How to Apply for a Matric Remark or Recheck in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

The 2025 matric results have officially been released, and for many learners, this is a proud and emotional moment. However, if your results are lower than expected, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of matric learners choose to apply for a remark or recheck to ensure their marks are correct.

If you believe your results do not reflect your performance, this guide explains exactly how to apply for a matric remark or recheck in 2025, step by step.

What Is a Matric Remark or Recheck?

Before applying, it’s important to understand the difference:

Recheck: Your exam script is checked again to confirm that all questions were marked and that marks were added correctly.

Remark: Your script is marked again by a different marker to reassess the quality of your answers.

A remark is more thorough and is usually chosen if you feel you deserved higher marks.

Who Should Apply for a Remark or Recheck?

You should consider applying if:

• You were very close to passing a subject
• You narrowly missed a Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Higher Certificate pass
• Your mark is stopping you from qualifying for a course, bursary, or NSFAS
• You expected a much higher mark based on your performance

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Matric Remark or Recheck in 2025

Step 1: Decide Which Subjects to Apply For

• Carefully review your statement of results and identify the subjects where:
• You were close to the pass mark
• An improved result would change your study options

NB: You can apply for one or more subjects.

Step 2: Apply Online or Through Your School

You can apply in one of the following ways:

• Online via the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or provincial education website
• At your school, if they are assisting learners with applications
• At a district education office

Step 3: Pay the Required Fee

Each subject has a fee:

Recheck: Lower cost

Remark: Slightly higher cost

Fees may differ slightly by province, and payments must be made before your application is processed. Keep your proof of payment safe.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Apply as soon as possible after results are released to avoid missing the deadline. Remark and recheck applications are time-sensitive. Late applications are not accepted!

Step 5: Wait for the Outcome

Once your application is submitted:

• Your exam scripts will be reviewed
• Updated results are usually released within a few weeks
• If your mark improves, your statement of results will be updated
• If your mark does not change, your original result will remain the same.

What Happens If Your Mark Increases?

If your remark is successful:

• Your pass status may change
• You may now qualify for university, TVET college, or bursaries
• You can update institutions where you have already applied

Important Things to Know Before Applying

• A remark does not guarantee a higher mark
• Marks can increase, stay the same, or (very rarely) decrease
• Apply only for subjects where an increase will help your future plans
• Keep checking official education department updates for timelines

What to Do While Waiting for Remark Results

• Apply for late applications at universities and TVET colleges
• Explore bridging courses and higher certificates
• Check NSFAS and bursary opportunities
• Consider upgrading or rewriting if needed

Final Advice for Matric Learners

Applying for a matric remark or recheck is not a sign of failure. It is simply making sure your hard work is fairly assessed. Many learners each year see their marks improve and go on to study successfully.

If your results still don’t change, remember that there are many paths to success, and this is not the end of your journey.