VerifiedQuite a lot, as long as you have at least Grade 9. Public TVET colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges and some workplace programmes accept applicants without matric. What you cannot do without matric, or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, is enrol for a university higher certificate, diploma or degree.
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Options without matric
| Option | Minimum entry | Where | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 | Grade 9 | Public TVET colleges | NQF Level 4 certificate in a field such as IT, tourism or engineering |
| Occupational trades | Often Grade 9 to 11 with maths | TVET colleges and accredited providers | A trade test and work as an artisan |
| Other occupational certificates | Set per qualification | TVET colleges | Jobs such as hairdresser, early childhood development practitioner or chef |
| Pre-Vocational Learning Programme | Grade 9 to 11 | Some TVET colleges | Entry to NC(V) Level 2 |
| Adult education (GETC, Senior Certificate) | Varies | CET colleges | Completing basic or school-level education |
| Learnerships and skills programmes | Set by the employer or SETA | Employers and training providers | Workplace experience plus a qualification |
Funding
NSFAS funds eligible students at public TVET colleges without matric, for example in the NC(V). See NSFAS without matric.
If you want to go further later
- NC(V) Level 4 can be used to apply to some university programmes, if you meet their requirements.
- Adults aged 21 or older can complete the Amended Senior Certificate, an adult matric.
- If you wrote matric but did not pass, you can rewrite subjects through the free Second Chance Matric Programme.
Be careful with private colleges that promise diplomas without matric. A registered higher education diploma needs matric or an equivalent. Check a college’s registration before you pay.
Related: engineering without matric and can I do N1 without matric?.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study at a TVET college without matric?
Yes. The NC(V) needs a Grade 9 pass, and many occupational programmes accept applicants without matric.
Can I get a diploma without matric?
Not a registered higher education diploma. You would first need matric or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, such as NC(V) Level 4.