- 12 Jan, 2026
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Matric Results 2025: Release Dates, How to Check Your Results, and What to Do Next
Matric Results 2025 are almost here, and for more than one million South African learners, the next few days will shape what comes next. Whether you are feeling confident, anxious, or unsure, knowing how results are released and what options are available can make all the difference.
The Matric Results 2025 will be released in January, and more than one million South African learners are waiting to see the outcome of their Grade 12 examinations. For learners and parents, this moment brings excitement, anxiety, and important decisions about what comes next.
At Apex Academic Centre, we support matric learners every year before and after results are released. We understand that results day is not only about pass or fail, but about understanding your options and planning the right next step.
When Will the Matric Results 2025 Be Released?
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will officially announce the 2025 National Senior Certificate results on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Learners will then be able to access their individual results from Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
While the announcement shares national statistics and pass rates, learners must wait until the following day to view their personal results.
How Many Learners Wrote the Matric Results 2025 Exams?
According to Umalusi, more than one million learners wrote the 2025 Grade 12 examinations across roughly 9,400 examination centres.
In addition, candidates wrote exams under four assessment bodies and four qualification streams. National Senior Certificate candidates made up 90.3 percent of the total cohort.
Because of this scale, matric results day remains one of the most significant events in South African education.
Expected Pass Rate for Matric Results 2025
The class of 2025 will aim to improve on the 87.3 percent pass rate achieved in 2024, which was the highest pass rate ever recorded in South Africa.
However, parents and learners should not focus only on the national average. At Apex Academic Centre, we encourage families to pay closer attention to subject level results, bachelor passes, diploma passes, and admission requirements.
In many cases, these details matter more than the overall pass rate.
Exam Leak Concerns During the 2025 Matric Exams
During the 2025 examination period, authorities detected a limited exam paper leak involving approximately 40 learners.
Markers first raised concerns after noticing that some answers closely matched marking guidelines. Further investigation revealed leaks in English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences papers.
The Department of Basic Education confirmed that two officials were implicated and suspended. Importantly, the department stated that the incident affected only a very small portion of candidates.
For the majority of learners, the credibility of their results remains intact.
Why Matric Results Matter in South Africa
The Matric Results 2025 will play a key role in determining admission to universities, colleges, and other post school opportunities across South Africa.
Why this matters right now
With the 2025 matric results set to be announced in January, thousands of families are actively searching for reliable information. This guide is designed to help learners and parents prepare before results day and act confidently once results are released.
A matric certificate plays a key role in accessing employment, tertiary education, apprenticeships, and learnerships.
That said, one of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that matric results alone determine a learner’s future. In reality, results act as a gateway rather than a final judgment.
What matters most is how learners respond to their results and which steps they take next.
How to Check Your Matric Results 2025
Learners will be able to access their matric results from 13 January 2026 using several official methods.
Collecting Results from Your School
Firstly, learners can collect results directly from the school or institution where they wrote their exams. Most schools release results after 12:00 PM on results day.
Department of Basic Education Website
Alternatively, learners can access results online via the Department of Basic Education website.
To register successfully, learners must provide:
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A valid 13 digit South African ID number
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Their exam number
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Two step verification details
Online News Platforms
In addition, several major news websites will publish matric results, including News24’s dedicated matric results page.
SMS Results
Learners may also receive results by texting their 13 digit ID number and exam number to 35658. Standard SMS charges apply.
USSD Code
Another option is to dial *120*35658# and follow the prompts to register and receive results.
Newspapers
Finally, most major South African newspapers will publish matric results once they become available.
IEB Candidates
Learners who wrote through the Independent Examinations Board will access their results via the IEB website.
What to Do After Your Matric Results 2025 Are Released
Once learners receive their results, uncertainty often follows. For this reason, it is important to pause and assess the situation carefully.
At Apex Academic Centre, we assist learners with:
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Understanding admission outcomes
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Planning subject upgrades
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Registering for matric rewrites
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Exploring alternative academic pathways
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Preparing for tertiary studies
Rather than rushing into decisions, learners should seek guidance and understand all available options.
Apex Academic Centre’s Guidance for Learners and Parents
Each year, we support learners who fall into three broad categories.
Some learners meet their goals and require help transitioning into university or college. Others narrowly miss requirements and need a structured improvement plan. Meanwhile, some learners do not pass and believe their future is over.
In reality, multiple pathways remain available. With the right support, learners can still achieve long term success.
Learners who are unhappy with their Matric Results 2025 may consider Matric Rewrite programmes to improve subject results and meet admission requirements.
What to Expect Next from Apex Academic Centre
Once official results are released, Apex Academic Centre will publish a follow up article that explains:
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How to interpret your matric statement
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What to do if you did not meet admission requirements
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Matric rewrite and subject upgrade options
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When academic intervention is necessary
Our aim is to ensure that learners and parents feel informed rather than overwhelmed.
Apex Academic Centre provides online tutoring support to help matric learners improve results, prepare for rewrites, and transition into tertiary studies.
Final Thoughts for Matric Learners and Parents
Although results day feels final, it is only the beginning of the next phase.
With guidance, structure, and support, there is always a way forward. Apex Academic Centre remains committed to helping learners navigate their next step with confidence and clarity.
About Apex Academic Centre
Apex Academic Centre supports learners across South Africa with online tutoring, matric rewrite programmes, and academic guidance. Our team works closely with learners before and after matric results to help them plan clear and achievable next steps.Not sure what your next step should be?
Many learners only realise their options after results day. Speaking to an academic advisor early can help you make informed decisions without panic.