VerifiedMatric results are one of the most important milestones in every South African student’s education journey. They determine whether you qualify for further study, training programmes, or entry-level jobs.
If you wrote the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams, this guide explains exactly how to check matric results online, by SMS, on your phone, and what to do if your results are missing or you are unhappy with them.
When the Matric Results Come Out
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed the following dates:
- Class of 2026: the DBE releases these results in January 2027; it has not yet confirmed the date
- Class of 2025 (for comparison): results were available to learners from 06:00 on 13 January 2026
- IEB results (Class of 2025): available from 00:01 on 13 January 2026
- Statements of results: collected at schools and exam centres on results day
How to Check Matric Results Online
This is the fastest and most reliable way to get your results.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Matric Results Online
- Go to the official DBE results portal:
Department of Basic Education – Matric Results Portal - Enter your Matric Examination Number in the field provided.
- Click Search.
- Your subject results and pass level will appear on the screen.
What you need:
- Examination number
- In some cases: your ID number or home language
- Stable internet connection
Important: Only learners who agreed to have their results published will appear online due to POPI Act regulations.
Which App Shows Matric Results Online?
You can also check your results on your smartphone.
MatricsMate App
- Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- Free to download
- Requires your exam number and ID
Results appear on the app on results day, which for the Class of 2025 was 13 January 2026.
How to Check Matric Results via SMS
If you do not have internet access, you can use SMS or USSD.
SMS Method
- Open your SMS app
- Type: Your 13-digit ID number + Exam number
- Send to 35658
- You will receive your results by SMS
- Cost: ± R1.50 per SMS
USSD Method
- Dial: *120*35658#
- Follow the prompts
- Enter your ID number
- Receive your subject results
USSD rates apply.
What If Your Matric Results Do Not Appear Online?
Your results may not show if:
- You did not consent to publication
- There was a technical issue
- Your details were captured incorrectly
If this happens:
- Visit your school or exam centre
- Contact your district or provincial education office
What If You Are Not Happy With Your Results?
You may apply for:
- Remarking: R120 per subject
- Rechecking: R30 per subject
Key dates:
- Applications close: about two weeks after results day (27 January 2026 for the Class of 2025)
- Remark results released: 13 March 2026
You can also rewrite subjects in May/June if eligible.
Matric Pass Levels Explained
Your results determine your pass level:
- Bachelor’s Pass — allows university degree study
- Diploma Pass — allows diploma studies
- Higher Certificate Pass — allows certificate programmes
- NSC Pass — basic matric pass
Minimum requirements:
- 40% in Home Language
- 40% in two other subjects
- 30% in three subjects
- You may fail one subject
What to Do After Matric
If you pass:
- Apply to universities or colleges
- Apply for bursaries or funding
- Consider online or part-time study
If you do not pass:
- Rewrite failed subjects
- Register for vocational training (TVET / FET colleges)
- Consider skills-based or workplace training
If a mark looks lower or higher than you expected, there is a process behind it. Umalusi’s standardisation of matric marks sets out how far a mark can move and why your school-based assessment is handled separately.