Private school learners who wrote the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) matric exams have once again delivered strong results, with the Class of 2025 achieving an overall pass rate of 98.31%.
The IEB confirmed that 17,413 learners wrote the 2025 matric examinations, reflecting continued growth in the number of candidates sitting for the exams.
Strong University And Diploma Pass Rates
Almost nine out of every ten IEB candidates qualified for admission to university, with 89.12% achieving a Bachelor’s pass. A further 7.83% qualified for diploma studies, while a small percentage met the requirements for higher certificate programmes.
Although the overall pass rate declined slightly from 98.47% in 2024, the IEB noted that this remains the lowest drop recorded in five years and is linked to the increase in learner numbers.
Top Achievers Recognised
Of the total number of candidates, 161 learners were named among the top achievers after placing in the top five percent in six subjects. An additional 125 learners were recognised for outstanding performance in five subjects.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of IEB schools and candidates, while the Northern Cape had the fewest, with just three schools and 115 learners writing the exams.
IEB Responds To Slight Drop In Pass Rate
IEB Chief Executive Officer Confidence Dikgole praised learners, teachers and families for their collective effort throughout the academic year.
“Whether you achieved your goal or not, your path remains open,” Dikgole said. “Perseverance is the most important qualification of all.”
She explained that the slight decline in the pass rate should be viewed within the context of a growing examination system.
“If you look at performance statistically, it’s a slight decrease. It’s important to frame that within a particular context, noting that the IEB is growing and has grown significantly,” said Dikgole.
She added that an increase in the number of learners naturally results in fluctuations in pass rates.
“As soon as you begin to see growth in an assessment system. You can expect to see those fluctuations in the results, and it’s a normal phenomenon, really.”
Inclusive And Evolving Education System
Dikgole said the IEB has managed growth effectively, particularly as the system now includes both traditional schools and online learning models.
“It’s the nature of the IEB being very inclusive, so if you look at the fact that we have a mixed cohort of brick-and-mortar schools and we have online schools as well. So the landscape is really changing,” she said.
She noted that the strong results are commendable given the changing and expanding education environment.
Matric Pass Requirements Explained
To achieve a National Senior Certificate pass, candidates must obtain at least 40% in a home language, 40% in two other subjects, and 30% in four additional subjects.
For a diploma pass, learners must achieve at least 40% in a home language, 40% in four high-credit subjects, and 30% in two other subjects.
A Bachelor’s pass requires a minimum of 50% in four high-credit subjects, 40% in a home language, and 30% in two other subjects.
Dikgole highlighted that overall pass rates do not always reflect subject-level performance, noting that mathematics learners performed particularly well in 2025.
“The overall Bachelor pass rate of 89.12% is exceptionally good, considering that this number of candidates will be able to access university studies, barring different faculty admission requirements.”
Focus On AI And Digital Learning
The IEB has also been preparing learners for a rapidly changing world of work and study in 2026, with a strong focus on generative artificial intelligence in education.
“We’ve been able to take our teachers along in terms of understanding how AI can be used to enhance teaching and learning,” Dikgole said. “The best thing you can do is work alongside AI, and not look at it as if it is a no-go area.”
In 2025, the IEB introduced AI guidelines for teachers and launched a digital exam preparation platform. Learners can also access career guidance tools to better understand subject requirements and grade expectations for their chosen fields of study.
IEB Matric Results 2025
Candidates who wrote the 2025 IEB matric exams can access their results from 1pm on the website at www.ieb-online.co.za
