What to Do Before Matric Results: Planning Your Next Study Step

Waiting for your matric results can be stressful. You’ve spent months preparing for your final exams, and now you’re wondering what your marks will mean for your future.

But you don’t have to wait until matric results day to start planning.

Whether you’re hoping to study towards a degree, complete a diploma, or explore other opportunities, there are several things you can do before matric results are released.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different matric pass levels, explore your study options after matric in South Africa, and share practical steps to help you prepare for whatever your results may be.

Key takeaways

• Your matric pass level will determine what type of qualification you can study, including a degree, diploma, or higher certificate.  
• It’s important to research study programmes, check admission requirements, gather important documents, and explore funding options before getting your results. 
• If your marks aren’t high enough for your preferred qualification, you can explore alternative pathways, such as completing a higher certificate before applying for a degree. 

Matric results explained: Bachelor’s, diploma, and higher certificate pass 

Your matric results determine which types of qualifications you may be eligible to study.

In South Africa, learners who successfully complete Grade 12 receive a National Senior Certificate (NSC). However, not everyone qualifies for the same level of tertiary education.

Here are the three main matric pass levels:

Bachelor’s pass

At least 40% in your Home Language, 50% in four designated subjects, 30% in two other subjects, and the required overall subject passes. 

What can you study with a bachelor’s pass? 

A bachelor’s pass gives you the opportunity to apply for university degrees, including a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and other undergraduate programmes.

You can also apply for diplomas and higher certificates.

Diploma pass 

At least 40% in your Home Language, 40% in three other subjects (excluding Life Orientation), 30% in two other subjects, and the required overall subject passes. 

What can you study with a diploma pass?

With a diploma pass, you can apply for diploma programmes in fields such as financial management, marketing, and public relations management.

You can also explore higher certificates as an alternative study pathway.

Higher certificate pass

At least 40% in your Home Language, 40% in two other subjects, 30% in three other subjects, and the required overall subject passes. 

What can you study with a higher certificate pass?

A higher certificate pass allows you to apply for higher certificate programmes, typically at NQF Level 5.

These qualifications can help you develop practical skills in areas such as business management, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Completing a relevant higher certificate may also help you qualify for further studies, including a degree, depending on the institution’s admission requirements.

Remember: Your matric pass level determines your general eligibility for different qualifications, but admission is not automatic. Institutions may have additional subject, language, and programme-specific requirements. 

Can a higher certificate lead to a degree later?

Yes. Completing a higher certificate after matric can help you work towards a degree, even if your matric results don’t meet the initial admission requirements.

In other words, if you want to study towards a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), for example, but don’t qualify for direct admission, you could explore a relevant higher certificate first.

After completing the qualification, you may be eligible to apply for further studies, depending on the institution’s progression rules and programme requirements.

How to cope with the stress of waiting for your matric results

Feeling nervous before matric results day is completely normal. After all, your results can influence your next steps after matric.

However, worrying about something you cannot change won’t make the waiting period any easier.

Here are a few ways to manage results day anxiety:

1. Focus on what you can control

Instead of constantly worrying about your marks, use the time to research what to study after matric. Explore different qualifications, compare admission requirements, and identify programmes that interest you.

2. Prepare for different outcomes

Create a study plan for each possible result. 

For example, if you achieve a bachelor’s pass, you could apply for a degree. If you receive a higher certificate pass, you could explore certificate programmes instead. 

Knowing you have options can make the waiting period less overwhelming.

3. Gather your documents

Prepare your ID document, Grade 11 results, proof of residence, and any certified copies required by your chosen institution. Keep your exam number somewhere safe, too.

4. Take care of yourself

Get enough sleep, spend time with friends, exercise, and enjoy your well-deserved break. If you’re struggling with anxiety, speak to someone you trust. Remember, your matric results are important, but they don’t define your future.

What should parents do to support a matriculant before results day?

Parents and guardians play an important role in helping learners manage the uncertainty surrounding matric results.

Here are a few ways you can support your child before results day.

1. Offer reassurance without adding pressure

Avoid constantly asking your child about their expected marks or comparing their performance with other learners. Instead, remind them that there are different educational pathways available, regardless of their results.

2. Help them explore study options

Research universities, private higher education institutions, and colleges together. Consider their interests, career goals, and preferred learning style. Career guidance services can also help them make informed decisions.

3. Discuss the financial requirements

Studying further requires financial planning.

Explore tuition fees, payment plans, scholarships, and bursaries early. NSFAS is another option for eligible students at public universities and public TVET colleges. 

Read more about study funding options here. 

4. Prepare for unexpected results

Discuss alternative pathways, including higher certificates, matric rewrite, re-mark and re-check applications, and supplementary exams (now generally referred to as the May/June examination opportunity).

You can also explore late applications where institutions still have available places.

Most importantly, make sure your child knows they have your support, regardless of the outcome.

How does REGENT Business School help matriculants choose their next study step?

Choosing what to study after matric can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure whether your results will meet the necessary admission requirements.

REGENT Business School offers several study pathways to help learners take the next step towards their career goals.

These include higher certificates for learners looking to develop foundational skills and undergraduate degrees, such as the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), for those who meet degree entry requirements.

Unlike institutions that primarily use an Admission Point Score (APS), REGENT uses an endorsement-based admission system, alongside programme-specific requirements.

REGENT also offers flexible distance learning and supported learning options, making it possible for students to balance their education with work and other responsibilities. So, if you need to start working immediately after school, you can still pursue studies at the same time. 

With REGENT Business School applications 2027 and pre-registrations available, prospective students can explore their options and prepare for the next academic year before receiving their final results.

FAQ 

What time are matric results available?

The exact release time depends on the examination year and examination body.

For example, the Department of Basic Education made the 2025 NSC results available online from 6:00 am on 13 January 2026.

Learners waiting for their 2026 matric results should confirm the official January 2027 release date and time with the Department of Basic Education or their examination body, such as the IEB.

How many marks is a diploma?

To achieve a diploma pass, learners generally need at least 40% in their Home Language, 40% in three other subjects excluding Life Orientation, and 30% in the language of learning and teaching, while meeting the remaining NSC pass requirements.

Institutions may require higher marks for particular programmes.

Where to find matric results 2026?

You can check your matric results 2026 through the official Department of Basic Education website once the results are released.

You can also collect your statement of results from your school or examination centre. IEB candidates should follow their examination body’s official instructions.

Keep your exam number and identification details ready.

Can I be a teacher without matric? 

You generally need a National Senior Certificate or an accepted equivalent qualification to enter a recognised teacher education programme in South Africa.

If you haven’t passed matric, you can explore completing or improving your qualification before applying.

Some alternative education-related roles may have different entry requirements, but they don’t necessarily qualify you to work as a registered teacher.

Study further with REGENT

Your matric results are just one step in your educational journey.

Whether you achieve a bachelor’s pass, diploma pass, or higher certificate pass, there are different opportunities to continue developing your knowledge and skills.

At REGENT Business School, you can explore a range of accredited higher certificates and undergraduate degrees designed to prepare you for the working world.

With flexible distance learning options and academic support, you can choose a study pathway that suits your goals and circumstances.

Don’t wait until results day to plan your future. Explore REGENT Business School’s programmes and pre-register for 2027 today.