Matric bridging courses that will help you upgrade your marks
Every South African high school graduate becomes excited at the thought of no longer having to wear a school uniform. Unfortunately, not every student passes their matric with flying colours. In such cases, you can still pursue a university-level education after enrolling in relevant Matric bridging courses.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Universities offering Matric bridging courses in South Africa
- Which universities offer bridging courses in South Africa?
- What is a bridging course in university?
- How do you upgrade your free Matric bridging courses in South Africa?
- How do bridging courses work?
- Who qualifies for a bridging course?
- What is the matric pass mark in South Africa?
- How to apply for a bridging course?
- How much does it cost to do a bridging course?
- How long does it take to do a bridging course?
Key takeaways
- Matric bridging courses help you improve low subject grades, giving you a second chance to qualify for university or college programmes.
- Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements for a regular degree can take advantage of bridging courses to enhance their qualifications.
- Various South African universities and colleges offer courses or programmes.
Universities offering Matric bridging courses in South Africa
Most people confuse bridging courses with extended programmes. The bridging option is for upgrading Matric results, while extended programmes are college courses that allow you to study your chosen degree. After completing a bridging programme, you can enrol in a university where you will study for the usual course period without any extensions. These are the institutions that allow you to take bridging courses:
1. Matric College
Getting the correct education is critical if you want to start the career of your dreams. Matric College was founded to assist people in finishing their matriculation or discovering new routes for receiving the education they need for a better future.
The college offers online Matric bridging courses in South Africa, making it easy for students to learn from anywhere through distance learning. The bridging course takes 1–2 years, and you can re-sit any subject as long as you completed it in high school.
The fees for Matric bridging courses in South Africa depend on the number of subjects you wish to resit. Here are the matric subjects that you can study at Matric College.
- English Home Language
- English First Additional Language
- Afrikaans Huistaal
- Afrikaans Eerste Additionele Taal
- isiZulu Home Language
- isiXhosa Home Language
- isiNdebele Home Language
- Sepedi Home Language
- Xitsonga Home Language
- Tshivenda Home Language
- Sesotho Home Language
- Siswati Home Language
- Setswana Home Language
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
2. Oxbridge Academy
Oxbridge is unique because it allows you to study from home and often assists those who have not completed their matric instead of upgrading their matric scores. Before enrolling, students should understand the Matric bridging courses in South Africa requirements, especially since all the subjects offered at Oxbridge are technical.
These include engineering sciences, mathematics, and electrical trade, which together lay a strong foundation for studying an engineering course at a higher level. The bridging courses offered at Oxbridge Academy include:
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics
- Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- History
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Agricultural Science
Source: UGC
3. Taal-Net Varsity
You can upgrade your Matric marks at this institution, especially if you want to pursue bridging courses for engineering in South Africa. Below are the major courses offered at Taal-Net Varsity College:
- Mathematics
- English
- Life Science
- Physical Science
- Business Studies
- Afrikaans / Zulu
- Economics
- Maths Literacy
- Geography
- History
- Agricultural Science
- Supervision in Industry
- Industrial Organisation
- Industrial Orientation
- Business English
- Sake Business
- Engineering Science
4. Damelin Correspondence College
The Damelin bridging courses make it simple to improve your grades. You do not need to retake the Continuous Assessment and Matriculation Examination (CASS) because your CASS results are still valid if you registered within the last two years.
You need your official statement of Grade 12 results to join this institution. Damelin College will provide the necessary supporting documents to help facilitate your registration process online. The courses offered at Damelin Correspondence College include:
- English
- Afrikaans
- Mathematics
- Life Orientation
- Accounting
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Geography
- History
- Physical Sciences
5. Stellenbosch University
The Stellenbosch University's SciMathUS curriculum allows learners with a Matric score of at least 60% to upgrade selected topics. The university allows for advancements in:
- Physical sciences
- Mathematics
- English
- Afrikaans
NB: The programme is for those who wish to study science-based courses.
6. University of South Africa
Can you bridge your matric at UNISA? Yes, you can. You may choose to use lower-level qualifications as UNISA bridging courses. Examine the diploma and certificate programmes that are closely related to your desired university programme.
Certificate and diploma criteria are typically lower than those for undergraduate courses, so you can study the degree if you first complete the certificate or diploma.
There are different bridging courses at UNISA, including nursing bridging courses, for you to choose from. If you are interested, you need to apply for admission via the UNISA application website.
Bridging courses offered at UNISA include:
- Teaching
- Nursing
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Guidance Counseling and Life Skills Development
Source: UGC
7. Optimi College
Optimi College offers low-cost payment solutions. You can pay for your studies in manageable monthly payments or study and pay for one topic at a time.
To enrol in a bridging course at the institution, you must have finished grade 8 senior, be able to write and read English, and be at least 16 years old. The following courses are available:
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
8. University of Johannesburg bridging courses
If you are wondering how to apply for a bridging course at UJ, the process is straightforward. There are bridging courses at UJ for undergraduate students, and candidates can apply for Diplomas or Higher Certificates, which act as entry pathways for those who do not meet the admission requirements for degree programmes. You will need a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate to enrol in one of the bridging courses offered.
Students who do not meet the above criteria but have a National Certificate (Vocational) with at least a 40% score in the language of instruction are also eligible to apply. Some of the bridging programmes offered at the University of Johannesburg include:
- Economics
- Extended BCom
- Advanced Diploma in Economics
- Accounting
- Financial management
- Theory of Accounting
- Transport and Supply Chain Management
Which universities offer bridging courses in South Africa?
Below is a summary of some popular South African universities and colleges offering bridging courses.
- Matric College
- Oxbridge Academy
- Taal-Net training institute
- Damelin Correspondence College
- University of South Africa
- Stellenbosch University
- Optimi College
- University of Johannesburg
What is a bridging course in university?
Bridging courses are designed for those who fail to meet the minimum requirements to secure a slot at the university. They are short-term courses that allow you to resit your exam with the hope of upgrading your scores.
How do you upgrade your free Matric bridging courses in South Africa?
You can do this by joining the Second Chance Programme (SCP), which is run by the Department of Basic Education. Alternatively, you take technical matric and bridging courses in a college or university across South Africa. The SCP allows one to sit their exams without costs, while colleges charge some tuition fees.
How do bridging courses work?
Bridging courses give students a second chance to relearn subjects, retake exams, and eventually gain admission to higher education institutions. The goal is to raise your grade and meet your preferred course's minimum entry requirement.
Who qualifies for a bridging course?
A bridging course is ideal for students who fail to meet the minimum entry requirements for a university or college programme. You qualify if you have a National Senior Certificate, Senior Certificate, or NC(V), but your grades are not high enough for direct admission. It is also suitable for individuals who want to improve specific subjects to access a diploma or degree studies
What is the matric pass mark in South Africa?
In South Africa, the general matric pass mark is 40% for your Home Language and 30% for other subjects. However, to achieve higher pass levels, like a Diploma or Bachelor’s pass, you must meet additional requirements, such as passing a certain number of subjects at specific percentages.
How to apply for a bridging course?
To apply for a bridging course, visit the institution's official website. Then, apply by filling in all the requirements needed by the institution.
How much does it cost to do a bridging course?
The price is determined by the chosen institution and the unit being completed. The best thing to do is to identify the college or university and then inquire about fees.
How long does it take to do a bridging course?
Bridging courses are brief and targeted learning programmes meant to assist high school students in gaining admission to higher education institutions. They are entry-level courses and can last anywhere from six months to a year.
Failing to attain high scores in your Matric examinations does not spell doom for your future. You have a chance to redeem yourself by enrolling for Matric bridging courses that are offered by various colleges and universities in South Africa. You select the subjects that you wish to resit to upgrade your score. Once you finish the bridging programmes, you have the chance to further your education at your preferred university or college.
Briefly.co.za recently published information about the Orbit College application process, courses offered at the institution, and all required documents.
Orbit College is a TVET institution in South Africa. The college focuses on teaching students basic skills such as plumbing, tailoring, carpentry, electrical engineering, and other trades.
Source: Briefly News
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo has vast experience in search engine optimization through digital content generation, research, editing, and proofreading. She joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019 and completed the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
