The Stellenbosch University (SU) Unit for International Credentialling (SU-UIC) is pleased to confirm the approval of the release of the Independent Examinations Board's (IEB) International Secondary Certificate (ISC) and Further Studies examination results, conducted between 5 and 26 May 2026. The SU-UIC found that the examination sessions were fair, valid, and reliable, and free from any irregularities that could have compromised the integrity or credibility of the examinations. 

This May 2026 sitting marked the eighth ISC examination cycle to take place. The SU-UIC has conducted the external quality assurance of the IEB ISC, Africa's first international school-leaving certificate, and its Further Studies subjects since the qualification's inception in 2022. 

The SU-UIC Quality Assurance Governance Committee, chaired by Prof Richard Stevens, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at SU, confirmed the approval of the release of the ISC and Further Studies results on 30 June 2026, following extensive and rigorous quality assurance processes. These processes included, among others, the verification of the IEB's internal quality assurance systems, external moderation and approval of examination papers, interrogation of the quality and standard of the examinations, verification of the resulting data, and standardisation of results. Dr Sizwe Nxasana, newly appointed Chair of the IEB Board, attended the Committee proceedings. “The work of this committee is critical in ensuring that the results released are valid, fair, reliable and authentic and that they meet the requirements of a sound assessment and examination system” he said. 

International Secondary Certificate (ISC) 

The ISC is offered in eSwatini, Mozambique and Namibia. In May 2026, 140 learners from the three countries sat the ISC examinations, the largest May cohort to date. All candidates were either first-time or repeating candidates. The ISC has offered a May sitting since 2023, giving candidates a more flexible learning pathway alongside the original November examinations. To date, 335 learners have written the mid-year examinations, reflecting the continued demand for an Africa-centred international qualification that offers an affordable and flexible alternative.  During this May sitting learners could sit for the full qualification, a 93.7% pass rate was recorded across all subject entries. 

Further Studies Subjects 

A total of 947 learners took the IEB's May 2026 Further Studies examinations, compared to 895 in 2025. The cohort achieved an 84.4% pass rate across six subjects. Further Studies courses in English, Mathematics, and Physics are regarded as challenging, enrichment academic offerings. These optional examinations allow learners to strengthen their academic credentials ahead of tertiary education. 

This year, 92.5% of learners sat the examinations for the first time, while 7.5% retook specific subjects to improve their scores. Notably, 1.5% of candidates were Grade 11 learners. The IEB Further Studies courses are available to learners pursuing the IEB ISC in eSwatini, Mozambique, and Namibia, as well as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in South Africa, from both independent and public schools.