The much-anticipated Matric results for 2023 are finally here! Beyond mere grades, this guide delves into the intricacies of the evaluation process, decodes the different passing levels, and offers a roadmap to accessing previous results.
How Do I Get My Matric Results?
The moment of truth has arrived – your 2023 matric results are here! Here is how you can swiftly find out your scores:
- Online: Check via the Department of Basic Education’s website. Simply input your exam number, fill in the required fields, and click “Search.”
- Mobile Services: Utilize USSD by dialing *120*45856# and entering your exam number, or send an SMS to 45856 with your exam number.
- MatricsMate App: Download the app and enter your ID and exam number for instant results.
- Online Publications: Check various online news portals like News24, IOL, or TimesLive.
- In-Person: Visit your high school or examination center for a tangible copy of your results.
What Are The Requirements To Pass Matric?
Understanding Matric Pass Requirements Passing matric involves more than just obtaining a pass mark. It includes various levels of achievement, each with its own significance and requirements. Let us delve into what these are:
National Senior Certificate Pass
This is the basic matric pass level. Achieving this allows you to apply for any tertiary course that requires only a matric certificate. The requirements for this pass are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 30% in two other subjects
- 30% in three other subjects
Although aiming for just a National Senior Certificate Pass is not encouraged, it does provide a safety net to fail one subject. However, remember that setting higher goals will lead to greater achievements.
Higher Certificate Pass
This is the next level of achievement. With a Higher Certificate Pass, you can study any Higher Certificate course at higher education institutions. The requirements for this pass are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in two other subjects
- 30% in four other subjects
For this level, you need to pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects.
Diploma Pass
This allows you to study a Diploma course at any tertiary institution that offers them. The requirements for a Diploma Pass are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 40% in four other subjects
- 30% in two other subjects
Bachelor’s Pass
This pass qualifies you for admission to a degree course at a University. The requirements for a Bachelor’s Pass are:
- 40% in your Home Language
- 50% in four subjects
- 30% in two other subjects
What Can I Do If I Am Not Happy With My Matric Results?
Dealing with Disappointing Matric Results Experiencing disappointment with your matric results can be overwhelming and may cast doubt on your academic journey. However, it is crucial to remember that unsatisfactory matric results are not a dead end. There are several alternatives available to rectify the situation, each providing a fresh opportunity to achieve your desired success.
Matric Rewrite
A matric rewrite is an option that involves retaking the entire matric exam or specific subjects, typically in the subsequent year. This is an ideal choice for students who wish for a comprehensive redo to significantly enhance their results. Process
- Registration: Enroll for the matric rewrite.
- Preparation: Undertake a rigorous study regime, potentially with the assistance of tutors or additional classes.
- Examination: Participate in the exams during the scheduled rewrite period.
- Results: Obtain your new matric results, which will supersede the previous ones.
Matric Upgrade
A matric upgrade enables students to enhance their results by retaking one or more subjects without having to redo the entire matric year. This is suitable for students who are content with most of their results but wish to improve certain subject grades. Process
- Subject Selection: Select the specific subjects you wish to upgrade.
- Registration: Enroll for these subjects through an educational institution or the education department.
- Study and Preparation: Engage in focused study for the selected subjects, using resources such as textbooks, online courses, or tutoring.
- Examination: Sit for the exams for these subjects at the designated time.
- Results Compilation: Your upgraded subject grades will be amalgamated with your previous results to form your new matric certificate.
Can I Improve My Results?
Yes, indeed! If your matric results did not meet your expectations, consider it a hiccup, not a roadblock. You have the option to take supplementary exams or re-enrol in certain subjects. It is akin to getting a second chance at your goal.
How Do I Get My Results Remarked?
If you are puzzled, suspecting that the examiners might have overlooked something, you can apply for a remarking. It is like requesting a second opinion on your work to ensure everything is accurate. Here is how you can proceed:
- Application Submission: Complete a form to have your papers re-evaluated. This can typically be done at your school or through the exam board.
- Fee Payment: There is a nominal fee for this service. Consider it an investment in your peace of mind.
- Await Results: Patiently wait while your papers are rechecked.
- Receive New Results: You will receive your new scores, which will hopefully align more with your expectations.
Applying for a remarking is a sensible move if you genuinely believe there has been an error. It is all about ensuring you receive the results you deserve.
What Are Some Options If I Have Failed Matric?
Failing matric may seem like a disaster, but it is far from being the end of your journey towards success. There are several alternatives available if you did not quite make Grade 12. Here are some options to consider:
Self-Reflection
This involves taking time to reflect on your efforts and identify any personal barriers that may have impeded your studies. It is crucial to be honest with yourself about whether you put in your best effort. If there were personal challenges that made studying difficult, identify these hurdles and seek the support available to you.
Re-Marking
If you believe your performance was better than the mark you received, you could apply to have your papers re-marked. This process involves having your exam marked again by a different marker. The cost for re-marking is R120 per subject. However, students who attend no-fee schools may be exempt from application fees.
Supplementary Exams
If you failed fewer than 3 subjects, you may apply to write supplementary exams free of charge. These exams are usually written in May/June.
Second Chance Program
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) offers a free “Second Chance Program”. This program gives those who did not pass their matric an opportunity to improve their results. The program offers face-to-face classes, online programs, and television and radio broadcasts.
Re-Do Matric
If you failed more than two subjects, you could apply at a school or private institution to redo your matric year. This involves re-enrolling in a school or college and repeating the entire matric year.
TVET College
You could also apply to a TVET College to obtain a National Certificate Vocational, which is equivalent to a grade 12 trade-based qualification. TVET colleges offer a variety of courses, many of which address the skill shortage in South Africa.
What Was The Provincial Pass Rates?
Have a look at what the historical provincial pass rates looked like:
Province | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
Eastern Cape | 68.1% | 73% | 77.3% | 81.42% |
Free State | 85.1% | 85.7% | 88.5% | 89.03% |
Gauteng | 83.3% | 82.8% | 84.4% | 85.38% |
KwaZulu-Natal | 77.6% | 76.8% | 83% | 86.36% |
Limpopo | 68.2% | 66.7% | 72.1% | 79.54% |
Mpumalanga | 73.7% | 73.6% | 76.8% | 76.95% |
Northern Cape | 66% | 71.4% | 74.2% | 81.63% |
North West | 76.2% | 78.2% | 79.8%| | 75.84% |
Western Cape | 79.9% | 81.2% | 81.4% | 81.54% |