The 2025 Matric Results are officially released on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) confirming that learners can access their results through secure online and digital platforms — alongside publication in accredited newspapers following a December High Court ruling.
While newspapers will publish results using examination numbers only, the DBE is urging matriculants to prioritise online portals for faster, private and more secure access that complies with POPIA.
Four Official Ways to Check Your 2025 Matric Results
1. Official DBE Website (National Portal)
The DBE’s official online platform remains the most direct and authoritative national channel for matric results.
What you need
Your 13-digit examination number
How it works
Visit the official DBE matric results page or use the DBE Results App
Enter your exam number to retrieve your marks
Why this matters
It is the central, official source for all NSC results in South Africa
Designed to comply with POPIA and protect learner privacy
Reduces reliance on public newspaper listings
🔎 For a step-by-step guide, revisit NOWinSA comprehensive guide
2. Provincial Online Portals (Gauteng Matric Results Online System)
Several provinces redirect learners to the DBE platform — but Gauteng operates its own fully fledged online system, widely regarded as one of the most efficient in the country.
👉 Official portal: https://results.gauteng.gov.za
What you need
Your examination number
How it works
Enter your exam number
Click Search
View your results instantly on your phone, tablet or computer
3. SMS & USSD Service
For learners without reliable internet access, the SMS and USSD service remains a vital and official alternative.
What you need
A mobile phone
Your 13-digit exam number
How it works
SMS: Send your exam number to 35658
USSD: Dial 12035658# and follow the prompts
Cost
Once-off registration fee: R3
Standard SMS rates apply
📱 Note: High traffic on results day may cause delays.
4. Accredited News Media Websites
Results are also available on DBE-partnered platforms such as News24 and IOL, subject to learner consent for public publication.
What you need
Your examination number
How it works
Visit the dedicated matric results page
Enter your exam number to view results
Key reminder
Your results will only appear here if you consented to public publication
No names or personal details are shown
Important notice: DBE says online platforms protect learner privacy, prevent stigma, and provide immediate access in a secure environment.
Learners must still collect their official Statement of Results from their schools, as online results are not certificates. You’ll need this for:
University and college applications
NSFAS and bursaries
Jobs and learnerships
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