Life After Matric: Your Options

There is no single "right" path after school. The best choice depends on your goals, your marks, your finances, and the kind of learning that suits you. Here are the main options in South Africa — each is a legitimate route to a good career.

1. University

Public universities offer academic degrees (three years and up) in fields from engineering and medicine to the humanities and commerce. Admission is based on your Admission Point Score (APS) and specific subject requirements for each programme. Universities are the route for careers that require a professional degree, but they are academic and competitive — and applications usually close many months before the year starts.

2. TVET colleges

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges focus on practical, job-ready skills in fields like engineering, IT, hospitality, and business. Qualifications are hands-on and often shorter than a degree, and many employers value the practical experience. TVET is an excellent, often underrated route — especially for trades and technical careers in high demand.

3. Learnerships and apprenticeships

Learnerships combine classroom learning with real workplace training, and you typically earn a stipend while you learn. They lead to a recognised qualification and often to employment with the same company. Apprenticeships work similarly for skilled trades (electrician, plumber, boilermaker). These are great if you prefer learning by doing and want to start earning sooner.

4. Private colleges

Registered private colleges offer diplomas and certificates in areas such as design, IT, business, and media, often with smaller classes and flexible start dates. Fees vary widely, so check that any college is registered and accredited before you enrol.

5. A purposeful gap year

Taking a year out can be valuable — but only if it has a purpose. Use it to work, volunteer, gain a skill, improve marks, or save for studies. A drifting gap year rarely helps; a deliberate one can build maturity, savings, and clarity about what you want.

6. Work or entrepreneurship

Some school leavers go straight into employment or start a small business, then study part-time later. Entry-level work builds experience, income, and a network — and many successful people study alongside working. If you go this route, keep learning: short courses and certifications keep your options growing.

How to pay for it: funding your studies

Cost should shape your plan, not end it. Common funding routes include:

• NSFAS — government funding for qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges.
• Bursaries — from companies, government departments, and foundations, often tied to specific fields or work-back agreements.
• Scholarships — usually merit-based, for strong academic or other achievement.
• Student loans — from banks; understand the repayment terms before signing.

How MYFuture helps

MYFuture helps you compare paths, track the requirements and deadlines that matter to you, and connect your school subjects and marks to real post-school options. Start with our career guidance guide, and make sure your subject choices support the path you want.