In matric this year? Will you have a degree three years from now?
We have less than two months before the start of the Matric exams... Will you be one of the successful students who get your University degree three or four years from now?
No you won't.
How can I be so sure?
According to numbers from the Department of Higher Education and Training, only 1 out of every 100 kids who enter the school system will have a degree three years after matric.
If you are sitting in a Matric class, then you are already one of the lucky ones. Since half the kids who started school (12 years ago) with this year's matric students, have already left the school system.
When you get your matric certificate it will say “Batchelor's”, or “Diploma ” or “Certificate ”. This means that you are provisionally accepted for Degree studies (usually at a University), or Diploma studies (usually at a Technikon) or Certificate studies (usually at a College).
So you need a “Batchelor's” pass to be considered for University entrance.
A “Batchelor's” pass will not guarantee you entrance to a University. Each university has its own entrance criteria. And the universities have a limited number of seats for students.
So study hard. You can still make a big difference to your final results if you work hard now. And those results will be a big help to you next year. No matter what you plan to do – good Matric results will always count in your favour.
If you are not sure you will get into a University, here are some alternatives
UNISA
Many working adults study through Unisa. Since it is home study, you can work and study at the same time.
Private Higher Education Institutions
There are many Private Higher Education Institutions that have been accredited by the Council on Higher Education, and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training. You should be finding them and applying now.
These institutions have been accredited to offer post-matric studies. And in many cases they also offer Degrees.
Technikons
In South Africa you can also study for a degree at a Technikon. Or you can study for a Diploma or Certificate.
Colleges
You should search for TVET Colleges, FET College and Private Colleges. (I work for www.skillsacademy.co.za which is a private home study college.)
Lastly, do a reality check
Have you got the right subjects to be accepted to one of our Universities? Are your marks good enough? Do you know how you will pay for University?
If you are not doing your own research, you will not get in. Advice from your aunt, the lady next door or your friends, is not the right way to go.
About the Author:
Jan Badenhorst works as the CEO of Skills Academy. Skills Academy offers Home Study Courses to people who never completed Matric, or who cannot get entry into Universities.