Class of 2019: Here’s how to get your matric results

If you’re one of the Class of 2019 hopefuls, then you are most likely already on the edge of your seat awaiting your matric results. 

These results are the only thing standing between you and a bright future. Here’s how to get your hands on your results in a flash and end the suspense! 

How to get your matric results

• Go to your high school on 8 January 2020. Results should be available as from noon.
   
• Send your ID number and exam number via SMS to 35658. Both numbers must have 13 digits to be accepted and there is a once-off cost of R3 to register. Once registration is completed, results will be delivered by SMS when they are released.
   
• Use the USSD service by dialling *120*35658#. After answering multiple questions, enter your ID number. You’ll receive your results per subject after you’ve completed the process. You’ll have the option to opt in or out to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act. USSD rates apply.
   
• On 9 January, the names of successful candidates will be published in newspapers. You’ll need to know your exam number, which will be used instead of your name.
   

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga will announce the national results and provincial performances on Tuesday 7 January 2020. 

Different matric passes and what they mean

Bachelor’s pass 

A bachelor’s pass means you can apply for a degree course at a university or university of technology and may study for a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree.

To achieve a  bachelor’s pass, you must:  

• Pass six of the seven subjects offered, of which four subjects must be at least a 50% (level 4) achievement;
• This includes a home language 40% compulsory pass and excludes life orientation;
• Get a 30% pass in the language of learning and teaching (LOLT);
• The Department of Basic Education has revoked the list of designated subjects with effect from September 2018; and
• The minimum admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree programme remain the same, namely, a NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution (HEI), coupled with an achievements rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four NSC subject, except life orientation.

Diploma pass 

A diploma pass requires 40% in four higher credit subjects, 30% in three lower credit subjects, and you may fail one subject. With this pass, you can enrol for a bridging course at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or a diploma course at a university of technology.

To receive a diploma pass, you must: 

• Pass six of the seven subjects offered, of which four subjects must be at least a 40% (level 3) achievement
• The subjects include a home language 40% compulsory pass and excludes life orientation; and
• Requires a 30% pass in the language of learning and teaching (LOLT).

Certificate pass 

A matric certificate pass requires a 40% pass in your home language, two subjects above 40%, four subjects above 30% and you may fail one subject. This pass allows you to study for a higher certificate. 

If unsuccessful in a matric pass 

If you were unsuccessful in passing, your journey is not over and there are many other options you can consider.

If you need support, the Basic Education Department provides counselling and support on their toll-free line at 0800 45 46 47. 

Supplementary exams 

You could also consider rewriting your matric exam. This is known as the supplementary exam. You qualify to rewrite if you’ve failed 2 or more subjects.  

Only candidates who were registered for and wrote the November 2019 NSC examination, may apply to write a supplementary exam.

2019 Grade 12 pupils may register to write the examination if:

• They failed to meet the requirements in the November examination;
• They passed but seek to improve their performance; or
• They were absent from the writing of one or more question papers due to ill-health or other unforeseen circumstances.

Application forms will be available at schools offering the NSC, as well as at district offices. 

The closing date for NSC May/June 2020 supplementary examination applications is 31 January 2020.

What if I want to have my papers remarked?

To have your matric paper remarked, you would need to have failed 1 or more subjects in the National Senior Certificate/ABET Level 4 Examinations. However, if you passed, you may qualify after writing a letter of motivation. 

Applications for remarking or rechecking close on the 22 January 2020. No late applications will be accepted and the applications MUST be done online at www.eservices.gov.za.

The cost for remarking is R112 per subject, re-checking is R27 per subject, and viewing of scripts (only after re-marking and re-checking) is R219.  

Once you have received your results, after re-checking and re-marking, you may apply to view your matric answer script.