The National Senior Certificate (NSC), popularly called `matric`, is a significant achievement in that it signals to learners and guardians that the individual has successfully completed his/her required years of schooling.
The NSC is the nationally recognised and internationally comparable school leaving certificate registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The NSC is awarded to learners who have met requirements as set out by the Department of Basic Education and Umalusi, the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training.
The NSC enables learners to access to a variety of post-school opportunities depending on their performance in Grade 12. The opportunities include entry-level employment, admission to learnerships and internships, and admission to colleges, universities and other higher education institutions.
There are many options to choose from and making the right choice may appear daunting. Before deciding consider carefully:
The career you would like to follow that matches your talents
The most appropriate learning pathway
The qualification you want to enrol for
How to fund your studies?
Should you need information or advice on making your decision contact the NQF and Career Advice helpline on 0860 111 673 or visit www.careerhelp.org.za.
There are 50 Public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in South Africa and 25 Public Universities and Universities of Technology gearing up to absorb the 2013 cohort of school-leaving learners.
Students who intend to enrol at a public higher education institution can apply to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for funding. NSFAS provide loans and bursaries to needy and deserving students.
There are also a range of private higher education providers preparing for the 2014 intake.
Please note that there are a small number of unscrupulous individuals/service providers wishing to take advantage of unsuspecting learners. It is important to ensure that the institution you wish to attend is accredited with the CHE and that the qualification you want to enrol for is registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Ask to see evidence of this prior to enrolling at the institution you wish to attend. If you are not satisfied call the DHET helpline 080 087 2222 or visit www.dhet.co.za.
In addition to the above options, South Africa has a Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) driven learnership system of learning that students can pursue. This `learnership` system is a mode of learning that is primarily work-based and can ultimately lead to a nationally recognised qualification.
In 2013 the Minister of Higher Education and Training pronounced the decade of the Artisan to ensure appropriate attention is given to ensuring that there are enough skilled artisans to meet the infrastructure development needs of South Africa. Learners are also encouraged to explore career opportunities in this regard.
The DHET and its portfolio organisations are committed to ensuring a vibrant and responsive post-school education and training system that contributes to a growing and appropriately transformed economy.