A Matric Statement of Results is an official provisional document issued by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) that summarizes a student’s final Grade 12 exam marks. While it is temporary and serves as a placeholder until the permanent National Senior Certificate (NSC) is issued, it is widely accepted by universities and employers for conditional acceptance and job applications.
What is a Matric Statement of Results?
The Matric Statement of Results is the first official record of your performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. It is designed to provide immediate proof of your academic achievements shortly after the final results are released.
Because the formal, gold-embossed Matric Certificate (NSC) can take several months to be processed, printed, and distributed by Umalusi, the Statement of Results acts as a vital “bridge” document. It allows students to meet application deadlines for tertiary institutions and entry-level positions without waiting for their final certificate.
Using the Statement for University Applications
Most South African universities and colleges recognize the Statement of Results for the purpose of conditional admission.
- Conditional Acceptance: When you submit your Statement of Results, a university may grant you a conditional offer. This means your admission is secured pending the later submission of your final, official NSC certificate.
- Calculating Your APS: Admissions departments use the subject marks and achievement levels (1–7) listed on the statement to calculate your Academic Point Score (APS). This score is the primary metric used to determine if you meet the specific requirements for your chosen degree or diploma.
- Verification: It is essential to ensure that the document you present is an official printout, usually stamped by your school or examination center. Screenshots of websites or unofficial digital notes are generally not accepted for formal registration.
Differences Between the Statement and the NSC
Understanding the distinction between these two documents is important for administrative planning:
- Validity: The Statement of Results is a temporary document. It is valid only until you receive your final NSC.
- Issuing Authority: The statement is issued by your assessment body (DBE or IEB) or your school. The final NSC is a permanent, legal qualification issued by Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training.
- Permanence: The NSC serves as your lifelong record of achievement. The Statement of Results is eventually discarded once the official certificate is in your possession.
Checking Your Results for Accuracy
Before using your Statement of Results to apply for university, you must review it for any errors. If your personal information, ID number, or subject marks are recorded incorrectly, these mistakes will likely be mirrored on your final NSC. Correcting these errors on a Statement of Results at your school is significantly easier and faster than applying to have a final certificate replaced later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Matric Statement of Results a legal document?
Yes, it is considered an official provisional document. It is legally recognized for conditional purposes, such as applying for university entrance or job opportunities, until your final National Senior Certificate is issued.
2. Can I use the statement to register permanently at a university?
While it is used to secure a spot and gain conditional acceptance, most universities will eventually require you to submit your final, official NSC certificate once it arrives to finalize your registration and clear your record.
3. What should I do if there is a mistake on my statement?
You should report any errors—such as incorrect personal details or subject marks—to your school principal or the examination center where you wrote your exams immediately. It is much easier to rectify issues on the statement than on the final, printed certificate.
4. How long does the Statement of Results remain valid?
The statement acts as a placeholder for roughly 6 to 12 months. It is intended to be used only until your official Umalusi-issued National Senior Certificate arrives, which typically occurs between April and September of the year following your exams.
5. If I failed a subject, does it show on the statement?
Yes, your statement will list all subjects you registered for and wrote. If you achieved a mark below 30% (Level 1), it will reflect that result. This document is a transparent summary of your full performance in the NSC exams.