Matric results day is one of the most anticipated and nerve-wracking days in a young South African’s life. After years of hard work, the moment arrives when you finally see the results of your efforts. In the past, this meant queuing at your school, waiting for the newspaper, or watching television broadcasts. Today, checking your results online is the fastest and most convenient method.
The Department of Basic Education and various partners provide multiple online platforms to access your National Senior Certificate results. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can get your results from the comfort of your home.
This guide covers everything you need to know about checking your matric results online. We provide step-by-step instructions for all official platforms, important dates, and what to do if you encounter problems.
How To Check Your Matric Results Online: Complete Guide
Important Dates For 2026 Matric Results
The Department of Basic Education typically releases matric results in the second or third week of January. For the Class of 2026:
Provisional Release Date: Mid-January 2027.
Official Announcement: The Minister of Basic Education announces the results at a press conference.
School Release: Results are officially available at schools on the same day.
Online Release: Online portals typically open at the same time as school release, often from 12:00 noon on the specified date.
Check the Department of Basic Education website and news media for the exact date as it approaches.
What You Need To Check Your Results Online
To check your matric results online, you will need:
Your Exam Number: This is the unique number assigned to you for your matric exams. It appears on your exam admission letter.
Your ID Number: Your South African ID number or passport number.
Access to the Internet: A smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection.
A Printer (Optional): To print your results for your records.
Method 1: Check Via The Department of Basic Education Website
The official Department of Basic Education website is the primary online portal for matric results.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open your web browser and go to the official Department of Basic Education website: www.education.gov.za.
2. Look for the “Matric Results” or “NSC Results” link. This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage during results season.
3. Click on the link. You will be redirected to the results portal.
4. Enter your exam number. Type it carefully, exactly as it appears on your admission letter.
5. Enter your ID number. Your South African ID number or passport number.
6. Click “Submit” or “View Results”.
7. Your results will be displayed on the screen.
8. You can print the page or save it as a PDF for your records.
Pros:
Official government source.
Free to use.
No registration required.
Cons:
Website can become very slow or crash due to high traffic on results day.
May require multiple attempts.
Method 2: Check Via The News24 Website
News24 is a major South African news website that partners with the Department of Basic Education to host matric results.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to the News24 website: www.news24.com.
2. Look for the “Matric Results” section. This is usually featured prominently during results season.
3. Click on the “Check your results” link.
4. You will be taken to the results portal.
5. Enter your exam number.
6. Enter your ID number.
7. Click “Submit”.
8. Your results will be displayed.
Pros:
High traffic capacity, often more reliable than the government site.
Free to use.
Also provides news and analysis of results.
Cons:
May have advertisements.
Still can experience high traffic delays.
Method 3: Check Via The SABC News Website
The South African Broadcasting Corporation also hosts matric results on their website.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to the SABC News website: www.sabcnews.com.
2. Look for the “Matric Results” link.
3. Click on the link to access the results portal.
4. Enter your exam number and ID number.
5. Click “Submit” to view your results.
Pros:
Official broadcaster.
Free to use.
Reliable.
Cons:
May experience high traffic.
Method 4: Check Via SMS
If you do not have internet access or prefer a simpler method, you can check your results via SMS. This service is provided by the Department of Basic Education in partnership with mobile networks.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open the messaging app on your cellphone.
2. Create a new SMS message.
3. In the recipient field, type the SMS shortcode for your network. The code is usually the same across networks, but confirm closer to the time:
For all networks: 35658 (verify closer to results date)
4. In the message body, type your exam number.
5. Send the SMS.
6. You will receive a reply SMS with your results within a few minutes.
Cost:
SMSes are charged at standard rates (typically R1.50 to R2.00 per SMS). The service is not free.
Pros:
Works on any cellphone, even basic phones.
No internet required.
Reliable even when websites are congested.
Cons:
Costs money per SMS.
Results are sent via text, which may be less detailed than online view.
Method 5: Check Via Your School
Your school will have a printed copy of the results. This is the traditional method and can be reliable even if online systems are overwhelmed.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to your school on results day. Check with your school for the specific time.
2. Find your name on the results list or collect your statement of results from your teacher or principal.
3. Verify that all your details are correct.
Pros:
Immediate access to official printed results.
Can discuss results with teachers if needed.
No technology required.
Cons:
Requires travelling to school.
May involve waiting in queues.
Method 6: Check Via Newspapers
Major newspapers publish the matric results, usually in a supplement. This is a traditional method, but less common now.
Step-by-Step:
1. Purchase a major newspaper (e.g., Sowetan, The Star, Daily Sun) on results day.
2. Look for the results supplement.
3. Find your exam number in the list.
4. Your results will be listed next to your number.
Pros:
No technology required.
Permanent record.
Cons:
Requires buying a newspaper.
Hard to find your number in long lists.
Only basic results are published, not subject details.
What Your Results Look Like
Your results will show:
Your name and exam number.
Your subjects and the marks achieved.
The level of achievement for each subject (e.g., 7 for outstanding achievement, 1 for not achieved).
Whether you have passed and the type of pass:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass: Eligible for university degree studies.
Diploma Pass: Eligible for diploma studies.
Higher Certificate Pass: Eligible for higher certificate studies.
National Senior Certificate: A pass without endorsement for further study.
What To Do After Getting Your Results
If You Passed:
Celebrate! You have achieved a major milestone.
Check your results against university entrance requirements if you applied for tertiary study.
Accept any university offers promptly.
Apply for space at institutions if you did not apply earlier.
Consider your options: work, study, or a gap year.
If You Did Not Pass As Expected:
Do not panic. There are options.
Remark or Recheck: You can apply for a remark or recheck of your papers. This costs a fee and must be done within a certain timeframe.
Supplementary Exams: If you failed one or two subjects, you may be eligible for supplementary exams.
Rewrite: You can register to rewrite your matric exams in the next sitting.
Alternative Pathways: TVET colleges offer vocational programmes with lower entry requirements. Learnerships and skills programmes are also options.
Common Problems And Solutions
Website Not Loading:
Try again later. Traffic is highest in the first few hours.
Use a different method (SMS, school, newspaper).
Use a different device or browser.
Incorrect Exam Number:
Double-check your exam number on your admission letter.
Ensure you are entering it correctly, with no spaces or typos.
No Results Found:
Your results may not have been uploaded yet. Wait a few hours and try again.
Contact your school or the Department of Basic Education if the problem persists.
SMS Not Received:
Check that you sent the SMS to the correct number.
Ensure you have sufficient airtime.
Wait a few minutes and try again. Network congestion can cause delays.
Forgot Your Exam Number:
Check your exam admission letter.
Contact your school. They have a record of your exam number.
You will need it to access your results.
Important Links And Contacts
Department of Basic Education:
Website: www.education.gov.za
Twitter: @DBE_SA
Facebook: Department of Basic Education
News24 Matric Results:
Website: www.news24.com
SABC News:
Website: www.sabcnews.com
UMalusi (Quality Assurance Council):
Website: www.umalusi.org.za
Common Questions, FAQ Section
When will the 2026 matric results be released?
Results are typically released in the second or third week of January 2027. The exact date is announced by the Department of Basic Education closer to the time.
How can I check my matric results online?
You can check on the Department of Basic Education website (www.education.gov.za), News24 (www.news24.com), or SABC News (www.sabcnews.com). Enter your exam number and ID number.
Can I check my matric results by SMS?
Yes. Send your exam number to 35658 (verify closer to results date). SMSes are charged at standard rates.
Do I need to register to check my results online?
No. You simply enter your exam number and ID number. No registration is required.
What if the website is not working?
Try again later, use a different method (SMS, school), or try a different website (News24 or SABC).
What information do I need to check my results?
Your exam number and your ID number.
Can I check someone else’s results?
You can only check results with their exam number and ID number. Do not share your personal information.
What if my results are incorrect?
Contact your school immediately. They can advise on the process for corrections or remarks.
How do I apply for a remark?
Applications for remarks are done through your school. There is a fee, and there is a deadline.
What is the difference between a pass and a bachelor’s pass?
A bachelor’s pass allows you to study for a degree at university. A diploma pass allows you to study for a diploma. A higher certificate pass allows you to study for a higher certificate.
Quick Reference: Exam Results Access (2026)
| Method | How to Access | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBE Website | www.education.gov.za | Free | Official government source | May be slow during peak times |
| News24 | www.news24.com | Free | Handles high traffic well | Contains advertisements |
| SABC News | www.sabcnews.com | Free | Official national broadcaster | Can experience delays |
| SMS | Send exam number to 35658 | R1.50 – R2 | Works on any mobile phone | Small fee per SMS |
| School | Collect results directly from your school | Free | Printed official copy | Requires travel to school |
| Newspaper | Purchase a local newspaper | R10 – R20 | Permanent physical record | May be difficult to find |
Final Warning: Be Patient
Results day is extremely busy for online portals. Millions of students and their families will be checking at the same time. Do not panic if the website is slow or unresponsive. Keep trying, use different methods, and remember that your results are the same regardless of how you access them.
Celebrate your achievement, whatever the outcome. Matric is a significant accomplishment, and you have earned the right to be proud.
Official Resources:
Department of Basic Education: www.education.gov.za
UMalusi: www.umalusi.org.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Dates, website links, and SMS codes are subject to change. Always verify current information on the official Department of Basic Education website closer to the results release date.