What to Study After Matric? Understanding The Educational and Career Pathways

Completing matric is a stepping stone for individuals to a world full of opportunities. However, many learners who complete matric have questions like, “What to study after matric?” It is crucial to find an answer to this question because it shapes your career and life path. In other words, it helps you set yourself up to achieve your goals and interests.

Every learner deserves the chance to follow a path that leads to a fulfilling career and a stable income. With a variety of study options available, including short courses and diplomas, there are opportunities for everyone to find a direction that suits their goals and aspirations. Hence, whether you are considering further studies, starting a job, or exploring other opportunities, your choices after matric will play a significant role in your future success. 

In this article, we will explore the question, ‘What to study after Matric?’. We will discuss the different paths you can take after matric and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.

What To Do After Matric?

If you are wondering what to study after Matric, you should know that there are many options available. However, you must make the choice depending on your interests, financial situation, and long-term career goals. Each option will have its own set of opportunities and challenges. Here, we will give you an overview of each option, helping you to make a choice that aligns with your interests and goals:

Further Studies:

Continuing your education after matric is a common choice. It allows you to work towards a qualification that can prepare you for your dream career. Today, many students apply to universities and colleges to pursue degrees or diplomas in their chosen fields. 

Continuing your studies will help you get in-depth knowledge and specialised skills in the field of your interest. As a result, you will gain the expertise to succeed in your profession, helping you decide what to study after matric.

Working After Matric

If you prefer to enter the workforce immediately, you can take working full-time as a viable option. Without the demands of school, you can focus on gaining valuable work experience and save money if you want to pursue further studies. For instance, if you are thinking about what to study after matric, you can take job roles like Retail Associate, Call Centre Agent and Sales Representative. 

Working after high school allows you to develop essential soft skills like communication and teamwork. It will also help you acquire hard skills relevant to your desired career. 

Explore the top jobs without matric in South Africa. 

Gap Year:

Taking a gap year might be the ideal choice for those who need a break before considering work or further studies. A gap year offers the freedom to explore different experiences, such as travelling, working abroad, or volunteering. 

It is also an opportunity for you to take some time for yourself to reflect on your future and gain experiences that can shape your personal and professional development.

Types of Programmes to Consider After Matric

Understanding what to study after matric is essential for setting a clear path towards your career goals. However, once you have decided to further your education, you must choose the right programme that is crucial for your career. This will impact your professional development and opportunities. 

Below is an overview of the different programmes you can consider after matric to help you make the right decision.

Short Courses: 

Short courses are focused programmes that run for a fixed duration and cover specific topics. They are often offered by national universities, private institutions, and online universities, providing learners with flexible and affordable options. Additionally, these courses are ideal if you need to start working immediately, can’t afford higher fees, or want to build on existing qualifications.

Simply put, short courses provide a quick and cost-effective way for you to gain new skills and knowledge.

Diplomas:

If you pass matric with a Diploma Pass, you can pursue diploma courses, which offer a practical pathway into various careers. To achieve a Diploma Pass, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Achieve at least 40% of your Home Language
• Obtain at least 40% for four of your High Credit Subjects
• Get at least 30% for two other subjects

You can enter many universities or colleges to study for a diploma with a diploma pass. Unlike degrees, diplomas are generally focused on specific careers and typically require 2–3 years to complete. Besides, these programmes often lead you to higher-paying job opportunities and eventually enhance your career prospects.

Degrees:

Passing matric with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass will make you eligible to pursue degree programmes at a university or college. So, to earn a Bachelor’s pass, you must fulfil the following criteria:

• Attain at least 40% for Home Language
• Achieve at least 50% for four High Credit Subjects
• Have at least 30% for two other subjects

If you are thinking about what to study after matric, you must know that degree programmes provide a more in-depth academic education and take three to four years to complete. Hence, these programmes suit those seeking to enter the professional fields. This is because they open up many job opportunities and higher earning potential than diplomas. 

Understand why matric graduates should consider Regenesys Business School for higher education

Top Decision-Making Tests After Matric

If you are in the phase where you don’t know what to study after matric, it is advisable to take decision-making tests. These tests assess your readiness for higher education or the workforce. Thus, it gives you valuable insights, helping you choose the right path after matric. Here are the top decision-making tests you can undertake after matric to clarify your strengths and interests:

Study Readiness Test: 

After years of schooling, you might ask yourself questions like ‘What to study after matric?’ or wonder if you are truly ready to meet the challenges of higher education. With the help of a study readiness test, you can evaluate if you are ready to handle the responsibilities and challenges of further studies.

Work Readiness Test:

If you are considering entering the workforce right after matric, a work readiness test can help. This test assesses whether you have the necessary skills and attributes for a professional environment. It also evaluates your readiness to join the job market and indicates your areas for improvement. 

What are the Challenges After Matric?

As you shift from high school to the next phase of life, you may find a variety of challenges. Understanding these challenges will help you find the way through new responsibilities and opportunities. Here are some of the top challenges you might encounter after your matric:

• Adapting to a New Environment: After the matric, you enter into a new life phase that can be challenging. You will encounter new responsibilities that can be overwhelming initially. 
• Managing Academic Workload: If you choose to pursue further studies, you will have a heavier workload and require a higher level of independent learning. You must take greater responsibility for your studies and effectively manage your time.
• Facing Uncertainty About the Future: Deciding on a career path after matric can be stressful, especially if you are unsure about your interests and goals. This uncertainty can lead to anxiety. However, exploring various options and seeking guidance can help define your direction. 

Exploring Financial Options After Matric

After finding the answer to what to study after matric in South Africa, exploring financial options like bursaries to support your further studies is essential. Private sector bursaries from companies like Sasol and government bursaries through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offer financial aid, covering tuition and related costs for students. You will also find field-specific bursaries to encourage you to enter the profession where there is a skills shortage.

Learners like you can also work part-time while studying. This allows you to earn money to support your education and cover living expenses. It also helps you gain essential skills like time management and organisational skills. As a result, with these options, you can reduce the financial burden of further studies and focus on achieving your educational and career aspirations.

Conclusion

Completing matric opens the door to many opportunities. However, the next step you take after matric can shape your future. Whether you opt for further studies, immediate work, or a gap year, each option has its unique advantages and challenges. Therefore, you must know the various programmes available, from short courses and diplomas to degrees, to make an informed decision aligned with your career goals. In this article, we have provided an overview of all the options that answer your question, ‘What to study after matric?’. So, consider the options and plan your future for a successful and fulfilling career. 

Visit Regenesys’ Reginsights page to read more about such educational topics!

What to Study After Matric? – FAQs