South Africa has recorded an overall National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88% for the 2025 matric examinations, according to the latest results released by the Department of Basic Education.
The results show relatively stable performance nationally, with several provinces achieving pass rates close to or above 90%.
KwaZulu-Natal Tops Provincial Results
KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the top-performing province in 2025, achieving a 90.6% pass rate, the highest in the country.
The Free State followed closely at 89.33%, while Gauteng recorded a 89.06% pass rate, maintaining consistent performance despite having the largest cohort of candidates.
Provincial Pass Rates: 2025 NSC
The full provincial breakdown is as follows:
- KwaZulu-Natal: 90.6%
- Free State: 89.33%
- Gauteng: 89.06%
- North West: 88.49%
- Western Cape: 88.2%
- Northern Cape: 87.79%
- Mpumalanga: 86.55%
- Limpopo: 86.15%
- Eastern Cape: 84.17%
The Eastern Cape recorded the lowest pass rate nationally, although the majority of learners in the province still achieved a matric pass.
Provincial Matric Pass Rates for 2025
Performance varied across provinces, with some clear standouts:
- KwaZulu-Natal: 90.6%
KZN leads the country in 2025, continuing a strong improvement trend over recent years. - Free State: 89.33%
Once again, the Free State delivers one of the most consistent results nationally. - Gauteng: 89.06%
Gauteng’s results remain solid, especially considering the size and diversity of its learner population. - North West: 88.49%
North West sits slightly above the national average. - Western Cape: 88.2%
Close to the national figure, with stable overall performance. - Northern Cape: 87.79%
A respectable result for the province with the smallest number of candidates. - Mpumalanga: 86.55%
Steady performance, though many learners will still need to check subject-level requirements. - Limpopo: 86.15%
Gradual improvement continues, but gaps remain in key subjects. - Eastern Cape: 84.17%
The lowest pass rate nationally in 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges in the province.
With the release of the 2025 results, attention now turns to late university applications, appeals, and funding opportunities such as NSFAS and private bursaries.
Institutions are expected to experience a surge in applications as learners reassess their options based on final results.
