In a media statement on Thursday 18 January 2024, the IEB revealed an overall pass rate of 98.46% in the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations – a slight uptick from the 98.4 recorded in 2022.

All the candidates who passed the IEB 2023 NSC examinations achieved a pass that grants them access to tertiary study at one of three levels:

1. 88.59% of the matric class of 2023 achieved a degree pass – compared to 89.32% in 2022.

2. 8.31% achieved a diploma pass – compared to 7.52% in 2022.

3. 1.57% achieved a higher certificate pass – the same level recorded in 2022.

15,186 learners wrote the IEB exams in October and November and this is more than the 12,580 full-time and 945 part-time candidates – a total of 13,525 in 2022.

“The significant increase of 1,655 results from the 17 new schools, comprising a total of 960 candidates, that wrote the IEB for the first time in 2023,“ said the IEB.

The 2023 IEB NSC examinations were quality assured by Umalusi the quality and assurance body following the moderation of question papers and the writing of the examinations, verification of the marking, and standardisation of marks.

“By reviewing and accrediting the IEB assessments and examinations, Umalusi ensures that the examinations meet national standards and uphold the integrity of the education system,” the IEB added.

In approving the release of the 2023 IEB NSC results, Umalusi indicated that having studied all the evidence presented by the IEB, the Executive Committee (EXCO) concluded that the examinations were administered in accordance with the regulations pertaining to the conduct, administration, and management of the NSC examinations.

The IEB and its board congratulated the matric class of 2023 and extended congratulations to their teachers, parents, guardians, and all those who supported the learners in their studies.

The IEB also reminds candidates that the closing date for the application for remarking is 1 February 2024, and the results from remarks will be released on 1 March 2024.

The closing date for learners who qualify to enrol for the May/June examination is 15 March 2024.