Which South African Province Has Lowest Matric Results?

By Trev Gami •  Updated: 12/29/25 •  5 min read

When students write matric examinations in South Africa, they must attain a certain score to pass. The pass rate is obtained by dividing the number of students who pass the exam by the total number of students who sat for the exam and then multiplying by 100. Each school, district, province, or the entire country can calculate the pass rate using this formula.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Although schools in different provinces follow the same curriculum and write the same Matric exams, the pass rate varies province by province. Some of the factors that can contribute to the pass rate include factors like funding of schools, quality of education offered, and learners’ socio-economic background. Read on to get insight into the province with the lowest Matric results.    

Which South African Province Has Lowest Matric Results?

According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), 920 634 students sat for Matric exams. Part-time students were also included in this largest pool of candidates to sit for Matric exams in the history of education in independent South Africa. The pass rate in the entire country was 80.1%, an improvement from 76.1% obtained. 

All provinces achieved a pass rate above 70%, indicating that performance was fairly good across the country. Limpopo Province achieved the lowest pass rate of 72.1%. Unlike in other provinces where the concentration of schools is high in urban areas, learning institutions in Limpopo are scattered across rural areas, farming communities, small towns, and cities. These areas do not have equal opportunities when it comes to funding for education, and some students come from poor backgrounds. All these factors contribute to the province’s pass rate.  

How Many Percent Did Limpopo Get?

Limpopo Got 72.1%, but this greatly improved from the 66.70% pass rate achieved. The province’s performance improved by 5.4%. The pass rate is fairly good, considering that more than two-thirds of the students passed their Matric exams. The current trajectory shows that the pass rate is poised for growth.    

Which Province Has the Best Matric Results?

Free State Province got the best Matric results in 2022, an improvement of 2.8% from 2021. The province’s four districts, Fezile, Motheo, Xhariep, and Dabi, were in the top 10 districts across the country. Five districts in Free State got pass rates of more than 82%. A total of 46 schools in the province achieved a 100% pass rate, of which 23 are located in townships. Free State has not been spared from the challenges experienced nationwide, like blackouts, but it has proved to be a force to reckon with regarding academic excellence.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

What Percentage Do You Need to Pass Maths?

If you get at least 30% in Maths and higher percentages in other subjects, it is considered a pass. With 30%, you get what is known as elementary achievement. Although there is controversy surrounding the 30% pass mark, here are the details you should know when preparing for your matric exams. 

Bachelor’s pass

A bachelor’s pass is the highest pass you can obtain in Matric exams. With this pass, you can further your studies at any university or university of technology in South Africa. You can study for a bachelor’s degree, diploma, or certificate with this pass. 

One must have the following to achieve a bachelor’s pass. 

However, universities have different admission requirements. It does not necessarily mean an automatic entry to study at university when you get a Bachelor’s pass. 

Diploma Pass

To get a diploma, one must have at least 40% in four higher-credit subjects and 30% in three lower-credit subjects. It is allowed to fail one subject. When you get a diploma pass, you can study for a diploma course at a college or university of technology. One must have the following scores to get a diploma pass. 

Certificate pass

You must get 40% in your home language, 40% in two other subjects, 30% in four subjects, and fail one subject. With this pass, you can study for a higher certificate.

It should be noted that when you score 30% in most of your subjects, you will not qualify to get a place to study at a higher learning institution. However, learners have several options to consider apart from enrolling at a tertiary institution after completing their matric. 

When you prepare for the Matric exam, it is important to understand the pass marks categorized into Bachelor’s pass, diploma pass, and certificate pass. Students who sat for their 2022 Matric exams achieved fairly impressive results in different provinces.  

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

What Are The Requirements For A Diploma Pass

What Are The Requirements For A Diploma Pass

In this blog post, we will explore the various requirements for a diploma pass, the course one can study with a diploma pass

Why Your Matric Results Are Being Withheld

Why Your Matric Results Are Being Withheld

Let us find out more about why your matric results are being withheld and insightful information to help you in your matric. 

How to Register for a Matric Remark and Recheck Online

How to Register for a Matric Remark and Recheck Online

Matric Remark and Recheck Online. Read on to learn everything you need to know about remarking or rechecking your papers. 

Can You Write Matric Twice?

Can You Write Matric Twice?

In this blog post, we will take you through the possibility of doing the matric twice, how you can re-do the matric and more

What Is The Lowest Pass Level In Matric

What Is The Lowest Pass Level In Matric

In this blog post, we will dive into the lowest pass level in matric and what it compromises as we move forward in the academic journey. 

What Is Equivalent to A Matric Certificate In South Africa

What Is Equivalent to A Matric Certificate In South Africa

In this blog post, we will explore certificates that are equal to the matric, how one can explore other options without matric, and many more.

What Is IEB Matric Results

What Is IEB Matric Results

Our insightful blog will highlight IEB matric results, the qualification criteria for IEB matric, and other frequently asked questions. 

Is ABET Level 4 a Matric?

Is ABET Level 4 a Matric?

Is ABET Level 4 a Matric? Today we will explore the ABET levels, their exact relationship to the better-known Matric qualification

How to Check Matric Rewrite Results Online

How to Check Matric Rewrite Results Online

Once the results are out, you can check them online. Read on to learn how to view your Matric rewrite exams online.  

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

How Many Subjects Do You Need to Pass Matric?

Well, in this blog post, we will look at some of the questions relating to passing your matric and failing your matric. 

How to Get Matric Statement Online

How to Get Matric Statement Online

By following this guide, individuals can easily navigate the process and access their matric statements.

When Will The Matric Exams Be Marked?

When Will The Matric Exams Be Marked?

Today, we're looking at how matric results are marked and When the matric exams will be Marked to help reassure you of what happens next. 

Can You Fail Math and Still Pass Matric?

Can You Fail Math and Still Pass Matric?

Can You Fail Math and Still Pass Matric? This article explains everything you should know about Maths at Matric level. 

Is Matric And Grade 12 The Same Thing?

Is Matric And Grade 12 The Same Thing?

What comes into your thoughts when matric and grade 12 are mentioned? Do you think they are the same, or are there some differences?

The Difference Between Pre-Matric And Post-Matric in South Africa

The Difference Between Pre-Matric And Post-Matric in South Africa

If you have spent a lot of time on the internet researching your educational future, you may encounter the terms pre-matric and post-matric.