Do you know that you must obtain a certain level of secondary qualification to be able to enroll in a college or university? In South Africa, a matric certificate is the final high school certification you must have before studying at a university or college. Matric is also important for prospective students intending to get NSFAS funding. However, many people often ask if it is possible to get an NSFAS bursary when they have no matric results. Keep on reading to learn if you can apply for NSFAS
Can You Apply For NSFAS Without Matric?
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial aid to students who come from poor backgrounds and have been admitted to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or public universities. Enrolling in a university requires Grade 12 or matric results or at least a higher certificate. Matric is prioritized because it is the highest official document showing you have completed 12 years of basic education in South Africa. It also certifies that you can further your education at any tertiary institution, particularly TVET college or university. Therefore, without matric, you cannot apply for an NSFAS bursary.
The good news is that if your matric results are poor and you cannot qualify to get NSFAS funding, you can upgrade them before applying for a place in college and aid. NSFAS can only fund people who are already admitted to study in a TVET college or university. Apart from the matric certificate you obtain from high school, you can also get a matric certificate from adult learning programs. Whatever method you choose to get your matric certificate, you should know that all qualifications are similar.
To upgrade to Adult Matric Certificate, you must have a grade 9 certificate and be above 21 years. You can complete your matric at a TVET college where you can get a National Vocational Certificate (NCV) levels 2, 3, and 4. These qualifications are equal to grades 10, 11, and 12 or matric. However, to upgrade your matric, you must use your own money. When you achieve this qualification, you can apply for NSFAS funding.
Can Grade 9 And 11 Learners Apply For Nsfas?
TVET applicants should pass Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 to be eligible to study at TVET colleges. If you have grade 9, you must first upgrade your qualifications by registering for an NCV, PLP, or Report 191 program at any TVET college of your choice in South Africa. When you pass and get an equivalent of grades 9 to 12, you can enroll in any program at a TVET college that allows you to apply for NSFAS. To qualify for funding, you should demonstrate sound academic prowess in line with the college’s progression requirements for the bursary.
Which Course Can I Do Without Matric?
When you don’t have a matric certificate, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can no longer pursue your dreams. There are different qualifications you can obtain without matric. The good thing about vocational training is that it empowers you with relevant skills and knowledge that can make you marketable in different fields. The following are some of the courses you can pursue without matric.
- Childcare courses
- Crèche management courses
- Human resources management
- Computer and IT studies
- Beauty courses
- Bookkeeping, accounting, and finance courses
- Forensic, investigation, and policing
- First aid
- Interior design and decorating
- Building and Construction
- Photography
- Occupational health and safety
- Business management studies
- Secretarial studies and office administration
- Project management studies
- Events and wedding planning
- Tourism and guesthouse management
International institutions like the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offer other courses. Additionally, you can also study online to pursue your dream career even if you don’t have a matric certificate.
Can I Apply At TVET Without Matric?
TVET colleges provide classroom learning, practicals, and training to improve workplace skills within the industry you intend to join after completing your studies. You can study at TVET College without matric to obtain NQF level 4 qualification or equivalent. If you do not have matric, you should not worry since there are numerous courses offered by TVET colleges that can prepare you for different jobs.
Some of the courses, including the National Certificate (Vocational), are highly marketable and offered in various disciplines. When you pursue some of the qualifications at TVET colleges, you get certification that is equal to a matric certificate. You can also gain matric from college if you are above 21 years and you have completed Grade 9. You can consider several options at TVET colleges even when you don’t have matric.
Is It Possible To Get A Bursary Without Matric?
There are different types of bursaries you can consider apart from NSFAS. You can get a bursary without a matric, excluding NSFAS funding. All you need to do is to check the requirements to see if you qualify for financial aid specifically meant for people without matric. Some options you can consider include an internship or joining entry-level where all the expenses related to your training needs are covered. Once you complete your in-house training, the organization absorbs you.
How Much Must You Earn To Qualify For Nsfas?
NSFAS is meant to provide fully subsidized tertiary education and training for less privileged South Africans. All the recipients of SASSA grants are eligible to get an NSFAS bursary. To qualify for this bursary, the combined household income earned by your parents, guardian, or spouse should be less R370 000 per year. Additionally, applicants with disabilities and a combined household income of less than R600 000 per year qualify for this kind of financial aid.
