Many South Africans need old matric results right now for a job application, a learnership, a bursary, or a college form. If you lost your certificate or cannot find your statement of results, you are not alone. The good news is that you can still check and request your records through official channels, including SETA-SA for career and training guidance, and through the Department of Basic Education, provincial education departments, and Umalusi.
What previous matric results are
Previous matric results are the marks you got when you completed Grade 12. Some people only need to confirm their results for an employer. Others need an official replacement certificate because the original was lost, damaged, or stolen.
You may also need your results many years later when applying for studies, work, or verification. This is common in South Africa, especially when applications ask for proof of Grade 12.
Who can apply
Anyone who wrote matric in South Africa can try to access old results or request a replacement. In most cases, you will need some basic information to help officials find your record.
- Your South African ID number
- Your examination number, if you still have it
- The year you completed matric
- Your full names and surname
- The province where you wrote the exams
If you do not have all these details, you can still ask for help. Many applicants struggle because they lost old documents years ago, but records can often still be traced.
Quick overview
| Item | Details |
| Service | Accessing previous matric results |
| Country | South Africa |
| Managed by | Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments |
| What you need | ID number, exam number if available, year of completion |
| Online access | Available through official education platforms |
| Replacement certificates | Managed by Umalusi |
| Cost | Viewing results may be free; replacement certificates usually cost money |
| Who can apply | Anyone who previously wrote matric in South Africa |
Why people need old matric results
Many employers and institutions ask for proof of matric before they process an application. This is why so many people search for old records every year.
- Job applications
- Learnership applications
- TVET college applications
- University applications
- NSFAS applications
- Immigration and visa purposes
- Employment verification
- Replacing lost certificates
- Police or government recruitment
Can you access old matric results online?
Yes, in many cases you can. The exact process depends on when you wrote matric, what documents you still have, and whether you need only results or a full certificate.
If you wrote through the Department of Basic Education, provincial departments, or the Independent Examinations Board, the steps may be different. This guide focuses on the official South African route.
Official ways to access previous matric results
1. Check through the Department of Basic Education
The Department of Basic Education is one of the safest places to begin. It may help with previous NSC results, exam information, rewrite details, and supplementary exam information.
Official DBE website: Department of Basic Education
Keep these details ready when you make your request:
- Your South African ID number
- Your examination number
- The year you completed matric
- Your full names and surname
2. Use provincial education department platforms
Some provinces allow learners to search for old matric information online or request help through official channels.
Examples include:
- Gauteng Department of Education
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education
- Western Cape Education Department
These systems may help with:
- Result verification
- Candidate lookup
- Exam history requests
Official provincial links:
3. Request a replacement matric certificate from Umalusi
If you lost your matric certificate completely, you may need a replacement certificate instead of only viewing your results.
In South Africa, replacement certificates are issued through Umalusi.
You can apply for:
- Replacement certificates
- Combination certificates
- Statement of results
- Re-issue of certificates
Official Umalusi website: Official Umalusi website
Documents usually needed
If you are applying for a replacement certificate, you will normally need the following:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Affidavit explaining that the certificate was lost or damaged
- Proof of payment
- Examination details
- Examination number, if available
If you do not remember your exam number, Umalusi may still help trace your record using your personal details.
What if you forgot your exam number?
This happens often. Many people wrote matric years ago and no longer have the number.
If you forgot it, try these steps:
- Contact your previous school
- Contact your provincial education department
- Use your ID number when asking for help
- Give the year and province where you wrote matric
In many cases, officials can still find your record manually.
Can you access very old matric results?
Yes, you can. Older records may take longer to find because they are often archived.
That means the process may need manual searching, more checks, and extra time. Even so, many South Africans have successfully retrieved results from many years ago.
Statement of results vs matric certificate
These two documents are not the same, and many people mix them up.
Statement of results
This usually shows the subjects you wrote, the symbols or marks you achieved, and your pass status. It is often used while waiting for the official certificate.
Matric certificate
This is the official final certificate you get after passing matric. It is the document most employers, universities, and government offices want to see.
Can you download matric results immediately?
Sometimes you can view results quickly online, but not always. Some systems may show your pass status, subject marks, and exam details right away.
However, official documents may still need verification, printing, collection, or payment before you receive them.
Avoid fake websites and scams
There are many fake pages online that claim they can sell matric certificates or change results. Be very careful.
Watch out for:
- Social media pages selling certificates
- WhatsApp agents
- Fake government websites
- Websites asking for suspicious payments
Only use official platforms such as:
- Department of Basic Education
- Provincial Education Departments
- Umalusi
Never pay random people who promise “quick certificates.”
What if you want to upgrade your matric results?
If you are unhappy with your old results, you may be able to rewrite subjects, upgrade your matric, or write supplementary exams.
You can ask about this through:
- Department of Basic Education
- Adult Education Centres
- TVET colleges
Many South Africans improve their results later in life and use them to continue studying or applying for better work.
Opportunities that often need matric results
Your matric results can help you apply for many opportunities in South Africa.
- Learnerships
- Internships
- Government jobs
- SAPS applications
- Metro Police applications
- TVET college applications
- University applications
- Bursaries
- Retail jobs
- Banking jobs
How to apply or request your records
- Decide whether you need a result search or a replacement certificate.
- Gather your ID, exam number if available, and the year you wrote matric.
- Visit the official Department of Basic Education, provincial education department, or Umalusi website.
- Follow the instructions for result verification or replacement certificate requests.
- Submit the required documents and proof of payment if needed.
- Wait for processing, especially if your records are old and must be searched manually.
Tips to improve your chances
It helps to prepare everything before you start. Many delays happen because people are missing one document or enter the wrong details.
- Scan your documents clearly
- Keep a copy of your ID
- Write down the year and province where you wrote matric
- Ask your old school for help if needed
- Use only official websites
- Keep proof of payment when you submit an application
Edupstairs advice
If you are planning to apply for jobs, internships, learnerships, or bursaries, keep both digital and printed copies of your matric results and certificate.
Do this now:
- Scan your matric documents
- Save them to cloud storage
- Email copies to yourself
- Keep certified copies ready
Applications close fast, and having your documents ready can save time. Also remember to protect your ID number and avoid unofficial agents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check my old matric results using my ID number?
Yes. In many cases, your ID number can help education departments find your record.
What if I lost both my certificate and exam number?
You can still contact Umalusi or your provincial education department with your ID number and year of completion.
How long does a replacement certificate take?
It depends on the age of the records and how many applications are being processed at the time.
Can I get my matric certificate online instantly?
Usually not. You may be able to view results online, but official certificates normally need formal processing.
Is there a fee for replacement certificates?
Yes. Umalusi usually charges a fee for replacement or re-issue services.
Can employers verify matric results?
Yes. Employers can verify qualifications through official verification processes.
Final note
If you lost your matric results or certificate, do not panic. Use the official routes, keep your documents ready, and give the process time, especially if your records are old.
This is a normal problem for many South Africans, and it can usually be solved with patience and the right information. Always use official education websites and never trust people who claim they can sell you a certificate.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. Processes, fees, and online systems can change. Always confirm details directly with the Department of Basic Education, provincial education departments, or Umalusi before you apply or pay any money.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY.
