Every year in January, the country waits for the same announcement: the release of matric results. For the class of 2025 who wrote their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, that day is already confirmed.
The matric results 2026 release date is set for 13 January 2026, with candidates able to do a matric results 2026 online check from 14 January at 6am.
Important Highlights for Matric Results 2026
- The matric results for the class of 2025 will be officially released on 13 January 2026, with individual results available from 14 January at 6am.
- Students have several ways of checking their results in January 2026, including:
- Online portals run by the Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments.
- SMS services where learners send their exam number to a dedicated code.
- USSD services that allow instant checking by dialling a short code on any mobile phone.
- Collecting a printed statement of results directly from their school or exam centre.
- The main change for the 2025 NSC Results, compared to the 2024 release, is the slight shift in dates. The 2024 results were released nationally on 12 January 2025 with candidate access on 13 January 2025, while the 2025 results will be released on 13 January 2026, with access the next day.
- All nine provinces—Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape—will provide online, SMS, or school-based access, ensuring that every learner across South Africa can complete a matric results 2026 online check without difficulty.
- Learners who are unhappy with their marks can apply for remarking or rechecking shortly after results are released, with the window usually closing towards the end of January. Revised results are expected to be published in March 2026.
For many learners, these results will determine whether they qualify for university, TVET college, or bursaries. Parents and communities are equally invested, because the NSC Results 2025 reflect years of effort and sacrifice.
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How to Perform a Matric Results 2026 Online Check
Every January, thousands of learners and parents ask the same question: how do I check my matric results? South Africa has made the process accessible in different ways, both online and offline, so no matter your location or resources, you will be able to see your results. The matric results 2026 online check will open from 14 January 2026 at 6am, but other options like SMS, USSD, and school collection remain available.
Online Methods
The quickest way is online. You can visit the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website, which provides direct access to the National Senior Certificate results. Each province also has its own platform:
- Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Free State Department of Education
- Gauteng Provincial Government
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education
- Northern Cape Department of Education
- Limpopo Department of Education
- Mpumalanga Department of Education
- North West Department of Education
- Western Cape Government Education
To check online, follow these steps:
- Go to the DBE site or your province’s website.
- Select the NSC Exam Results section.
- Enter your exam number (and ID number if prompted).
- View your results instantly.
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SMS Services
For learners without stable internet, SMS is a reliable option:
- Open a new SMS.
- Type your 13-digit exam number.
- Send it to 45856.
- Your results will be delivered to your phone once released.
Each SMS costs R1.50, so double-check your exam number before sending.
USSD Codes
The USSD method is another simple option that works on any phone:
- Dial 12045856#.
- Follow the prompts and enter your exam number.
- Your matric results will appear directly on your screen.
This method is instant and does not require internet access.
Collecting Results from Schools
Learners can also collect a printed statement of results at their school or exam centre. This remains the most trusted way for families because it is official and stamped.
Newspapers
While physical newspapers are no longer the only place to find results, top media outlets such as News24, Sowetan, and The Citizen publish matric results online on the day of release. This gives families one more option to confirm results quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Matric Results 2026
1. When are the matric results coming out in 2026?
The matric results 2026 release date for the class of 2025 is 13 January 2026. This is when the Department of Basic Education officially announces the national performance. Learners will then be able to access their individual results from 14 January 2026 at 6am through online portals, SMS, USSD, or their schools.
2. How can I do a matric results 2026 online check?
The matric results 2026 online check is done through the Department of Basic Education website or your provincial education department website. You will need your exam number or ID number to log in. Online checking is fast, free, and gives you instant access from home.
3. Can I check my matric results using my ID number?
Yes. Learners can check their results using either their exam number or ID number, depending on the portal. Both the DBE site and provincial platforms have fields where you can enter these details. SMS and USSD services also work with your ID or exam number, so you do not have to rely on one method.
4. What is the difference between the release date and the collection date?
The release date (13 January 2026) is when the results are announced nationally and schools receive access. The collection date (14 January 2026) is when learners can actually log in online or collect their official statement of results from their school.
5. What if I cannot access the internet on results day?
You still have options. The DBE provides SMS services (send your exam number to 45856) and USSD services (12045856#) which deliver results directly to your phone. You can also collect your statement of results at your school. This ensures every learner, even without internet, can access their NSC Results 2025.
6. Will results be in newspapers in 2026?
Yes, but mostly online editions. Many popular newspapers such as News24, Sowetan, and The Citizen publish results digitally. While print inserts are becoming less common, families can still rely on these publications to confirm results on release day.
7. What happens if I am not satisfied with my results?
Learners can apply for a remark or recheck of their scripts shortly after the results are released. Applications usually open on the same day and close towards the end of January 2026. Revised results are typically released in March. This gives learners another chance to improve their performance before applying to universities or bursaries.
8. Do all provinces release results the same way?
Yes, the timeline is the same across all provinces. However, some provinces like Gauteng and Western Cape offer their own dedicated portals, while others rely directly on the DBE site. In all nine provinces, learners can also use SMS, USSD, or collect results from schools.
9. What are NSC Results 2025 and why do they matter?
The NSC Results 2025 are the official outcome of the National Senior Certificate examinations written at the end of 2025. They matter because they determine whether a learner qualifies for higher education, bursaries, or employment opportunities. They also reflect the overall performance of South Africa’s education system, making them a key annual event.
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Final Word on the NSC Results 2025
The matric results for the class of 2025 will be released on 13 January 2026, and learners will be able to check their results from 14 January 2026 at 6am. Whether you use an online portal, SMS, USSD, or collect your statement from school, every province has made sure that results will be within reach.
The NSC Results 2025 open the doors to universities, bursaries, TVET colleges, and career opportunities. For parents and teachers, it is the reward for years of hard work and support. That is why the matric results 2026 release date remains one of the most important days on the education calendar in South Africa.
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