Top courses without matric in South Africa: a complete guide for learners
South African courses without matric have shaped the careers of many learners. From hands-on skills in office administration and bookkeeping to creative fields like beauty therapy and childcare, learners can find recognised programs at TVET Colleges, Distance Learning Colleges, or MOOC platforms.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- South African learners can access free courses without matric entry requirements on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- TVET Colleges across the country offer NCV programs and PLPs that do not require Grade 12 to enrol.
- Distance Learning Colleges, including Skills Academy and Bellview Institute of Distance Learning, offer short courses without matric requirements in fields such as beauty, childcare, and bookkeeping.
Top courses that do not require matric in South Africa
Failing Grade 12 or leaving school early does not mean that you cannot pursue your career goals. Highlighted below are some of the best courses you can study without matric in South Africa to unlock professional opportunities.
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1. TVET college courses without matric
Public TVET colleges offer National Vocational Certificate (NCV) programs and Pre-Vocational Learning Programmes (PLPs). The minimum entry requirement for most NCVs is Grade 10, while PLPs require as low as a Grade 9 pass to secure a learning spot.
Vocational colleges are designed to equip students with practical, job-ready skills to prepare them for a specific trade. Popular TVET college courses you can pursue without a matric include:
| TVET Category | Courses without matric |
| Business & Management | -Finance, Economics and Accounting -Generic Management -Marketing Management -Office Administration -Business Management |
| Hospitality & Services | -Hospitality -Catering -Tourism -Cosmetology -Haircare -Safety in Society |
| Engineering & Technical | -Electrical Infrastructure Construction -Civil Engineering and Building Construction -Engineering and Related Design -Mechanical Engineering -Mechatronics -Automotive Motor Mechanics |
| IT & Computer Science | -Information Technology and Computer Science |
| Agriculture & Environment | -Primary Agriculture -Plant Processing Operation |
| Education & Health | -Education and Development -Primary Health -Child Day Care -Educare and Child Care -Forensic Courses -Health Courses |
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2. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs have been a game-changer in global distance learning education. Anyone from anywhere in the world can pursue their online courses without matric requirements. They accommodate thousands of students and are designed to be flexible and affordable.
Leaners have the option to pay for a certificate of completion. International platforms known for hosting credible courses include Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, edX, Udacity, and LinkedIn Learning.
Learners browse the MOOCs catalogue to find a course that suits the skills they are looking for. The programmes cover all skill levels from beginners to advanced professionals, with Computer Science and Technology courses being the most popular.
| MOOC Category | Courses without matric |
| Computer Science & Technology | -Programming languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, R-Data Science and Machine Learning: Data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, data visualisation, big data-Cybersecurity: Network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics-Web Development: Front-end and back-end development-Software Engineering: Software design, development, project management |
| Business & Management | -Finance and Accounting: Corporate finance, financial modelling, bookkeeping, personal finance-Marketing: Digital marketing, social media marketing, brand management-Leadership and Management: Project management, organisational behaviour, strategic leadership-Entrepreneurship: Business plan development |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | -History -Philosophy and Ethics -Psychology -Sociology and Anthropology |
| Health & Medicine | -Public Health: Global health, epidemiology, public health policy -Medicine: Anatomy, physiology, clinical bioinformatics, medical ethics-Personal Health: Nutrition, mental health, wellness |
| Arts & Design | -Creative Arts: Creative writing, music theory, drawing -Design: Graphic design, user experience (UX) design, video game design -Architecture: Introduction to architecture, historical architecture |
| Personal Development & Education | -Learning and Study Skills -Language Learning -Teaching and education |
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3. Distance Learning College courses
Several accredited private institutions in South Africa offer short online college courses without matric, including Provider Programmes. The distance learning model is designed to allow learners to study at their own pace with online study material and tutor support.
| Distance Learning College | Courses |
| Bellview Institute of Distance Learning | -Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate (NQF Level 3) -Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate -Business Management Financial Management: ICB National Certificate -Child Day Care Courses -Educare Online Programme -Management Assistant Short Certificate -Marketing Management Certificate -Facial Skincare Short Course |
| Skills Academy | -Financial Management -Bookkeeping -Beauty Therapy -Educare and Childcare -Computer -Project Management -Design and Photography -Legal and Professional Secretary -Tourism Management |
| Matric College | -First Aid -Child Day Care -Crèche Management -Child Psychology -Beauty Therapy -Salon Management -Facial Skincare -Guest House Management -Tourism Management -Events Planning |
Can you study teaching without matric?
You can study teaching without matric at TVET Colleges by enrolling in programs like Early Childhood Development or Education and Development NCV. The National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate is usually required for a full professional teaching qualification at top universities and teaching colleges.
Which course can you do if you failed matric?
If you fail your matric, you can do Nated (Report 191), NCV, or PLP courses at TVET Colleges. These qualifications can provide a pathway to higher-level qualifications and a National Diploma.
Students who wish to earn their National Senior Certificate later can enrol in a Matric Rewrite Course that will help them pass the subjects they failed. Learners above the age of 21 can enrol in an Adult Matric Course to earn an Amended Senior Certificate.
Which course can you do with grade 9?
Learners with Grade 9 can pursue various vocational and technical courses offered in the country's leading TVET Colleges. Pre-Vocational Learning Programmes (PLPs) are the most available choices.
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Conclusion
The above courses without matric should help you further your educational journey. The programme you choose should equip you with relevant skills for the South African job market.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
READ MORE: Top 20 agricultural colleges in South Africa: best courses
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Source: Briefly News
