Matric Results 2025 Are Out: This Is What Your Results Mean
The wait is finally over. Matric results for 2025 have officially been released. Many students are now eager to understand what their matric results mean. Your matric certificate plays a big role in determining your study, training, and career options. This guide explains the different pass levels, what they allow you to do, and what options are available to you now.
Understanding Your Matric Pass Level
Your matric results are not just about pass or fail. There are four main pass levels, and each one opens different doors.
1. Bachelor’s Degree Pass
What this means
A Bachelor’s pass is the highest matric pass level and allows you to apply for degree studies at universities, provided you meet the specific course requirements.
Minimum requirements
- Home Language: 40%
- Four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation): 50% or more
- Two other subjects: 30% or more
- Life Orientation: minimum 30% (does not count towards APS at most universities)
What you can Apply for
Examples of degree/bachelor programmes you can apply for:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (IT)
- Engineering degrees (with Maths & Physical Sciences)
- Bachelor of Geology
- Bachelor of Human Resource Management
⚠️ Important: A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission. Universities consider APS points, subject requirements (especially Maths and Science), and available space.
2. Diploma Pass
What this means
A Diploma pass allows you to study diploma courses at universities of technology and some traditional universities.
Minimum requirements
- Home Language: 40%
- Three other subjects (excluding Life Orientation): 40%
- Two other subjects: 30%
- Life Orientation: 30%
What you can Apply for
Examples of diploma programmes you can apply for:
- Diploma in Business Management
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Marketing
- Diploma in Public Relations
- Diploma in Tourism Management
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in Office Management and Technology
⚠️ Important: Diploma courses take 3 years and focus on practical and career-focused training. With this level of pass you can only apply for Diploma and HC courses.
3. Higher Certificate Pass
What this means
A Higher Certificate pass gives you access to higher certificate programmes.
Minimum requirements
- Home Language: 40%
- Two other subjects: 40%
- Three other subjects: 30%
- Life Orientation: 30%
What you can Apply for
Examples of higher certificate programmes you can apply for:
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- Higher Certificate in Information Technology
- Higher Certificate in Education
- Higher Certificate in Accounting
- Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Higher Certificate in Tourism
- Higher Certificate in Marketing
- Higher Certificate in Office Administration
- Higher Certificate in Community Development
- Higher Certificate in Public Relations
⚠️ Important: Students can use a higher certificate as a bridge to a diploma or degree. Many learners use this route to improve their academic record and move up to higher qualifications later.
Your options if you did not pass matric
- Rewriting failed subjects
- Repeating Grade 12 at a public or private school
- Enrolling in Adult Matric (for candidates 21 and older)
- Applying for skills training and learnerships
Next Steps After Getting Your Results
If you received provisional offers, log in to university portals and respond before deadlines.
If you have not yet applied, apply as soon as possible. Many universities and TVET colleges still accept late applications depending on space availability.
If you have not yet applied for funding, start applying for bursaries that are still open for the 2026 academic year.
If you believe a mark is incorrect, you can apply for remark or recheck.
Now that Matric Results 2025 are out, the most important thing is not to panic. Understand your pass level, explore your options, and take action. Whether you are heading to university, college, a skills programme, or planning a rewrite, there is a way forward.
