The moment has arrived: the 2023 Matric results are here! This guide does more than just list grades – it delves into the nuances of the grading system, deciphers the different passing levels, and points you to where you can find past results.
How To Retrieve Your Matric Results
Congratulations on completing your exams! Now, it is time to see the fruits of your labor. Accessing your results is easy, with several convenient methods at your disposal:
Department Of Basic Education Website
- Visit the website.
- Input your examination number.
- Fill out the necessary details.
- Click “Search”.
- Your results will appear on the screen.
Mobile Device Services
- USSD: Simply dial *120*45856#, enter your exam number, and your results will be sent to your phone. Note: Charges apply, so make sure your phone is topped up.
- SMS: Text your exam number to 45856 using your SMS app. Follow the prompts and get your results. A fee of R1.50 per minute will be charged.
MatricsMates App
- Download the MatricsMate App from Google Play or Apple Store.
- Open the app, enter your ID and exam number.
- Your results will be displayed. This is a free service.
Online Publications
Visit websites like News24, IOL, EWN, Matric College, or TimesLive to find your results.
In-Person
For a more traditional approach, visit your high school or examination center to collect your results in person.
With these methods, accessing your Matric results is straightforward and flexible, catering to your preferred style of receiving information.
What Are The Requirements To Pass Matric?
Passing matric is not just passing matric, but also comes with different levels of achievement. Let us have a look at what they are and what they mean:
- National Senior Certificate Pass
- Higher Certificate Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Bachelor’s Pass
National Senior Certificate Pass
This is the standard pass for matric, securing this pass means that you could apply for any tertiary course that only requires you to have a matric certificate and securing this certificate means you need to achieve the following:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 30% in two other subjects
- 30% in three other subjects
While not encouraged, aiming for just a National Senior Certificate leaves room to fail one subject, but remember the higher you aim, the further you will go.
Higher Certificate Pass
One more step up the ladder of achievements is the Higher Certificate Pass, achieving this means you could study any Higher Certificate course at institutions of higher learning and here is how you get your foot in the door:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in two other subjects
- 30% in four other subjects
For this one, you have to pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
Diploma Pass
Further on we have a Diploma Pass, once you have obtained this achievement you can study a Diploma course at any tertiary institution offering them and here is how you achieve a Diploma Pass:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in four other subjects
- 30% in two other subjects
Bachelor’s Pass
Top of the ladder is the Bachelor’s Pass, obtaining this can get you admission to pursue a degree at University. Here is what gets you into your chosen major:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 50% in four subjects
- 30% in two other subjects
What Was The Provincial Pass Rates?
|
Province |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Eastern Cape |
68.1% |
73% |
77.3% |
81.42% |
|
Free State |
85.1% |
85.7% |
88.5% |
89.03% |
|
Gauteng |
83.3% |
82.8% |
84.4% |
85.38% |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
77.6% |
76.8% |
83% |
86.36% |
|
Limpopo |
68.2% |
66.7% |
72.1% |
79.54% |
|
Mpumalanga |
73.7% |
73.6% |
76.8% |
76.95% |
|
Northern Cape |
66% |
71.4% |
74.2% |
81.63% |
|
North West |
76.2% |
78.2% |
79.8%| |
75.84% |
|
Western Cape |
79.9% |
81.2% |
81.4% |
81.54% |
What If I Am Not Happy With My Matric Results?
Feeling disheartened by less-than-ideal Matric results is a common reaction, but it is essential to view this not as a full stop, but as a comma in your academic narrative. Several strategies are available to turn this around, each opening a new doorway to the success you envision.
Matric Rewrite
A Matric Rewrite is an opportunity to sit for the entire Matric exam again, or just specific subjects, typically in the subsequent year. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to comprehensively improve their scores.
Process:
- Registration: Enroll for the Matric Rewrite.
- Preparation: Immerse yourself in a rigorous study plan, considering the support of tutors or supplementary classes.
- Examination: Participate in the exams during the allocated rewrite period.
- Results: Obtain your revised Matric results, which will supersede your previous ones.
Matric Upgrade
Opting for a Matric Upgrade allows you to better your results by retaking one or more subjects, without repeating the entire Matric year. This option suits students who are generally pleased with their overall results but aspire to elevate their performance in specific areas.
Process:
- Subject Selection: Select the subjects you aim to improve.
- Registration: Register for these subjects via an educational body or the education department.
- Study and Preparation: Engage in focused study for your chosen subjects, utilizing a variety of resources like textbooks, online content, or personal tutoring.
- Examination: Appear for these subject exams at the scheduled time.
- Results Compilation: Your improved marks will be integrated with your previous results, culminating in an updated Matric certificate.
Can I Improve My Matric Results After Their Release?
Indeed! Should your Matric results not meet your expectations, view it as a hurdle, not a blockade. You have the option of supplementary exams or re-enrolling in specific subjects, offering you another shot at achieving your goals.
How Do I Apply For A Remarking Of My Matric Results?
If you are pondering over potential oversights in your results, applying for a remarking is akin to requesting a meticulous reassessment of your work for absolute precision.
Process:
- Application Submission: Fill out an application for your papers to be re-evaluated, typically available at your school or the exam board.
- Fee Payment: A small fee is required for this service, which can be viewed as an investment in validating your academic efforts.
- Await Results: Patiently wait while your papers undergo a re-examination.
- Receive New Results: Anticipate receiving your adjusted scores, which ideally align more closely with your original expectations.
Pursuing a remarking is a logical step if you strongly believe there might have been a misjudgment. It’s about affirming the hard work and dedication you have invested in your studies.
What Do I Do If I Failed Matric?
If you did not pass your Matric, it might feel like a major setback. However, it is crucial to understand that this does not close the door on your future success. There are several paths you can explore to overcome this hurdle. Here are some options:
- Self-Reflection
- Re-Marking
- Supplementary Exams
- Second Chance Program
- Re-Do Matric
- TVET College
Self-Reflection
This step involves introspection about your study efforts and identifying any personal challenges that may have impacted your performance. It is vital to be honest with yourself and recognize if there were external obstacles, then seek the necessary support to address them.
Re-Marking
If your results seem inconsistent with your expectations, consider applying for a re-mark. This process involves a second evaluation of your exam by a different examiner. The fee is R120 per subject, but this may be waived for students from no-fee schools.
Supplementary Exams
For those who have failed fewer than three subjects, you can write supplementary exams for free, usually held in May/June. This offers a chance to improve your grades without waiting for a full year.
Second Chance Program
The Department of Basic Education offers a free “Second Chance Program.” It is designed to help students who did not pass their Matric to prepare better for the next attempt. This program includes face-to-face classes, online courses, and educational broadcasts.
Re-Do Matric
If you have failed more than two subjects, you can re-enroll in a school or private institution to repeat the Matric year. This involves attending classes and taking exams again, offering a fresh start.
TVET College
Another viable option is to enroll in a TVET College for a National Certificate Vocational, which is equivalent to a Grade 12 but focuses on trade-based skills. TVET colleges offer a range of courses, addressing skill shortages in South Africa.
