Have you just received your matric results and want to figure out what to do after high school? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Whether you pass matric or fail your final year, you still have options.Â
We are going to explore all of your post-matric options and ensure that whatever you decide to do after matric—whether it be studying, travelling or working—you will be prepared to make the most of it.
Table of Contents
Before we get into the things you can do after matric, let’s take a look at the pass levels for matric and what they mean.
What Are the Different Matric Result Pass Levels in South Africa?
In South Africa, there are four different passes that you can get after matric based on how well you did in your individual subjects. These matric pass levels are:
A Bachelor’s Degree Pass
If you have achieved a bachelor’s pass you are able to apply to study a Bachelor’s degree at a college or university in South Africa.Â
In order to attain a Bachelor’s Degree Pass you will need:
- at least 40% for your Home Language
- at least 50% in four (4) other Higher Credit subjects
- at least 30% in two (2) other subjects
- A total APS score of at least 23
A Diploma Pass
In the event that you attain a Diploma Pass, you will be able to apply to study towards a Diploma after school. Diplomas are offered at smaller tertiary institutions and some universities.
In order to attain a Diploma Pass you will need:
- at least 40% for your Home Language
- at least 40% in four (4) other Higher Credit subjects
- at least 30% in two (2) other subjects
- A total APS score of at least 19
A Higher Certificate Pass
If you attain a Higher Certificate Pass, you will have to study at private colleges that offer Higher Certificate Courses. These can, in some cases, be used as a stepping stone to gain access to study further.
You will also be able to do more informal learning in the form of apprenticeships and learnerships. These are great as they give you hands-on experience in the career field that you choose before you even graduate.
In order to attain a Higher Certificate Pass, you will need:
- at least 40% for your Home Language
- at least 40% in two (2) other Higher Credit subjects
- at least 30% in three (3) other subjects
- A total APS score of at least 15
A National Senior Certificate Pass
A National Senior Certificate Pass is the bare minimum needed to pass matric. With this pass, you can apply for courses that only require a matric certificate or courses that do not.Â
In order to attain a National Senior Certificate Pass, you will need:
- at least 40% for your Home Language
- at least 40% in two (2) other Higher Credit subjects
- at least 30% in four (4) other subjects
- A total APS score of at least 14
What Can You Do If You Fail Matric?
If you’ve failed matric, do not worry – not all hope is lost! You can rewrite matric through a number of private institutions.
You can also apply to rewrite your subjects by doing the supplementary exams. The Second Chance Matric Programme of the Department of Basic Education provides support to learners who want to rewrite subjects.Â
We have collected a variety of different options for someone exploring matric exam rewrites. There are also a few other options for matric students if you are unhappy with your results. For example, you can do the following:
Write the Supplementary Exams
If you failed matric and are still determined to get your National Senior Certificate, then you can apply to write supplementary exams. These will take place the following year and you will have to meet a few criteria in order to be eligible to write. See more on applying for supplementary exams.
Upskill Yourself
Formal tertiary education isn’t for everyone. We recommend acquiring your National Senior Certificate – there are, however, other ways to make yourself more employable. There are many institutions that offer you the opportunity to upskill yourself without a matric certificate while still gaining highly desirable skills such as trade schools and FET colleges.Â
Study Further Post-Matric
If you want to study after matric next year, there are few different options open to you. You could study a degree, a diploma, a higher certificate, or a national senior certificate at a university, university of technology, private college, or other higher institute of education. There is a huge variety of in-person and online options depending on what field of study you are interested in pursuing. This, however, depends on what level of matric pass you achieved.Â
A good place to start is to decide what field of study to pursue based on what interests you. Once you have chosen your line of study, you can obtain a degree, a diploma or a certificate depending on the pass level you achieved. There are significant differences in these achievements, so we’ve put together a list of the advantages and disadvantages of studying each:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying a Degree After Matric
Degrees are long-term learning programmes that can take many years to complete. This qualification enables graduates to illustrate knowledge and competencies required for access into the job market.
Possible advantages of studying a degree:
- Choose any field of study
- Further your education and training
- Gain access to postgraduate studies
- Expert theory (and course depending, practice) in your chosen career field.
Possible disadvantages of studying a degree
- Takes 3 or more years to complete.
- For some jobs, you may find that employers prefer a different qualification. For example, a diploma may be more suitable as it includes more practical skills and training
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying a Diploma After Matric
A diploma is similar to a higher certificate, and is often awarded through universities of technology, colleges or vocational schools. Many businesses accept diplomas just as they do other qualifications, especially in fields that require skilled applicants with practical experience. This is because diplomas focus on training students in one area without the broader theoretical education that is typically included within a degree.
Possible advantages of studying a diploma
- A diploma is aimed at a specific field.
- Courses are a bit shorter
- Enter the job market quicker
- Involves theory (usually completed in 18 months) and practical componentsÂ
- Very cost-effective for entering a career field that does not require a degree.
Possible disadvantages of studying a diploma
- Some businesses may favour a job candidate with a bachelor degree
- The range of jobs available is not as broad.
- May need to work longer and harder to gain the level of seniority that a bachelor degree qualified person needs to.
Higher Certificate
Higher certificates provide students with a basic introduction to any given career field, aiming to help them gain specific skills in certain areas.
These year-long courses provide insight into very specific subjects rather than a broader range of subjects.
Possible advantages of studying for a higher certificate
- Work your way up to a diploma
- Generally completed in a year to two years
- Gain the necessary skills needed for entry to a career without studying for as long
Possible disadvantages of studying for a higher certificate
- Cannot apply to study for a degree
- Some businesses may favour a job candidate with a diploma or degree
Take a Gap Year
If you are indecisive about going straight into your post-matric studies, then taking a gap year might be a great idea. Time away from formal learning can be beneficial in a number of ways:
- Travelling lets you get out of your comfort zone.Â
- Taking time off from studying will leave you feeling re-energised and ready to make the most of your studies.
- Beginning your studies a year later lets you gain some life experience and maturity that will definitely be to your benefit when it comes to interacting with your learning material.
- You can probably earn some money on your gap year to support yourself, save up for studying or starting a business
It’s important to use your gap year wisely. Learn from professionals, do internships and volunteer.
Build Early Knowledge and Experience With an Internship
Another option you can consider post-matric is gaining work experience straight out of high school. This can be in any field of work and will, in most cases, take the form of internships and job shadowing. Starting work is incredibly useful as it gives school-leavers hands-on experience of what the working world is like. You may even be able to get a small stipend to help cover your living costs during this time.
The best place to start acquiring work experience after matric is by finding an internship. Wondering where to find one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about finding an internship in South Africa:
Internships
An internship is a great way to gain work experience and there are many internships available in South Africa. Here are a few:
Internships SA is a massive online portal to an abundance of internship opportunities and guidance. Simply scan through the directory of internships available and select one that is most suited to your skillset and job prospects.
CareersPortal in South Africa is an excellent platform for graduates seeking internships for several compelling reasons. With its comprehensive database of internship opportunities spanning various industries and regions in South Africa, graduates have a vast array of options at their fingertips, increasing their likelihood of finding an internship that perfectly aligns with their career aspirations.
Other Ways to Build Experience
There are plenty of other ways to get work experience without doing an internship. Let’s take a look at what some of these options are:Â
- Find a part-time job: Use social networking sites like Facebook or LinkedIn to join groups and make connections in order to get a part-time job.
- Nanny: Offer to babysit or help clean around the house for a family member or neighbour and earn some extra cash.
- Virtual Assistant: Apply to start gaining administrative experience in the office.
- Pet walker/sitter: Love animals? Ask your neighbours if they need help walking or looking after their pets!
- Retail Sales: Some stores in malls offer part-time or even weekend work. Visit your local mall and see what opportunities are available.
- Social Media Management: Everyone is on social media and most businesses run their business on these platforms. Get some experience working for a company to help them run their social media platforms.
Fund Your Post-Matric Studies
Post-matric options are endless. Follow your gut, give it your all and see where you end up!Â
If you’re still feeling unsure, don’t fret, our career guidance portal has fleshed out even more after-school options for you.
If you’re still wondering what work you want to do, take a look at these career profiles, they may help you decide in which direction you’d like to go!
In need of funding for your post-matric studies? Fundi also offers students support to help them pursue their dreams. Fundi’s study loans cover funding for tuition fees, accommodation, devices, textbooks and more. Find out more about Fundi’s study loans today!
