2025 IEB matric results: Pass rate decreases slightly to 98.3%

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) announced an overall pass rate of 98.3% for the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, according to reports on the release of the results.

The results were released on Monday morning, revealing a slight decrease in the pass rate compared to the figures achieved in 2024.

A majority of the pupils have secured the opportunity for tertiary education, as 89.12% of pupils achieved entry to study for a degree. However, the IEB noted that this bachelor's pass rate is slightly down from the previous year.

Beyond degree entries, the results breakdown is as follows:

Diploma study: Nearly 8% of candidates qualified.

Higher Certificate study: Approximately 1.3% achieved entry.

Endorsed National Senior Certificate: A very small number of candidates obtained this qualification.

More than 17,400 candidates sat for the examinations across South Africa.

Gauteng recorded the highest participation, with candidates coming from 114 schools.

KwaZulu-Natal contributed almost 3,000 candidates to the total, while Northern Cape had the lowest participation, with only three schools involved.

The IEB recognised 161 pupils for outstanding academic performance, noting that these students ranked in the top 5% across six subjects. Reports also indicate these students achieved distinctions in all their subjects.

For candidates wishing to challenge their results, the closing date for remark applications is January 30. These results will be released on March 4, pending approval from Umalusi.

While the IEB outcomes have been publicised, the broader national picture will be clarified later on Monday evening when Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announces the national matric results for 2025 in Gauteng. Individual results for the national public school cohort are scheduled for publication on Tuesday.

Previous years results

2020: The IEB Class of 2020 achieved an overall matric pass rate of 98.07%. Of those who passed, 88.42% attained a bachelor’s degree pass, meaning they qualified for entry to degree study, while 8.14% qualified for diploma study and 1.51% for a higher certificate pass.

2021: For the IEB Class of 2021, the overall matric pass rate improved slightly to 98.39%. In the same year, 89.2% of candidates achieved a bachelor’s degree pass, which was higher than in 2020, alongside increases in diploma and higher certificate passes. 

2022: The IEB Class of 2022 continued this trend with an overall pass rate of 98.42%. Of the successful candidates, 89.32% achieved a bachelor’s degree pass, while 7.52% qualified for diploma study and 1.57% qualified for higher certificate study.

2023: In 2023, the IEB recorded an overall pass rate of 98.46%. The proportion of learners achieving a bachelor’s degree pass was 88.59%, with 8.31% earning a diploma pass and 1.57% a higher certificate pass.

2024: The IEB Class of 2024 achieved an overall pass rate of 98.47%, the highest in five years. Of those candidates, 89.37% attained a bachelor’s degree pass, 7.56% earned a diploma pass, and 1.53% achieved a higher certificate pass (with a small portion receiving endorsed certificates).

IOL