Higher Education Career and Career Choices Summary

Higher Education Overview

  • Learning occurs at levels above secondary school.
  • Requires completion of Grade 12 for university admission.

NSC Subject Requirements

  • NSC subjects for admission:
    • Total credit value: 20 (1 credit = 10 hours of study).
    • Compulsory subjects include Home Language, First Additional Language, Maths/Maths Literacy, Life Orientation (10 credits).

Promotion Requirements for NSC

  • Pass criteria:
    • One official language: minimum 40%.
    • Two other subjects: minimum 40%.
    • Three subjects: minimum 30%.

TVET Colleges

  • Provides vocational education and training for specific jobs.
  • Focus on practical skills; may allow entry into universities under certain conditions.

NQF Levels and Qualifications

  • Level 1: General Education Certificate
  • Level 4: National Senior Certificate (NSC)
  • Level 5: Higher Certificate
  • Level 6: Advanced Certificate / Diploma
  • Level 7: Advanced Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree
  • Level 8-10: Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s / Doctoral Degrees

Higher Certificate

  • Basic knowledge and techniques related to specific industries.
  • Includes work experience; allows progression to further study.

Diploma

  • Provides general principles and application knowledge.
  • Includes both theoretical and practical training.

Bachelor’s Degree

  • Broad education focusing on principles, theory, and research.
  • Entry for professional careers and postgraduate opportunities.

Admission Requirements

  • Higher Certificate: NSC with designated subject scores.
  • Diploma: NSC with higher criteria excluding Life Orientation.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: NSC with a minimum of four subjects at 50%.

Admission Points System

  • Points awarded based on NSC exam marks; specific to each institution.

National Benchmark Tests (NBT)

  • May be required for admission.
  • Includes tests for academic and quantitative literacy and mathematics.

Managing Non-Acceptance

  • Common emotional responses: disappointment, anxiety.
  • Encourage seeking alternative paths or institutions.

Financial Assistance Options

  • Bursaries: awarded for academic performance, may require work commitment.
  • Scholarships: merit-based financial aid that does not require repayment.
  • Study Loans: require repayment with interest; terms vary by provider.
    • NSFAS: offers loans, potential for a discount based on performance.
  • Learnerships: Paid positions that provide practical experience and qualifications.

Financial Obligations and Terms

  • Bursaries require repayment only if failing.
  • Scholarships do not require repayment.
  • Loans must be repaid; terms enforced by contracts.