The moment the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are released, a new race begins. While seeing your marks on a screen is a relief, it is not enough for the next step of your journey. Universities, TVET colleges, and bursary schemes like NSFAS do not accept screenshots from a website or SMS notifications. They require an official document known as the Statement of Results.
For the Class of 2025, receiving this document immediately in January 2026 is critical. Whether you are finalizing a university offer, applying for a late placement, or looking for entry-level work, this piece of paper is your temporary currency until the final Umalusi certificate arrives later in the year.
This comprehensive guide will explain exactly how to get your statement, how to read the technical codes on it, the difference between a statement and a certificate, and what to do if you lose it.
The Difference: Online Results vs. Statement of Results
Before we explain how to get it, it is vital to understand what this document is.
Online Results (SMS/USSD/Website):
This is purely for information. It tells you your pass status and subject performance. However, it carries no legal weight. You cannot use a screenshot of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) website to register at a university.
Statement of Results:
This is an official printout issued by the assessment body (DBE or IEB) and stamped by your school or exam center. It serves as a provisional legal document. It proves that you sat for the exams and achieved the specific marks listed. This is the document Registrar Offices at universities need to finalize your admission.
The Umalusi Matric Certificate:
This is the final, gold-embossed certificate that arrives months later (usually in April/May). It replaces the Statement of Results.
Method 1: Collecting from Your High School (The Standard Way)
For the vast majority of matriculants, the primary way to get your statement is physically at your school.
When is it available?
While online results go live at 06:00 AM on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, schools usually open their gates slightly later. Most Principals release the statements from 08:00 AM on the same day.
The Procedure:
- Go to your school: You must go to the specific center where you wrote your exams.
- Bring ID: You must have your South African ID book or Smart Card. If you lost it, bring a certified affidavit and a birth certificate, though some schools may be strict about this.
- Sign for it: You will likely need to sign a register confirming you have received the document. This is for the school’s administrative records.
- Check it immediately: Do not leave the school office without checking every detail (spelling of names, ID number, and subject marks). If there is an error, it is fastest to log it right then and there.
Can someone else collect it for me?
If you are out of the province or working, you can usually send a parent or guardian. However, they will need:
- Their own ID.
- A certified copy of your ID.
- A signed letter of authority from you giving them permission to collect the statement on your behalf.
Method 2: Digital Statements (e-Gov Portal)
South Africa is moving towards digital governance, and there are ways to access official documents online, although this system is often overwhelmed during peak release times.
The e-Government Portal (www.eservices.gov.za) allows citizens to access educational records.
- Register on the e-Services portal (this requires an email, ID number, and creating a password).
- Navigate to the “Education” or “DBE” service widget.
- Select “Matric Results.”
- If the system is updated, you may be able to download a digital version of your statement.
Warning: Digital downloads often lack the official school stamp. If a university requires a “Certified Copy,” you may still need the physical printout from the school to take to a Commissioner of Oaths (Police Station) for certification.
How to Read Your Statement of Results
Once you have the paper in your hand, it can look confusing. It is full of codes and percentages. Here is how to interpret it to ensure you meet your university requirements.
The Structure:
- Header: Contains your Exam Number, ID Number, and Center Number.
- Subject List: Lists your 7 (or more) subjects.
- Marks (%): The percentage you achieved.
- Levels (1-7): The rating code for that percentage.
- Result Code: At the bottom, it will say “BACH”, “DIP”, or “HC”.
Understanding the Levels:
- Level 7: 80% – 100% (Outstanding Achievement)
- Level 6: 70% – 79% (Meritorious Achievement)1
- Level 5: 60% – 69% (Substantial Achievement)
- Level 4: 50% – 59% (Moderate Achievement)
- Level 3: 40% – 49% (Adequate Achievement)
- Level 2: 30% – 39% (Elementary Achievement)
- Level 1: 0% – 29% (Not Achieved)
The Admission Codes (The most important part):
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass (Bachelor):
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
- Must obtain at least 50% for four other High Credit subjects.
- Must obtain at least 30% for two other subjects.
- What it means: You can apply to study for a degree at any university (subject to APS requirements).
- Diploma Pass (Dip):
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
- Must obtain at least 40% for three other High Credit subjects (excluding Life Orientation).
- Must obtain at least 30% for two other subjects.
- What it means: You can apply for diploma courses at Universities of Technology.
- Higher Certificate Pass (HC):
- Must obtain at least 40% for your Home Language.
- Must obtain at least 40% for two other subjects.
- Must obtain at least 30% for three other subjects.
- What it means: You can apply to TVET colleges or certificate programs.
Calculated Your APS Yet?
Even with a Bachelor’s pass, you might not get into Medicine or Engineering if your Admission Point Score (APS) is too low. The statement gives you the marks, but you must do the math.
Click Here to Calculate Your APS Score Instantly
Common Problems: What If There Are Errors?2
Mistakes happen. A data capturer might have entered a “3” instead of an “8”, or your name might be spelled incorrectly.3
Personal Details Errors:4
If your name, ID number, or date of birth is wrong, you must fix this immediately. If you ignore it, your final Umalusi Certificate5 will also be wrong, and fixing that later costs money.
- Action: Report it to your school principal immediately. They fill out a change request form to send to the Department. This is usually free within the first few weeks of release.
Marking Errors:
If you believe a mark is wrong—for example, you were an “A” student in History but received 30%—you can apply for a Remark or Recheck.
- Remark: They re-mark the entire script. (Cost: ~R120).
- Recheck: They just check if the marks were added up correctly. (Cost: ~R30).
- Deadline: You usually have until 27 January 2026 to apply for this. You can do this online at the e-Gov portal or at your school.
What If I Lost My Statement?
If you lose your Statement of Results before you receive your final certificate, you cannot simply print another one from Google. You have to apply for a replacement document called a “Statement of Symbols”.
How to replace it:
- Visit your nearest Department of Basic Education district office.
- Fill out the replacement application form.
- Pay the administrative fee (usually around R50 – R150 depending on the province).
- You will need a certified copy of your ID and an affidavit stating you lost the original.
Note: It takes time to print a replacement. It is not instant. This is why safeguarding your original statement on release day is non-negotiable.
Combined Statements: The “Matric Upgrade”
This section is for students who are rewriting subjects or “upgrading” their matric.
If you wrote Matric in 2024 and rewrote two subjects in 2025/2026, you will now have two statements of results.
- Statement 1: Your 2024 marks.
- Statement 2: Your 2025/2026 upgrade marks.
Universities do not combine them for you. You must submit both statements to the university admissions office.
Getting a Combined Certificate:
To get a single certificate that reflects your new, better marks, you must apply for a Combination of Results.
- Go to the education district office.
- Submit both existing statements.
- Pay the fee for a Replacement/Combination Certificate (approx. R170).
- Surrender your old certificate (if you have one).
- Wait: This process takes 3 to 6 months.
When Does the Final Certificate Arrive?
Your Statement of Results is a temporary placeholder. It is valid for roughly 6 to 12 months, but it is not your permanent credential.
The official Umalusi National Senior Certificate is generally sent to schools in April or May 2026.
- Schools will notify students when they arrive.
- You must go back to your high school to sign for it and collect it.
- Once you have the certificate, the Statement of Results becomes obsolete.
- Keep this certificate safe. Losing the final Umalusi certificate is a major headache, and replacing it is expensive and time-consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I laminate my Statement of Results?
A: No, it is generally not recommended. University registrars and Commissioners of Oaths often need to stamp the original document to certify copies. If it is laminated, they cannot stamp the paper itself. Rather keep it in a plastic sleeve or a flip-file.
Q: Will the statement show if I failed a subject?
A: Yes. The statement lists all subjects you registered for and wrote. If you achieved less than 30%, it will show the percentage and the corresponding Level 1 code.
Q: Can I use the statement to look for a job?
A: Yes. Most employers understand that recent school leavers do not have their final certificates yet. A certified copy of your Statement of Results is standard for job applications in January/February.
Q: My school is withholding my statement because of unpaid school fees. Is this legal?
A: No. The Department of Basic Education has repeatedly stated that schools may not withhold results due to outstanding fees. However, private schools may have different contractual rules. If a public school refuses to give you your results, contact the provincial education department immediately to lodge a complaint.
Conclusion: Act Fast
Getting your Statement of Results is the final act of your high school career and the first act of your adult life.
Do not wait. Go to your school on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. Check the details. Certify 5 copies at the police station immediately. Scan it and email it to yourself so you have a digital backup.
This document is your key to opening the doors of higher learning. Treat it with the value it deserves.
Next Step:
Now that you have your results, you might need to know what your options are if things didn’t go according to plan.
Read our guide on What to Do If You Failed Matric in 2025
Disclaimer: Procedures and costs mentioned are based on the standard operating guidelines of the Department of Basic Education as of January 2026. Always confirm specific collection times with your local school administration.