Here's how to apply for a REMARK explainer

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Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, along with deputy minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, will announce the results of the 2024 matric exams on Monday, 13 January.

The announcement is expected at 18:00.

Results will be released to candidates on Tuesday, 14 January.

The South African website will offer expert in-depth coverage of 2024 matric result-related news. Bookmark the website NOW

Reportedly, more than 870 000 matriculants are ready to learn their fate after sitting their final exams late last year.

It’s a highly anticipated occasion for South African students as it marks the conclusion – hopefully – of their high school journey.

It’s also an important milestone that students, parents, and teachers eagerly await, as the results play a key role in deciding future education and career paths.

The results will influence future education and career choices, opening doors to new opportunities and help students plan their next steps with confidence.

As reported by The South African website, one final hurdle was cleared earlier this week when the Pretoria High Court gave the greenlight for the publication of the results.

RE-MARK/RE-CHECK OF EXAM SCRIPTS

If candidates are unhappy with a result – or results – they may apply to have the exam script remarked or rechecked – at a fee.

According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), remarking services can be requested at your school, local district office or online.

However, remember that you only have until Wednesday, 29 January to apply for this.

The results of the remarked scripts will be released from 7 March and will be available at the school or exam centre where you wrote your final papers.

Meanwhile, if candidates wish to attempt to improve their exam results, they can sit for the rewrite in May or June this year.

The closing date to register to do so is Friday, 7 February.

In addition, those considering the option are advised to check they meet the stipulated criteria as listed below.

JUNE NSC EXAMS

The ‘old’ supplementary examination in February/March has been phased out and is no longer available.

A new examination is available during May/June where candidates can improve their results or complete outstanding results.

The closing date for application is 7 February 2025.

Conditions for entry

Candidates can only register for subjects which they were registered for in any previous November examination.
Candidates who were absent with a valid reason (medical unfit, death in the immediate family or other special reasons*) from one or more external question papers, may register for the NSC June examination, provided they have valid external paper marks (PAT, Oral and SBA).
Any NSC candidate (who wrote exams from 2008 November onwards) who wants to improve their overall achievement status, or only wants to improve the achievement of a subject, may register for the NSC June examination.
In the case where a candidate was absent for one or more papers in the November exam with a valid reason, the candidate has to write all the papers for the registered subject(s).
In a case where an irregularity is being investigated, provisional enrolment for NSC June examination may be granted to the candidate concerned, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Candidates who did not write or complete one or more of the NSC November examination question papers for reasons other than illness/injury or death in the family, may also apply to write the NSC June examination, provided they have valid external paper marks (PAT, Oral and SBA).
Result queries should be submitted for investigation within 30 days after the release of results.
Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the Department before 30/08/2024.

What can I do if I do not qualify to write the June NSC examination?

Candidates, who do not qualify to write the June NSC examination, have the following options:

Re-enrol for the NSC as a full-time repeater candidate at a school without delay, provided that the candidate is younger than 21 years of age. Candidates need to enrol for 7 subjects (including Life Orientation) and have to comply with all SBA requirements.
Register as a part-time repeater candidate at a Public Adult Education Centre.
Register for the Senior Certificate (SC) examination which is a school leaving qualification for adults and out-of school learners who are above 21 years of age.
Alternatively, candidates that were not successful in their examinations could consider vocational education and training. There are 50 Public Further Education and Training (FET) colleges across all provinces of South Africa comprising over 300 campuses or teaching sites.

Some might be wondering – although a little too late now – what was required in order to achieve a bachelor degree or diploma.

National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass requirements

Admission to bachelor studies

Must obtain at least 40% for the candidate’s home language (this is compulsory);
Must obtain at least 50% for the candidate’s four other subjects, excluding life orientation;
Must obtain at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution;
Must obtain at least 30% for one other subject; and
Must pass at least six of the seven subjects.

Admission to diploma studies

Must obtain at least 40% for the candidate’s home language (this is compulsory);
Must obtain at least 40% for three of other subjects, excluding life orientation;
Must obtain at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution;
Must obtain at least 30% for one other subject; and
Must pass at least six of the seven subjects.

Admission for higher certificate studies

Must obtain at least 40% for the candidate’s home language (this is compulsory);
Must obtain at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution;
Must obtain at least 40% for two other subjects;
Must obtain at least 30% for three other subjects; and
Must pass at least six of the seven subjects.

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Step-by-step guide to getting your matric results on your PHONE

Why queue when you can get your results from the comfort of your home – or your holiday destination?

Get your exam number and cellphone

You need your exam number to gain access to your matric results.

SMS or use the USSD code

Register by SMSing your exam number to 35658, after which you will receive reminders and USSD instructions to follow to gain access to your results on Tuesday, 14 January.

*SMSes are charged at R1.50 each. Free SMSes do not apply.

Alternatively, dial the USSD code *120*35658#.

You will then receive further instructions to gain access to your results on Tuesday, 14 January.

*USSD charged at 50c per 20 seconds. Free minutes do not apply.

If you require further assistance, call 0800 202 933 for help.

NOTE: You may submit your exam number via one cellphone number only to receive your results via this service, as per the Department of Education’s guidelines.

This service applies only to the Department of Education’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and not to Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams.

ALSO NOTE: Those who submit their personal information via the delivery methods mentioned above give consent for their personal information to be processed to communicate their examination results. Any person who communicates personal information as per these clauses guarantees that they are legally authorised to do so.

The Department of Basic Education reiterates the following:

These results are preliminary and, therefore, in the case of omissions, candidates must contact the school, district or provincial education department.

Bursaries are available from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for any course of study. Contact NSFAS on 08600 NSFAS (08600 67327), email info@nsfas.org.za or visit www.nsfas.org.za

Although every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the results, note that candidates’ results may have been omitted or inaccurately printed due to technical reasons.