Do Matric Results Expire

Do Matric Results Expire

If you’ve just finished your Matric exams or are waiting on your results, you might be wondering if Matric results expire. The answer is yes, but it’s important to know what that means. When you first get your Matric statement of results, it’s a temporary document that shows how you performed in your exams. This statement is only a short-term record until your official Matric Certificate is issued, so it’s not valid forever. The document that doesn’t expire is your official Matric Certificate. This certificate is proof that you have completed your National Senior Certificate and is accepted by employers, universities, and colleges everywhere.

Unlike the temporary statement, your Matric Certificate stays valid for life, making it a very important document to keep safe. You’ll need it whenever you apply for further studies or jobs. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial results, there are usually chances to rewrite exams or upgrade your marks within certain time limits. The fact that your statement of results expires doesn’t affect your ability to do this. Once you have your Matric Certificate, you can always use it to apply for further education or start your career.

So, while your Matric statement of results is only temporary and will expire, your official Matric Certificate is permanent. Remember to hold onto your certificate carefully since it’s the key proof of your academic achievements. Whether you want to continue studying or look for a job, the certificate is what you need to show. If you only have your statement of results for now, don’t worry, that’s normal. It’s just a temporary record until your permanent certificate is ready.

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How Long Are Matric Results Valid?

Yes, a Matric statement of results does expire. This document is a temporary record that shows your exam results before your official Matric Certificate is issued. It’s meant to be a short-term proof of your results while you wait for the permanent certificate. The only document that remains valid indefinitely is your official Matric Certificate, which confirms that you have completed your National Senior Certificate. Unlike the statement of results, your Matric Certificate is recognized for life by employers, universities, and colleges.

Receiving  Matric Results Via SMS

• Open the SMS section on your smartphone (each SMS costs R3.00).
• Write your exam number in the SMS.
• Send your exam ID to 35658 (keep in mind that this number is subject to change at any time).
• (Fees are subject to change) SMS costs R3.00.
• You will receive notification of the availability of your matric results.

Getting Matric Results on Your Phone

If you want to check your results directly on your mobile phone, you can use USSD codes or SMS services:

Using USSD Code:

• Open the dialer on your smartphone.
• Dial 12035659# (note that this code may change, so check updates).
• Follow the prompts, and you may be asked to enter your examination number.
• Provide any other requested information, such as your ID number.
• Your matric results will then be displayed on your phone screen shortly.

Using SMS to Check Results:

• Open your messaging app and create a new message.
• Type your 13-digit exam number or ID number (depending on the province’s instructions) into the message body.
• Send the SMS to the designated number provided by your provincial education department (for example, 35658).
• You will receive a confirmation message, followed by another SMS containing your matric results.

Important: SMS services usually charge a small fee (between R1.50 and R3.00), so make sure you have enough airtime before sending your message.

How to Check Your Matric Results Online

You can also check your matric results online with just a few simple steps:

1. Visit the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website or trusted portals such as Matricresults.net.za.
2. Click on the examination results section, typically labeled “NSC Exam Results” or similar.
3. Enter your exam number and any other personal details required, such as your ID number or date of birth.
4. Click the search button to view your results instantly.

Things to take note of:

• Verify that you enter your exam number and ID correctly to avoid errors.
• SMS and USSD services charge fees, so keep that in mind before using these methods.
• If you encounter any issues, you can contact the Department of Education helpline at 0800 202 933.
• Results released on official platforms are preliminary. For corrections or missing information, contact your school or provincial education office.

How Much Does a Matric Certificate Cost?

It’s important to know that you should never buy a Matric Certificate; that’s illegal and could get you into serious trouble. However, if you’ve lost your original Matric Certificate, you can apply for a replacement through the Department of Basic Education, either online on their website or at one of their offices. The fee for a re-issued Matric Certificate is currently R153.00, but keep in mind this amount can change over time. This fee is valid from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Once you apply, it usually takes about four to six weeks for your new certificate to be printed and ready. To apply for the replacement certificate, you’ll need:

• An affidavit explaining what happened to your original Matric Certificate (if it was lost or stolen)
• The original certificate, if it’s damaged and you need a new copy
• A certified copy of your identity document (ID)
• Proof of payment for the re-issue fee

South Africa Matric Results do not expire. Once you have earned your Matric Certificate, it is valid for a lifetime, opening doors to various opportunities in higher education and the job market. For further details, click here. I hope the information provided is useful and easy to understand. Share or write your questions and suggestions in the space provided below.

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