two components: School-Based Assessments (25%) and Final Exams (75%). SBA includes tests, projects, and assignments throughout the year, while final exams test 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 pass requirements or high scores in mathematics and science.
What are Matric Pass requirements in South Africa?
To pass the matric exams, students need to get at least 40% in the Home Language, 40% in 2 other subjects, and 30% in 4 other subjects.
