The long wait for the results of the 2025 matric exams in almost over.
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will announce the outcome of the matric exams on Monday, 12 January, with results officially released to learners on Tuesday, 13 January at their schools or exam centres.
Highest pass rate ever?
According to Umalusi, over one million learners wrote the 2025 Grade 12 examinations at approximately 9 400 examination centres nationwide.
Candidates were assessed across four examination bodies and four qualifications, with National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates making up 90.3% of the total cohort.
The class of 2025 will be hoping to surpass the 87.3% overall pass rate achieved in 2024 – the highest matric pass rate ever recorded in South Africa.
Convenience
However, for convenience, results can also be accessed via SMS or USSD, though technical issues may occasionally delay delivery.
Learners experiencing issues should contact their school or provincial education department.
Matriculants can receive their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results directly on their phones using official channels provided by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
SMS Method
- Send a single SMS with your 13-digit ID number and exam number to 35658
- Wait for a confirmation SMS
- Once results are released, you’ll receive them via SMS
- SMSes are charged at R1.50 each. Free SMSes do not apply.
USSD Method
- Dial *120*35658# on your phone
- Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your exam number and ID number
- USSD charged at 50c per 20 seconds. Free minutes do not apply.
According to the DBE, those who submit their personal information via the delivery methods mentioned above give consent for their personal information to be processed to communicate their examination results. The DBE reiterates that any person who communicates personal information via this service guarantees that they are legally authorised to do so.
By registering via SMS or USSD, learners can get their results quickly and conveniently, straight to their phones, without waiting in queues at their schools.
In addition, most major newspapers will publish matric results as soon as they are released, listing exam numbers and marks only, without personal details.
Bookmark The South African website for detailed analysis and reaction to the results.
Bursaries are available from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for any course of study. Contact NSFAS on 08600 NSFAS (08600 67327), email info@nsfas.org.za or visit www.nsfas.org.za
Did you write matric in 2025?
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