IEB 2025 Matric Results: Nearly 90% Qualify for University Entry

South Africa’s Independent Examinations Board (IEB) has announced the 2025 National Senior Certificate results, with a remarkable overall pass rate of 98.31%. Of the 17,413 learners who sat the exams, the vast majority achieved marks qualifying them for further study at degree, diploma, or higher certificate levels.

Strong Showing for University-Bound Learners

According to the IEB:

• 89.12% of candidates earned a pass that allows entry to university degree study, slightly below 2024’s 89.37%.

• 7.83% qualified for diploma studies, a modest increase from 7.56% in 2024.

• 1.34% gained entry to higher certificate studies, compared to 1.53% in 2024.

• 0.02% achieved an endorsed NSC, reserved for exceptional cases.

Among the top achievers, 161 pupils attained outstanding achievement, ranking in the top 5% in six subjects and achieving Level 7 in Life Orientation. An additional 125 learners achieved commendable achievement, ranking in the top 5% in five subjects with Level 7 in Life Orientation.

Learner Demographics and Regional Performance

The 2025 NSC cohort comprised 16,063 full-time and 1,350 part-time learners, writing exams at 277 venues across 263 centres nationwide. This year saw slight growth compared to 2024, which recorded 16,304 candidates.

Gauteng led the pack, with 10,421 candidates from 144 schools writing the exams. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 2,448 learners, while the Northern Cape reported the lowest participation, with just 115 candidates from three schools.

Nine new schools from three provinces joined the IEB system this year, contributing to the gradual expansion and sustained growth of the independent examinations network.

A Message from the IEB

IEB CEO Confidence Dikgole congratulated the learners, as well as the teachers, parents, and guardians who supported them through a challenging academic year.

“To every learner – whether you achieved your goal this year or not – your path forward remains open. South Africa’s education system offers multiple routes to success, and perseverance remains the most important qualification of all,” Dikgole said.

Public Reaction

Across social media, parents and learners shared celebrations, highlighting the dedication of educators and families in preparing students for these high-stakes exams. Many praised the resilience of learners navigating the independent school system, noting that the IEB’s high standards reflect both achievement and the ongoing challenges of quality education in South Africa.

For many learners, a bachelor’s degree pass represents access to university education, scholarships, and career opportunities, making the 2025 results a significant milestone in their educational journey.

{Source: The Citizen}

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