The 2023 matric results are here! This article is not just about grades. It helps you understand how they mark the exams, the different ways to pass, and where to find old results. Let us see how you can get your results easily.
How To Check Your Matric Results
You have finished your exams, and now it is time to see your scores. Do not worry, it is easy to find them. Here are some ways:
Website Of The Department Of Basic Education
- Go to the website.
- Put in your exam number.
- Fill in other needed details.
- Click “Search.”
- You should see your results.
Using Your Mobile Phone
- USSD: Dial *120*45856#, enter your exam number, and get results on your phone. (Remember, this costs money.)
- SMS: Open your SMS app, send your exam number to 45856, and follow the steps. (It costs R1.50 per minute.)
MatricsMates App: A Free App
- Download from your Google Play or Apple Store.
- Open it and enter your ID and exam number.
- See your results for free!
Online News Sites
Look at websites like News24, IOL, EWN, Matric College, and TimesLive for your results.
In Person: The Old-School Way
Go to your high school or the place where you took the exams to get a paper copy of your results.
What Are Matric Pass Requirements?
Passing matric is not just about passing; it is about reaching different levels of success. Let us break down these levels and what they mean for you:
National Senior Certificate Pass
This is the basic pass level. You need:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 30% in two other subjects.
- 30% in three more subjects.
You can fail one subject but try to aim high!
Higher Certificate Pass
This is a bit higher than the basic level. You need:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 40% in two other subjects.
- 30% in four more subjects.
You must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
Diploma Pass
Higher than the Higher Certificate Pass. You need:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 40% in four other subjects.
- 30% in two more subjects.
Bachelor’s Pass
This is the highest level for matric. You need:
- 40% in your Home Language.
- 50% in four subjects.
- 30% in two other subjects.
Each level lets you do different things after matric, like studying different courses.
Can I Improve My Matric Results?
Feeling let down by your matric results is tough, but it is not the end of your academic journey. There are ways to improve your situation and reach your goals.
Matric Rewrite
You redo the entire matric exam or just certain subjects, usually the next year.
Process:
- Registration: Sign up for the matric rewrite.
- Preparation: Study hard, maybe with tutors or extra classes.
- Examination: Take the exams again.
- Results: Get your new results, replacing the old ones.
Matric Upgrade
Improve your marks by retaking one or more subjects, without redoing the whole year.
Process:
- Subject Selection: Pick the subjects to upgrade.
- Registration: Sign up for these subjects at a school or education department.
- Study and Preparation: Focus on these subjects, using textbooks, online courses, or tutors.
- Examination: Take these exams.
- Results Compilation: Your new marks will be added to your old results, making a new certificate.
Can I Improve My Matric Results After They Are Out?
Yes! If you are not happy with your results, you can redo exams or retake subjects. It is like a second chance.
How To Apply For Matric Results Remarking
If you think there has been a mistake, you can get your papers remarked. Here is how:
- Application Submission: Fill out a form to have your papers rechecked. You can usually get this at your school or exam board.
- Fee Payment: Pay a small fee for the service. Think of it as investing in your future.
- Await Results: Wait while they recheck your papers.
- Receive New Results: Get your updated scores.
If you really think there has been an error, remarking is a good idea. It is all about making sure your hard work is fairly evaluated.
What Can I Do If I Did Not Pass Matric?
Failing matric may initially seem like a major setback, but it is important to know that it does not signify the end of your potential for success. There are several viable options to explore if you did not achieve the desired Grade 12 results. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Self-Reflection
- Re-Marking
- Supplementary Exams
- Second Chance Program
- Re-Do Matric
- TVET College
Self-Reflection
Take some time for introspection and assess your efforts. Identify any personal challenges that may have hindered your studies. Be honest with yourself about your level of commitment. If you faced personal obstacles, pinpoint them and seek available support resources.
Re-Marking
If you believe you deserved a higher score, you can apply for a re-mark of your exam papers. This process involves having your exams assessed a second time by a different examiner. The cost for re-marking typically amounts to R120 per subject, although students attending no-fee schools may be exempt from application fees.
Supplementary Exams
In case you failed in fewer than three subjects, you have the option to apply for supplementary exams, which are usually conducted in May/June. These exams offer an opportunity to improve your results for the subjects in which you did not meet the requirements.
Second Chance Program
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides a “Second Chance Program” at no cost. This initiative gives individuals who did not pass matric a chance to excel on their second attempt. The program offers various learning options, including in-person classes, online programs, and broadcasts through television and radio.
Re-Do Matric
If you did not pass more than two subjects, you can consider applying to a school or private institution to repeat your matric year. This entails enrolling in a school or college and retaking the entire matric curriculum.
TVET College
Another route is to enroll in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. These institutions offer National Certificate Vocational programs, which provide a grade 12 equivalent qualification focused on trade-based skills. TVET colleges offer a wide range of courses that address the skills shortage in South Africa.
What Has Provincial Pass Rates Looked Like Through The Years?
Curious about the provincial pass rates? Here is a table summarizing the data for each province:
Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
Eastern Cape | 68.1% | 73% | 77.3% |
Free State | 85.1% | 85.7% | 88.5% |
Gauteng | 83.3% | 82.8% | 84.4% |
KwaZulu-Natal | 77.6% | 76.8% | 83% |
Limpopo | 68.2% | 66.7% | 72.1% |
Mpumalanga | 73.7% | 73.6% | 76.8% |
Northern Cape | 66% | 71.4% | 74.2% |
North West | 76.2% | 78.2% | 79.8% |
Western Cape | 79.9% | 81.2% | 81.4% |