The Independent Examinations Board has released its 2025 matric results, confirming an impressive 98.31% overall pass rate. Once again, Gauteng sits firmly at the centre of this achievement, recording the highest number of IEB candidates nationally and reinforcing the province’s role as South Africa’s leading education hub.
The results mark a strong finish to a demanding academic year and reflect sustained performance in independent schooling, particularly across Gauteng’s urban and suburban school networks. While the headline number is cause for celebration, the results also open important conversations about access to opportunities, next steps for learners, and available pathways for those who did not achieve their desired outcome.
ALSO READ: Gauteng Urges Students to Access Matric Results Online via Digital Platform
Gauteng Leads in Candidate Numbers and Performance
In 2025, more than 17,000 learners wrote the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations across South Africa. Gauteng accounted for the largest share of these candidates, with over 10,000 learners sitting for the final exams in the province alone.
This concentration of candidates highlights Gauteng’s dense network of independent schools, strong academic support systems, and access to resources that continue to position the province at the forefront of education outcomes. For families, universities, and employers, the results reinforce confidence in Gauteng-based education as a pipeline for future talent.
What the 98.31% Pass Rate Really Means
A 98.31% pass rate does more than signal academic success. It reflects consistency, curriculum alignment, and sustained learner support across multiple years of schooling.
For Gauteng, these results strengthen the province’s standing as a centre for academic excellence and skills development. High pass rates translate into increased access to tertiary education, higher levels of workforce readiness, and long-term economic benefits.
However, education stakeholders continue to stress that pass rates should not overshadow the experiences of learners who fall short of expectations. Matric outcomes are not an endpoint. They are one moment in a longer learning journey.
Understanding the Different Matric Outcomes
IEB matric results reflect several possible outcomes, each opening different pathways:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass, which allows learners to apply for university degree programmes.
- Diploma Pass, which provides access to diploma programmes at universities of technology and TVET colleges.
- Higher Certificate Pass, which enables entry into certificate programmes and bridging courses.
- NSC Pass, which confirms completion of Grade 12 and opens access to alternative training and work pathways.
Each of these outcomes carries value, depending on a learner’s goals. For Gauteng learners, proximity to universities, colleges, and skills institutions means multiple options remain available even after results are released.
NSC Matric Results Released Tomorrow
Public-school learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate examinations will access their results tomorrow, 13 January 2026, following confirmation from the Department of Basic Education.
This release affects the majority of matric candidates nationwide and traditionally ranks among the most searched education topics of the year. Learners are encouraged to prepare early by ensuring they have their examination and identification details on hand.
Official Ways to Access NSC Matric Results
To avoid scams or misinformation, candidates should only use approved channels when checking their results.
Online via the Department of Basic Education
Results will be available on the official DBE matric results portal once it goes live. Learners will need:
- Their examination number
- Their ID number
High traffic is expected, especially in the early morning, so delays may occur.
SMS and USSD Services
For learners with limited internet access:
- SMS: Send your examination number to 45856
- USSD: Dial *120*45856# and follow the prompts
Standard messaging and USSD rates apply.
Collection from Schools and Examination Centres
Learners may also collect their official statement of results from their school or exam centre. This document is essential for:
- University and TVET college registration
- Learnership and apprenticeship applications
- Employment and bursary submissions
The final matric certificate will be issued later by Umalusi once results have been fully verified.
If Results Fall Short of Expectations
Education authorities continue to stress that matric results do not define a learner’s future. Several structured options remain available for both IEB and NSC candidates, including:
- Re-marking or re-checking of exam scripts
- The Second Chance Matric Programme
- Subject rewrites and matric upgrades
- Alternative pathways through TVET colleges, skills training, and learnerships
Many learners go on to succeed through non-traditional routes, especially when supported by clear guidance and timely action.
Why This Matters for Gauteng
As South Africa’s economic and education hub, Gauteng plays a central role in absorbing matric graduates into higher education and skills development pipelines. Each year’s results feed directly into the province’s universities, colleges, training institutions, and labour market.
The release of both IEB and NSC results this week marks a critical transition point for thousands of young people, as well as the systems that support them.
What Learners Should Do Next
Learners are advised to:
- Use official platforms only
- Keep examination and ID details readily available
- Act quickly if considering a re-mark, rewrite, or upgrade
Matric is not a final verdict but a stepping stone. For verified updates, next-step guidance, and Gauteng-focused education coverage, continue following Gauteng News.
