On 13 January 2026 at 6am, you’ll get your results. The next 24 hours are critical. This guide gives you the exact steps to take—whether you passed, failed, or aren’t sure.
How to Check Your Results (13 January, 6am Onwards)
Pick the method that works best for you:
Online (Fastest)
- Visit www.education.gov.za
- Use exam number + home language
- MatricsMate App (free download)
Via SMS (R1)
- Text: 13-digit ID + 13-digit exam number
- Send to: 35658
- Get results in minutes
Via USSD (No Data)
- Dial: 12045856#
- Standard rates apply
At School
- Collect Statement of Results from 13 January evening onwards
- Have ID/exam number ready
Pro Tip: Check early (6am–9am) or use SMS. Websites crash at 8pm.
If You Passed – Your Next 30 Days
Week 1 (13–19 Jan): Confirm Your Offer
✓ Check university acceptance status online
✓ Look for acceptance SMS/email
✓ If rejected: Don’t panic. Late applications are still open at other universities and TVET colleges accept applications year-round.
Week 2–3 (20–31 Jan): Secure Housing & Prepare
✓ Confirm residence offer (if you applied)
✓ Check NSFAS status (if you applied before 15 November 2025)
- Log into myNSFAS.org.za
- Look for “Approved” or “Awaiting Academic Results”
- Important: NSFAS 2026 applications closed 15 November 2025. No new applications accepted in January.
✓ Pay residence confirmation fee (~R500–R1,000)
- Important: NSFAS 2026 applications closed 15 November 2025. No new applications accepted in January.
Week 4 (1–6 Feb): Register
✓ Receive acceptance SMS/email from university
✓ Log in to online registration portal
✓ Select courses for Semester 1
✓ Pay first instalment (R5,000–R11,000 depending on residence)
✓ Upload required documents
✓ Download confirmation – keep it safe
Timeline: Register within 48 hours of acceptance notification.
If You Didn’t Get The Results You Wanted
You have real options. Act fast.
Option 1: Remark/Recheck Your Scripts (By 27 January)
If you’re close (a few marks away), this could change everything.
- Remark (full reassessment): R120 per subject
- Recheck (verification of marks): R30 per subject
- Deadline: 27 January 2026
- Results released: 13 March 2026
- Who should do this?: If you’re 2–4 marks away from the next pass level
How to apply: Visit your school’s exam office, specify subjects, pay fees by 27 January.
Option 2: Rewrite in May/June 2026 (Register by 6 February)
Rewrite any subjects you failed or want to improve.
- Registration deadline: 6 February 2026
- Exam dates: May/June 2026 (dates TBA)
- Cost: ~R100–R150 per subject
- New results: August/September 2026
- Timing: You can register for TVET/university now and transfer if results improve
How to apply: Visit school exam office, complete form, pay exam fees, submit by 6 February.
Option 3: TVET College (Start Anytime)
TVET is not “second best”—it’s job-ready training. Many students choose TVET over university because it’s practical, faster (2–3 years), and employers hire directly from graduation.
KZN TVET Colleges:
- Coastal KZN TVET College (Durban)
- Umfolozi TVET College
- Esayidi TVET College (Port Shepstone)
- Mnambithi TVET College (PMB)
- Thekwini TVET College (Durban)
Why TVET?
- No minimum marks required
- Practical, hands-on training
- Internships built into curriculum
- NSFAS funding available
- Job-ready in 2–3 years
How to apply: Get application form from college, submit with ID + matric results + proof of residence, attend interview.
Managing Emotions
Results day is stressful. Whatever you feel—disappointment, shame, anxiety—is normal.
Immediate steps (today–this week):
- Let yourself feel it. Cry, vent, get angry. That’s healthy.
- Limit social media for 48 hours. Ignore congratulations posts.
- Talk to someone: parent, friend, school counsellor.
- Move your body: walk, run, play sport.
This week onwards:
- Reframe: Your exam score doesn’t define you. Many successful people didn’t ace matric.
- Focus on what you control: the next 30 days.
- Write down 3 possible paths forward. Options reduce anxiety.
If you’re struggling, reach out today:
- SADAG: 0861-322-322 (24/7 counselling line)
- Suicide Crisis: 0800 567 567
- Cipla Mental Health: 0800 456 789
- Your school counsellor: Free, confidential
Your 30-Day Checklist
Everyone:
✓ Check results (13 Jan at 6am or later)
✓ Screenshot/print Statement of Results
✓ Keep exam number safe (you’ll need it)
✓ Identify your path: university, TVET, rewrite, or other
If You Passed:
✓ Check university acceptance status (by 15 Jan)
✓ Check NSFAS status (if you applied before 15 Nov)
✓ Confirm residence place (sign by 31 Jan)
✓ Pay first instalment (deadline: usually 6 Feb)
✓ Register online (within 48 hours of acceptance, by 6 Feb latest)
If You Didn’t Pass:
✓ Decide: remark OR rewrite OR TVET OR gap year? (by 16 Jan)
✓ If remarking: apply to school by 27 January
✓ If rewriting: register with school by 6 February
✓ If TVET: visit colleges, collect forms, apply with documents
Where to Get Help in KZN
Universities:
- UKZN Matric Helpline: Career guidance, tutoring support
- DUT Career Centre: Free assessments, CV workshops
- Durban: 031 373 2571
- PMB: 033 845 8833
Government:
- DBE Helpline: 0800 202 933
- NSFAS: 0800 067 327 | myNSFAS.org.za
- CAO (Central Applications): cao.ac.za
TVET Colleges:
- Coastal KZN: coastalkzn.co.za
- Contact local office for 2026 applications
Mental Health (24/7):
- SADAG: 0861-322-322
- Suicide Crisis: 0800 567 567
- School counsellor: Free
Final Words
Your matric result is not your identity. It’s one data point from one exam on two days in November.
If you passed: Congratulations. Register fast, show up ready, and make the most of it.
If you didn’t pass: You have multiple legitimate paths forward. Remark, rewrite, TVET, gap year—all are valid. Choose, commit, and move forward.
Whatever happens: The next 30 days are about action. Do that, and everything else follows.
You’ve got this.
Need personalized guidance? At Ntuthuko Mentorship Academy, we help Grade 12 learners navigate university applications, TVET options, and career planning. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your next steps after matric results.