Matric examinations play a crucial role in the South African education system since they determine each student’s future academic career. Therefore, waiting for your results can cause anxiety, especially when you’re away from the centre where you wrote your exams. However, there are different methods you can use to check your results across the country. Read on to learn how you can check your matric result.
How to Check Matric Result
The Department of Basic Education website is a convenient platform to check your results. However, this system can only be used by current matric students who have sat for their exams for the first time. To see your results, follow the steps below.
- Visit DBE’s official website at https://www.education.gov.za/matricresults/examresults.aspx.
- Look for the link that directs you to matric results
- Enter your exam number
- Provide additional details as requested
- Click “Enter”
- Your matric results will be displayed on the screen
To use this method, you must have a computer, smartphone, or tablet with access to the internet.
Another method you can consider is to visit your school to collect the results once the Department of Education has announced that they are out. You must contact your institution first about the particulars required to get results.
The SMS method is the easiest since you can use it anywhere nationwide. You must register first on 35658 and pay a once-off R3 fee. Send a text message with your exam number and ID number to 35658. You will get an SMS on your phone when the results are out.
Alternatively, dial the USSD code *120*35658# to check your results. With this method, you must answer several questions first and then enter your ID number. This option comes with certain charges, allowing you to opt-out at any time when you get your results.
Some newspapers in South Africa publish matric results when they are released by the Department of Education. Ensure you buy a copy when you expect the results to be released.
How Can I Get Matric Results via SMS 2026?
The SMS service is a convenient method of checking your results since you can use any mobile handset. You must first register for the service by sending an SMS with your exam number and ID number to 35135. An SMS costs R3, but the good thing is that this is a once-off payment. Once you complete the registration process, you’ll get an SMS with your results when they are released. You do not need to check your results every time since the Department of Education automatically sends them to students who have registered for the service.
Can I Check Matric Results With the ID Number?
Yes, you can check your matric results with an ID number via the SMS service. Register for the service by sending your ID number and exam number to 35658. Your ID and exam numbers must have 13 digits.
You can also use your ID number to check matric results by downloading the MatricsMate App on your smartphone using Google Play or Apple Pay Store. When you install the app on your device, you can open it and enter your ID and exam numbers to check your results. If they are available, they will be displayed on the app dashboard.
What Date Will the Matric Results Be Released in 2026?
Students who sat for their matric exams in November/December have already received their results. According to the Minister of Basic Education, matric results were released on 19 January 2026, and students began collecting them on 20 January from their respective schools.
Students who will write their matric exams in 2026 will get their results in January 2026. The date will be announced in due course when they are ready.
Can I Check my Matric Certificate Online?
Matric certificates are processed and released after the completion of re-marking and re-checking the preliminary results released. Assessment bodies need to first finalize all data sets, which are then sent for certification. Certification of November exams usually takes place in April and May of the following year, while supplementary exam certification is done in July and August.
The Department of Basic Education provides a statement of results while students wait for the issuance of certificates. To get your statement of result, you can visit the DBE website, which will be emailed to you. You can also use the platform to check if your certificate is out.
If you want to change your original certificate, you can only do this after 12 months from the date it is issued. A replacement statement usually takes six weeks, whereas a combined statement of results is processed immediately. You can know if your matric certificate is complete by emailing certification@dbe.gov.za.
Candidates are also encouraged to complete the re-issue application form online to check their certificates. To apply for the service, you must first register on the e-Government Portal at www.eservices.gov.za. This platform allows candidates to access statements of results while they wait for the issuance of certificates which can take up to six weeks. You can also use the same portal to check if your replacement certificate is ready.
When matric results are ready, the Department of Education will make an announcement. However, students can also check their results via different channels. For instance, you can check your results online, via the SMS or USSD service, or visit your school. Other newspapers publish matric results, so you can choose the most convenient method you want. All methods are secure and designed to protect your privacy.
