Waiting for your matric results can be stressful.
After months of studying and writing exams, you may be worried about your marks and what they mean for your future.
REGENT understands that this can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to manage your stress and stay positive.
Here are five helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for your results.
Key takeaways
- Feeling stressed while waiting for matric results is normal.
- Simple habits like practising mindfulness, exercising, and eating well can help you manage stress.
- There are different paths forward after matric.
Why is waiting for matric results so stressful?
Waiting for results can be stressful because you don’t know what the outcome will be.
Your exams are finished. There is nothing more you can do to change your answers. Now, you simply have to wait.
You may also be worried about what your results mean for your future.
- Will you get into the course you want to study?
- Will you meet the entry requirements?
- What happens if your marks aren’t what you expected?
All these questions can cause matric results anxiety.
In turn, anxiety can cause difficulty concentrating, worry, and problems sleeping.
Remember that feeling nervous while waiting for your results is understandable. Your results are important, but they don’t determine your entire future.
How can I manage stress while waiting for my matric results?
While waiting for results can be difficult, there are ways to manage your stress. Good stress management for students is often about focusing on what you can control.
Here are five simple stress management tips you can try.
1. Be mindful
Have you heard the phrase, “Be mindful”?
Being mindful means paying attention to what is happening right now. Instead of worrying about the future or thinking about the past, you focus on the present.
At this point in your life, your school years are finally behind you and your career lies ahead. This can be an exciting but overwhelming time.
Try to focus on what you can control today.
Spend time with your family. Enjoy a hobby. Go outside. Watch your favourite movie. Or simply take a few slow breaths when you start worrying about your results.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends relaxation and mindfulness techniques as ways to help manage anxiety.
2. Exercise
Not only does exercise benefit your overall health and well-being, but it can also help you manage stress.
Physical activity can improve your mood and give you something else to focus on.
And you don’t need to spend hours in the gym.
You could go for a walk, dance to your favourite music, go swimming, ride your bicycle, or play your favourite sport.
WHO also reports that regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, around 80% of adolescents worldwide don’t get enough physical activity.
If Grade 12 stress is getting to you, even a short walk could help you clear your mind.
3. Try healthy eating
Healthy body = healthy mind.
Eating fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods gives your body important vitamins and minerals.
It can be easy to forget about healthy habits when you are stressed. You might skip meals, snack more than usual, or drink too much coffee or energy drinks.
Instead, try to eat regular, balanced meals and drink enough water.
WHO recommends maintaining regular eating and sleeping habits and following a healthy diet when dealing with anxiety.
You don’t need to eat perfectly. Simply focus on looking after your body while you wait for your results.
4. Get organised
Getting organised can help you feel more in control.
Awaiting your results can get overwhelming very quickly because there are so many unknowns. While you cannot control your results anymore, you can prepare for what happens next.
For example, you could:
- Research courses you may want to study.
- Check application and registration dates.
- Gather important documents.
- Look at different career options.
- Make a list of institutions you’re interested in.
You could also create a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C.
For example, what will you do if you get the results you want? What other options could you consider if you don’t?
Having several options can make the future feel less uncertain.
5. Connect with your peers
Know that you’re not alone.
Thousands of other matriculants in South Africa are also waiting for their results.
Talk to your friends about how you are feeling. They may be experiencing the same stress and anxiety.
By talking about your feelings, you can support each other and share ways to get through this stressful period.
You can also talk to your parents, family members, teachers, or another person you trust.
Just remember to avoid constantly comparing your expected marks with your friends’ marks.
Everyone has different strengths and goals for the future.
What should I do after receiving my matric results?
Once you receive your results, take some time to look through them properly.
Then, decide what your next step will be.
You may decide to:
- Continue your studies.
- Start working.
- Complete another type of training.
- Improve some of your matric subjects.
- Take some time to decide what you want to do.
If you want to continue studying, your results can help determine which type of qualification you can apply for.
South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) has ten levels. These levels help organise different qualifications according to their learning requirements.
For example, the National Senior Certificate (matric) is registered at NQF Level 4. Higher Certificates are at NQF Level 5, while bachelor’s degrees generally begin at NQF Level 7.
Your matric pass can also affect which higher education programmes you can apply for.
In general:
- Higher Certificate pass: May allow you to apply for higher certificate programmes.
- Diploma pass: May allow you to apply for diploma and higher certificate programmes.
- Bachelor’s pass: May allow you to apply for bachelor’s degree programmes, as well as diploma and Higher Certificate programmes.
However, getting a particular matric pass doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be accepted into every programme at that level.
Each institution and programme can have its own entry requirements. Some courses may require certain subjects or minimum marks.
Always check the requirements for the specific course you want to study.
And if your results aren’t what you hoped for, remember that you still have options. Your results can affect your next step, but they don’t decide your entire future.
Discover more about which NQF level programmes you qualify for based on your results.
FAQ
What should I do if I am unhappy with my matric results?
First, try not to panic.
Look at your results carefully and find out what options are available. If you think one or more of your exam papers may not have been marked correctly, you may be able to apply for a re-check or re-mark.
You could also look at improving certain subjects or explore different study options that match your current results.
Read our matric rewrite guide if you’re looking to improve your marks.
The best next step will depend on your results and what you want to do.
Can I apply to study before receiving my final matric results?
Yes. Many higher education institutions allow Grade 12 learners to apply before they receive their final results.
You may be able to apply using your latest school results.
However, your final acceptance may depend on whether your results meet the requirements for your chosen programme.
Always check the requirements of the institution where you want to study.
How can parents support a learner waiting for matric results?
Parents can help by listening and offering support without adding more pressure.
Encourage your child to follow a normal routine and spend time doing things they enjoy. You can also talk about different study and career options together.
Try to avoid comparing their expected marks with those of friends, siblings, or other learners. Remind them that there are different ways to reach their education and career goals.
When are South African matric results released?
Results are usually released in January following the final exams. However, the exact date can change each year.
For example, the 2025 National Senior Certificate results were announced on 12 January 2026 and released to candidates on 13 January 2026.
Matriculants should check the official Department of Basic Education website for the latest dates and information. Learn how to check your results here.
Where can I find reliable information about matric results and study options?
The Department of Basic Education is one of the best places to find official information about results.
You can also check recognised higher education institutions for information about courses, entry requirements, fees and application dates.
If you’re considering studying at REGENT Business School, you can speak to a student advisor about your study options and the requirements for different programmes. Contact REGENT here.
Pursue further education with REGENT
Your Grade 12 results mark the end of your school journey. But they can also be the start of an exciting new chapter.
At REGENT Business School, we offer a range of higher education programmes to help you build valuable knowledge and skills for your future career. Have a look at our:
Take some time to explore your options and find a qualification that matches your goals.
One of our consultants is ready to help you understand your options and take your next step.
Remember: your results are important, but they don’t define your future.
