Matric Results 2026: Release Date, Tips & What to Do After You Get Your Results
The Matric results season is one of the most anticipated moments in every South African learner’s journey. Whether you’re nervously awaiting your results or already planning your next step, this guide will help you understand the 2026 Matric (NSC) results release and how you can use your results to apply for bursaries and secure funding for further studies.
When Will Matric 2026 Results Be Released?
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed the release schedule for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which impacts the Class of 2025 learners who are awaiting results in January 2026:
- 12 January 2026 at 16:00 (national announcement date): the Minister of Basic Education will announce the national matric results on this date.
- 13 January 2026 (Individual learner results available): learners can access their results from their schools or examination centres, and online via the DBE website.
You may check your results on the official Department of Basic Education website here (all you need is your exam number).
It’s important to check your Statement of Results, which your school or exam centre should provide — this is the official record of your performance.
What if there is an error on my certificate or with my results?
If you notice any mistakes on your results (like incorrect name or ID number), you must report them before 20 February 2026.
There’s also an option to apply for a re-mark or re-check if you feel your results don’t reflect your performance. The process opens on 13 January 2026 and closes 27 January 2026.
How can I use my Matric NSC results to get into university?
Your Matric NSC results are used to calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), which universities rely on to determine whether you qualify for a specific course or institution.
Each university has its own APS calculation method, but it is usually based on your 6 or 7 best subjects, including Home Language and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
Each subject mark is converted into points, which are then added together to give your final APS score. Knowing your APS is essential when applying to universities, as it helps you understand which courses you qualify for and whether you meet minimum entry requirements. Many bursary providers also consider your APS score when assessing applications, making strong matric results even more important.
How can I calculate my APS score?
Most South African universities calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) by converting your Matric NSC subject percentages into points using a table similar to the one below:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
| 80 – 100% | 7 points |
| 70 – 79% | 6 points |
| 60 – 69% | 5 points |
| 50 – 59% | 4 points |
| 40 – 49% | 3 points |
| 30 – 39% | 2 points |
| 0 – 29% | 1 point |
- Convert each of your subject percentages into points using the table above.
- Use your best six or seven subjects, depending on the university’s requirements.
- Add the points together to get your total APS score.
Important notes:
- Life Orientation is often excluded from APS calculations (this depends on the university).
- Some programmes (like Medicine, Engineering, and Law) may place extra weight on Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or specific subjects.
- Always check the official university prospectus to confirm how they calculate APS.
Can I rewrite a subject if I failed?
And if you didn’t do as well as you thought, or you would like to rewrite a subject to improve your results, you may be eligible to register for the NSC June exams, which are held later in the year. The closing date for June exam registration is 6 February 2026.
For those who didn’t write certain papers or want to improve a subject, this is a second chance to boost your academic profile.
Next Step After Matric: Apply for Bursaries
Receiving your matric results is just the beginning, and for many it’s the doorway to tertiary study. But we know that higher education is expensive, and financial aid is crucial for many learners. That’s where SA Bursaries comes in – our website is a comprehensive bursary resource listing opportunities currently open for 2026 studies, including many closing in the early part of the year. Find out which bursaries are open for January and February here.
** TIPS & ARTICLES **
Read our tips for submitting your bursary application for the best chance of success.
Read our tips on how to write a bursary motivational letter here.
Read about how to prepare for a bursary interview here here.
Read about the various ways to get free education in South Africa.
Read about the Public vs Private Higher Education Institutions and which to choose.
Read about the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance.
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