The release of your National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric results is a major event in your academic journey.
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Knowing exactly when and how to access your scores is the first step toward planning your future. You can check your results using several simple and quick methods, including online, via SMS, or by visiting your school.
When Will the 2025 Matric Results Be Released?
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) officially releases the NSC matric results in January each year.
- The Minister of Basic Education typically announces the national results on 13 January 2025.
- Individual results will then be made available to candidates on 14 January 2025, generally starting from 6:00 AM online.
It is best to check the official DBE website and your school for the exact time your results will be available in your province.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Matric Results Online
Checking your matric results on the Department of Basic Education website is a clear and efficient process. This lets you see your scores quickly from your phone or computer.
- Go to the Official Website: Open your web browser and visit the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website at www.education.gov.za.
- Find the Results Section: Look for the link or section for Examination Results or Matric Results.
- Enter Your Details: You will need to enter your Matric Examination Number (the 13-digit number) and your ID number in the provided fields.
- View Your Results: Click the “Search” or “Submit” button. Your detailed results will appear on the screen.
Note: The website may be slow on the morning of the release due to high traffic. Be patient and try again if it does not load immediately.
Get Your Results on Your Cell Phone (SMS and USSD)
For a convenient way to get your scores instantly, you can register to receive your results via an SMS or USSD service offered by the DBE and SABC Education.
1. Register via SMS
- Send a Text: Type your ID number and your Exam number in the message body.
- Send to the Number: Send the SMS to 35658.
- Confirm: You will get a confirmation SMS once your registration is successful.
- Receive Results: Your results will be sent to you as an SMS once they are officially released.
- Cost: This service typically costs R1.50 per SMS, and free SMS bundles do not apply.
2. Use the USSD Service
- Dial the Code: Dial *120*45856# on your mobile phone.
- Follow Prompts: Answer the few quick questions that pop up.
- Enter Details: Enter your ID number when prompted to register for the service.
- Get Results: You will receive your results per subject once they are available.
- Cost: Standard USSD rates apply (around 50c per 20 seconds).
Other Ways to Access Your Scores
If the online or mobile services do not work, you have other reliable options to get your scores:
Get Results at Your School
Your high school or the examination center where you wrote the exams will release the official Statement of Results on the same day the individual results are available (typically 14 January 2025). You must go to the center to collect this printed statement.
Check Results in the Newspaper
Major local newspapers often publish a list of results using the candidate’s exam number and pass symbols. The symbols indicate your performance level but do not show your specific marks.
| Level | Percentage Range | Description |
| 7 | $80 – 100\%$ | Outstanding |
| 6 | $70 – 79\%$ | Meritorious |
| 5 | $60 – 69\%$ | Substantial |
| 4 | $50 – 59\%$ | Moderate |
| 3 | $40 – 49\%$ | Adequate |
| 2 | $30 – 39\%$ | Elementary |
| 1 | $0 – 29\%$ | Not Achieved |
What to Do If Your Results Are Missing
If you are unable to find your results online, do not panic. Your results may be excluded for technical reasons.
- Contact Your Center: First, enquire at the school or examination center where you wrote the exams.
- Contact District/Provincial Office: If your school cannot assist, get in touch with your nearest District or Provincial Education Office.
The DBE reserves the right to change any information published on its website. Always consult with your school or a provincial office for the most official information.
Important Contacts and Application Links
For any queries regarding your results or registration for future exams, contact the Department of Basic Education directly.
| Contact Detail | Information |
| DBE Website | www.education.gov.za |
| Call Centre | 0800 202 933 |
| callcentre@dbe.gov.za | |
| Physical Address | 222 Struben Street, Pretoria |
Next Steps After Matric
Once you have your results, you can decide on your next step.
If You Passed
If you achieved the grades you need, you must now confirm your enrollment at the university, TVET college, or private college you applied to. You should also look into financial aid options like the NSFAS bursary or study loans.
If You Need to Improve Your Marks
If you did not get the results you hoped for, you have a second chance:
- Apply for Remark/Re-check: If you believe there was an error in marking, you can apply for a remark (re-marking the script) or a re-check (checking for un-marked answers or calculation errors). The closing date for this is usually a few weeks after the results release.
- Rewrite in May/June: The supplementary examination has been phased out. NSC candidates who want to improve or complete outstanding results can register for the May/June 2026 examination. Check the requirements on the back of your Statement of Results and register at your nearest District Office. The closing date for the 2025 May/June exams was 7 February 2025.