Photo caption: Government encourages young people to further their studies, especially in scarce skills to help grow the economy.
The Department of Basic Education strives to create a country that has a modern infrastructure and a vibrant economy with a high quality of life for all. It therefore encourages young people to further their studies, especially in scarce skills. This will not only help the economy to grow, but will also enable you to reach your full potential.
In addition to the traditional further education options, such as universities and universities of technology, you should also consider vocational options available to you, such as Further Education and Training (FET) colleges.
Information on what to study
- Prospectuses: you can phone or email a higher education institution and they will post you these information books about their courses.
- Websites: Most tertiary institutions have their own websites.
- Past and present students.
- Open days: These are an opportunity for prospective students to find out more about the campus, courses and services offered by the institution. Phone the tertiary institution to find out when these are held.
- Visitors’ centres on campuses.
- Career guidance counsellors at schools, colleges and universities.
- Remember, FET Colleges are an alternative to traditional universities and offer a high standard of vocational training.
What are the minimum requirements of a National Senior Certificate to register for a further qualification?
All qualifications in higher and further education and training are not alike. They make different demands and reflect different intellectual achievements. Therefore, admission to the Higher Certificate, the Diploma and the Bachelor’s Degree has different requirements in terms of the National Senior Certificate as follows:
The minimum admission requirement for a Higher Certificate is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi. Particular institutional and programme needs may require particular combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement. For example, an institution may determine that a Higher Certificate in Architectural Design requires in addition to the NSC a specified level of attainment in Design and an associated recognised subject.
Diploma
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects. Institutional and programme needs may require appropriate combinations of recognised FETC subjects and levels of achievement. For example, a Diploma in Data metrics might require a pass at a prescribed level in Mathematics or Information Technology.
What do you need to apply?
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the following recognised 20-credit NSC subjects.
To apply to a specific university you need to obtain and fill in that university’s application form. You will need to supply either or both of your Grade 11 final results and your Grade 12 June results. A non-refundable application fee is usually required.
You need to check with the institution to which you wish to apply regarding their closing date for applications, as you need to submit your application forms in time.
National Student Aid Financial Scheme
Once the application process is complete, the university will confirm your admission to your choice programme; inform you that you have been placed on a waiting list; or inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.
A National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) study loan or bursary is for those who do not have the financial means to fund their studies and/or cannot access bank funding, study loans or bursaries. Go to the NSFAS website for further information at www.nsfas.org.za,
The Funza Lushaka Bursary programme
The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme that promotes teaching in public schools. Full-cost bursaries are avail- able to enable eligible students to complete a full teaching qualification in an area of national priority. Recipients of these bursaries will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they receive the bursary.
The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens and will only be awarded if one of the priority area specialization subjects is included as a teaching subject in the qualifications. Applications must only be made once students have been allocated a valid student number and have been accepted/ provisionally accepted at their university of choice.
Applications must be made online at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za. Go to the Funza Lushaka website for further information at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
Make the most of all the opportunities offered to you! Take advantage of all the options our Department has made available and all the practical assistance that the provincial departments are also offering.
University bursaries
Most universities offer bursaries or grants to students that have excelled in their previous studies or on the sports field. Check with your university’s financial aid office whether you are eligible for any of these bursaries or awards, and apply before the closing date.
For more information call the DBECall Centre: 0800 202 933 or visit www.education.gov.za
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