With matrics writing History and Information Technology today, we can say that the 2023 Matric Exams are in full swing. Now officially in the second week of exams, most matric across the country should be well entrenched and prepared for the next few weeks, but sometimes life can get the best of you and you need to turn to the internet to answer some important questions, like how to find your exam number, about the final matric results, or what do the pass grades mean, whether while studying at home or on the way to the exam hall.

Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 Matric Exams:

When will the 2023 matric exam results be released

The DBE says it will announce the results of the 2023 Matric Exams on 18th January 2024 when Minister Angie Motshekga will declare the countrywide pass rate.

Full results will be released to individual learners on 19th January 2024. The first place to look for your personal results will be in the DBE’s official website.

There will be an option to input your exam number, after which you will be taken to a page where you can see your results.

You can also try finding your results via SMS or USSD.

For SMS, simply:

• Send your examination number to 45856;
• The system will verify your details;
• You will be charged R1.50 per message.

You can find other options to find your 2023 matric results here.

How to find your matric exam number

A big deal is always made about your examination number with your teachers often telling you that you need to write it at the top of your exam answer sheets and to keep it handy because it is a long number and it is an important identifier.

For most matric learners in South Africa, your matric exam number will be created and given to you via the Department of Basic Education (DBE). This is the case if you are writing exams to earn a National Senior Certificate (NSC).

IEB – the independent education board – will give you exam numbers if you are writing IEB exams.

It is important to understand that these numbers are kept secret, and it isn’t an easy process to find them, online or anywhere.

To find your matric exam number, you can first check your email or the letter that confirms your enrollment for this year’s exams. Your number should be listed here.

If you do not have either handy, you can find the number on the admission notification you were sent to your mobile number.

Additionally, you can check the student portal on your school’s website, if your school has one that is. After you log in your exam number should be included in your personal information.

If your school does not have an online portal, you can try contacting the registrar’s office at your school. They will probably be able to assist you.

Can you rewrite an exam you failed or think you failed?

The DBE offers learners who either did not do as well as they hoped in their matric exams or failed the option to redo all of the exams they want to via the Second Chance Matric programme.

This programme means that you don’t have to redo your entire matric year and instead can simply study for your exams and rewrite them. You will then be added to that year’s matric class if you pass them.

To register for the programme online go to www.eservices.gov.za or visit any DBE office with an ID document and statement of results. However, it is important to remember that there will be a short period when learners will be able to register so if you are considering rewriting your exams, get on it sooner rather than later.

This programme also extends to former matrics who may want to improve their marks in certain exams, in case they need better marks to enter a particular university course, for example. You can pick and choose which exams you want to rewrite and the DBE also offers support through teachers and online resources.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree pass and what are the other passes?

There are four different matric pass levels that will be stipulated in your results after the 2023 Matric Exams. These are National Senior Certificate (NSC), Higher Certificate (HS), Diploma (D) and Bachelor’s Degree (B).

Each level depends on your final mark and will impact the type of tertiary education you will be eligible for.

To get an NSC you need at least an average of 33 percent across your subjects. This is the bare minimum pass and will earn you your matric certificate. This pass opens the least number of future doors.

A higher certificate pass requires at least 40 percent in your Home Language and at least two other subjects, as well as a minimum of 30 percent for three other subjects. This opens the door to study higher certificate diplomas.

Diploma passes require a 40 percent in your Home Language, 40 percent for three other subjects other than your Home Language, and 30 percent for two other subjects.

This opens the door for you to study at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or a diploma course at a university.

Finally, the Bachelor’s Degree pass requires at least 40 percent for your Home Language, a minimum of 50 percent for four other subjects, and at least 30 percent for two others. This pass allows you to study any university or degree course.

What can I do after matric?

Statistically most South Africans will enter the work field after matric, but fresh matriculants may find it as difficult to find jobs as people without matric certificates nowadays.

Gaining any tertiary education, either a degree, diploma, or other certificate will set you apart and provide an advantage, which is more and more important when you take into consideration the vast amount of youth unemployment South Africa is facing.

South Africans can take advantage of many scholarship and bursary opportunities offered by companies, government departments and even universities themselves.

You can find more about them here.

Alternatively, you can take a gap year if you do not know what to do or to study. Try out certain ways of life, and maybe learn a bit more about yourself before you embark on a career path you will have to do for the rest of your days. This is a high-pressure decision for many and one that should not be rushed.

[Image – Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash]