Matric Results Day: What to Expect and What to Do Next
Everything you need to know about matric results day, from when and how results are released to understanding your statement of results, your options if you passed, and your pathways forward if you did not get the marks you needed.
By Tania Galant in Exam Preparation · 8 min read
Key Takeaways
NSC results are typically released in early January via SMS, online, and at schools
Your statement of results shows percentage, symbol, and achievement level for each subject
Multiple pathways exist regardless of your results — university, TVET, gap year, or rewrite
Emotional preparation for results day is just as important as academic preparation
# Matric Results Day: What to Expect and What to Do Next
After months of preparation, revision, and exams, matric results day is the moment of truth. It can be exhilarating, nerve-wracking, or a complex mix of emotions. Regardless of what your results hold, being prepared for this day — knowing what to expect, how to access your results, and what your options are — puts you in the best position to take your next step confidently.
This guide covers everything from the logistics of results day to the decisions you will face afterwards.
For the full journey from preparation to results, see our [matric exam preparation guide](/blog/the-ultimate-matric-exam-preparation-guide).
## When Are Matric Results Released?
> **Read more:** For a comprehensive overview, see our [exam preparation guide](/blog/the-ultimate-matric-exam-preparation-guide).
### NSC Results
The Department of Basic Education typically releases NSC results in stages:
| Stage | When | Who Gets Results |
|-------|------|-----------------|
| **National results announcement** | First week of January | Overall national statistics (pass rate, distinctions) — no individual results |
| **Individual results to schools** | 1-2 days after national announcement | Schools receive their learners' results |
| **Individual results to learners** | Same day or next day | Learners collect results from schools or access them via SMS/online |
**Important:** The exact dates change each year. The Department of Basic Education announces the specific date in December after exams are completed. Keep an eye on official announcements.
### IEB Results
IEB (Independent Examinations Board) results are typically released a few days before NSC results. IEB learners usually receive their results through their schools.
### How to Access Your Results
There are several ways to get your individual results:
1. **From your school:** Collect your official Statement of Results in person. This is the most reliable method and gives you the physical document you need.
2. **Via SMS:** The DBE usually sends results via SMS to the cellphone number registered during the exam. Ensure your number is correct and active.
3. **Online:** Results are typically available on the DBE website and sometimes through provincial education department portals.
4. **Newspaper:** Major newspapers often publish results, though this is becoming less common.
## Understanding Your Statement of Results
Your official Statement of Results contains the following information for each subject:
### What Each Column Means
| Column | What It Shows |
|--------|--------------|
| Subject | The name of the subject you wrote |
| SBA Mark | Your School-Based Assessment mark (as a percentage) |
| Exam Mark | Your final external exam mark (as a percentage) |
| Final Mark | The combined mark (typically 25% SBA + 75% Exam) |
| Symbol/Rating | Your achievement level (1-7) |
### The Symbol/Rating Scale
| Symbol | Achievement Level | Percentage | Description |
|--------|-------------------|-----------|-------------|
| 7 | Outstanding | 80–100% | Exceptional achievement |
| 6 | Meritorious | 70–79% | Very good achievement |
| 5 | Substantial | 60–69% | Solid achievement |
| 4 | Adequate | 50–59% | Satisfactory achievement |
| 3 | Moderate | 40–49% | Basic achievement |
| 2 | Elementary | 30–39% | Below average achievement |
| 1 | Not achieved | 0–29% | Fail |
### Pass Endorsements
Your statement will also indicate your pass level:
- **NSC Pass endorsed with admission to a Bachelor's degree programme** (Bachelor Pass)
- **NSC Pass endorsed with admission to a Diploma programme** (Diploma Pass)
- **NSC Pass endorsed with admission to a Higher Certificate programme** (Higher Certificate)
- **No pass** (if minimum requirements are not met)
## What to Do If You Passed: Your Options
### Option 1: University (Bachelor's Degree)
If you achieved a **Bachelor Pass**, you can apply for degree programmes at universities.
**Next steps:**
- Check whether your specific marks meet the requirements of your target programme (not just the pass level, but specific subject requirements and APS).
- If you applied in Grade 11 and received a conditional offer, confirm your place by submitting your final results.
- If you have not yet applied, contact university admissions immediately. Some universities accept late applications, but places fill quickly.
- Apply for financial aid (NSFAS, bursaries, university-specific aid) if you have not already.
- Register for the NBT if your university requires it and you have not yet written it.
### Option 2: University of Technology or Diploma Programme
If you achieved a **Diploma Pass** (or a Bachelor Pass but prefer a diploma), you can apply for diploma programmes.
**Advantages of diplomas:**
- More practical and career-focused than degrees.
- Often shorter (3 years vs 4 years for many degrees).
- Can be a pathway to a degree later through bridging or honours programmes.
- Strong employment prospects in many fields.
### Option 3: TVET College
TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges offer:
- National Certificate (Vocational) programmes.
- Nated/Report 191 programmes.
- Occupational qualifications and skills programmes.
These are excellent options for learners interested in practical, career-oriented education in fields like engineering, business, hospitality, IT, and more.
### Option 4: Gap Year
A structured gap year can be valuable:
- Work and save money for further education.
- Volunteer or intern to gain experience.
- Travel (if finances allow) to broaden perspectives.
- Decide on a career direction if you are unsure.
**Important:** A gap year should have purpose and structure. An unplanned year of doing nothing can be counterproductive. Set goals and timelines.
### Option 5: Enter the Workforce
Some career paths do not require tertiary education:
- Learnerships and apprenticeships.
- Entry-level positions with on-the-job training.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Short courses and certifications in specific skills.
## What to Do If You Did Not Get What You Needed
### If You Are a Few Marks Short
**Apply for a re-mark.** If you are within a few marks of a critical threshold (a pass, a Bachelor Pass, or a specific percentage needed for university), a re-mark could make the difference. See the process in our [matric rewrite guide](/blog/matric-rewrite-supplementary-exams-guide).
### If You Need to Improve Specific Subjects
**Write supplementary exams.** If you qualify (failed no more than two subjects or need to improve one or two subjects for a higher pass level), the supplementary exam in February/March is your fastest route to improvement.
### If You Need a More Significant Improvement
**Rewrite as a part-time candidate.** You can register to rewrite any number of subjects in the next NSC exam cycle (October/November). This gives you approximately 10 months to prepare.
### If Traditional Matric Is Not Working
Consider alternative pathways:
- **Adult matric (NASCA):** An alternative matric qualification designed for older learners.
- **TVET colleges:** Entry with Grade 9 or above; no matric required for many programmes.
- **Mature age exemption:** Available at 23+ for university access without a traditional matric pass.
- **Private college bridging programmes:** Some institutions offer programmes that can lead to further education without a conventional matric.
## Emotional Preparation for Results Day
### Before Results Day
- **Accept uncertainty.** You have done what you could. The results are what they are. Worrying changes nothing.
- **Plan for multiple scenarios.** Have a rough plan for "good results," "okay results," and "disappointing results." Having a plan reduces the shock of any outcome.
- **Decide how you want to receive your results.** Alone first, then with family? With friends at school? There is no right answer — choose what feels most comfortable.
- **Avoid social media speculation.** In the days before results, social media fills with anxiety-fuelling speculation. Limit your exposure.
### On Results Day
- **Give yourself a moment.** Whether your results are good or disappointing, take a breath before reacting.
- **Do not compare.** Your results are yours. Comparing with classmates helps no one.
- **Feel your emotions.** Joy, relief, disappointment, anger — all responses are valid. Allow yourself to feel without judgement.
- **Talk to someone you trust.** Share your results with a parent, guardian, teacher, or friend who will be supportive regardless of the outcome.
### After Results Day
- **If happy:** Celebrate! You earned it. Then focus on your next steps (university registration, financial aid, etc.).
- **If disappointed:** Allow yourself to feel upset, but do not let it define you. Within a day or two, shift focus to your options and next steps. Remember that matric is one chapter, not the whole book.
- **If devastated:** Seek support. Talk to your school counsellor, a trusted adult, or call SADAG (0800 567 567). Matric results do not determine your worth or your entire future.
## The Days After Results: Practical Checklist
### If You Are Going to University
- [ ] Confirm your place by submitting final results to the university.
- [ ] Apply for financial aid and bursaries (deadlines are tight in January).
- [ ] Register for accommodation.
- [ ] Register for orientation programmes.
- [ ] Obtain your student card and access credentials.
- [ ] Prepare practically: supplies, transport, living arrangements.
### If You Are Rewriting
- [ ] Register for supplementary exams immediately (deadlines are strict).
- [ ] Create a condensed study plan.
- [ ] Gather past papers and study materials. Visit our [past papers page](/past-papers).
- [ ] Consider targeted tutoring for your rewrite subjects.
### If You Are Taking a Different Path
- [ ] Research TVET colleges and their intake dates.
- [ ] Explore learnership and apprenticeship opportunities.
- [ ] Consider short courses that build practical skills.
- [ ] Connect with career counselling services.
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## Related Resources
- [The Ultimate Matric Exam Preparation Guide 2025/2026](/blog/the-ultimate-matric-exam-preparation-guide)
- [Matric Exam Preparation Hub](/exam-preparation)
- [Browse Matric Past Papers](/past-papers)
- [How to Use Matric Past Papers to Score 80%+ in Your Finals](/blog/how-to-use-matric-past-papers-to-score-80-in-your-finals)
- [5-Year Pattern Analysis: Mathematics NSC Past Papers (2020-2025)](/blog/5-year-pattern-analysis-mathematics-nsc-past-papers)
- [Past Papers vs Mock Exams: Which Is Better for Matric Preparation?](/blog/past-papers-vs-mock-exams-which-is-better-for-matric-preparation)
- [Start Practising Free on LearningLoop](/auth?tab=register)
## Frequently Asked Questions
### When exactly are matric results released?
NSC results are typically released in the first week of January. The exact date varies each year and is announced by the Minister of Basic Education in December. IEB results usually come out a few days earlier.
### Can I get my results online?
Yes. The DBE typically makes results available online, and you may also receive an SMS to your registered number. However, you still need to collect your official Statement of Results from your school.
### What if I think my marks are wrong?
Apply for a re-check (to verify marks were correctly totalled) or a re-mark (to have your script re-evaluated by a different examiner). There are deadlines for both, usually within a few weeks of results release.
### Do universities automatically get my results?
If you applied to a university and they made a conditional offer, they will access your results through the central results system. However, you should still submit your statement of results directly as confirmation.
### What is the difference between a re-check and a re-mark?
A re-check verifies that all your answers were counted and marks correctly totalled. A re-mark involves a new examiner evaluating your entire script. A re-mark can result in your marks going up or down; a re-check only catches addition errors.
### Can I apply to university after results day if I did not apply before?
Some universities accept late applications in January, but places are very limited. Contact admissions offices immediately. It is much better to apply during Grade 11 or early Grade 12.
### What if I got a Diploma Pass but need a Bachelor Pass?
You can write supplementary exams to improve one or two subjects and potentially upgrade your pass level. Alternatively, you can rewrite in the next exam cycle. Some universities also offer extended diploma-to-degree pathways.
### How long are my matric results valid?
Your NSC results do not expire. They remain valid indefinitely for university applications and employment purposes. However, if you want to improve marks, you can rewrite specific subjects in subsequent exam cycles.