When you get your matric results, first understand what level of pass you achieved — a bachelor's, diploma or higher-certificate pass — because that determines what you can study. Then act quickly: confirm or adjust your university and college applications, sort out funding, and if your results were lower than hoped, calmly work through your alternatives. Results day is a starting point, not a verdict on your future.
Understand your pass level
- Bachelor's pass — you can apply for degree study (subject to APS and subjects).
- Diploma pass — you can apply for diploma study.
- Higher certificate pass — you can apply for higher certificates and many college courses.
- Check subject minimums too — your pass level and specific subject marks both matter.
If you did well
- 1Confirm your university/college acceptance and firm up your funding (NSFAS, bursaries).
- 2Register on time and sort out accommodation early.
- 3If you exceeded expectations, check whether better-fitting courses are still open.
If your results were lower than hoped
- 1Don't panic — you have real options, including diplomas, TVET colleges and higher certificates.
- 2Consider a matric rewrite or supplementary exams to improve specific subjects.
- 3Look at bridging or extended (foundation) programmes into your target field.
- 4Explore learnerships, apprenticeships or a structured gap year to build skills.
Feeling unsure which way to go? Take the free assessment to clarify your direction, then explore the matching guides.
Take the free assessmentWhat can I study with a diploma pass?+
A diploma pass lets you apply for diploma programmes at universities of technology, TVET colleges and some universities, across fields like engineering, IT, business and hospitality. You can later articulate towards a degree.
Can I improve my matric results?+
Yes. You can write supplementary exams for specific subjects, or do a full or partial matric rewrite through a school, TVET college or the Second Chance programme, then reapply with better marks.
I got accepted but have no funding — what now?+
Apply or appeal for NSFAS, chase bursaries, and speak to the institution's financial aid office. Consider more affordable routes like TVET colleges, or a gap year to save and reapply.
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