NSC Certificate. Image: Supplied
Following the release of the 2024 matric results this week, thousands of South African students are reassessing their plans for 2025.
Whether exceeding expectations or falling short of requirements, education experts emphasise that various paths remain open.
“In the wake of receiving their results, it is important for all matrics from the class of 2024 to pause and consider the way forward,” says Peter Kriel, general manager at The Independent Institute of Education.
“Even if your results don’t impact your initial plans, it is still advisable to make sure you know you are on the right path.”
Education expert Hendrick Makatena emphasises the importance of personal choice in post-matric decisions.
“It is most important to know what you want. Most students often find themselves studying courses that they don’t really want due to pressure from family and friends.
“It’s very important for students to make decisions on their own, so they follow their own path instead of following someone else’s path.”
Makatena warns against “mob psychology”, noting that students shouldn’t choose courses simply because their friends are enrolling.
ALSO READ: Matric class of 2024: Universities receive record number of applications for 2025 intake
He advises extensive research before committing to higher education, as “this journey often makes or breaks people”.
Makatena advises prospective students to apply to multiple institutions instead of relying on just one application. He also says they should choose careers that genuinely make them happy.
For students who performed better than expected, Kriel advises first celebrating the success while reflecting on effective study methods.
He encourages immediate contact with higher education institutions to explore programmes that may now be accessible with better-than-expected results.
Both public universities and private higher education providers offer accredited qualifications, expanding the range of options.
For those who didn’t achieve their expected results, Kriel emphasises that this is a temporary setback.
An alternative is enrolling for a higher certificate at an accredited institution, which can provide a pathway to degree studies in chosen disciplines.
Students who wish to improve their marks can take advantage of the government’s Second Chance Programme, which allows them to rewrite specific subjects and potentially upgrade their results.
ALSO READ: Time running out for second chance matric registration
For those seeking to take a break from formal education or explore different opportunities, all hope is not lost.
Nasi Ispani, a “dedicated job platform”, offers a lifeline by connecting young South Africans to career opportunities.
The platform provides access to internships, learnerships, entry-level positions and bursary opportunities, making it a valuable resource for those still figuring out their path forward.
In terms of future prospects, Makatena highlights data science as a leading career path with strong employment potential due to current low enrolment numbers.
He says engineering fields also continue to offer promising opportunities due to skills shortages.
Johannesburg Water is offering bursary opportunities for the 2025 academic year specifically for students who have completed their first year of study.
The positions available include:
Applications close on 24 January 2025, at 4pm.
Isfap provides comprehensive financial support for students from poor and working-class/missing middle families.
The programme covers:
This entrepreneurial leadership development programme offers:
Eligibility requirements include:
Applications opened on 10 January and close on 19 January 2025.
MultiChoice is offering 230 bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in critical skills fields including:
Eligibility criteria:
Applications close on 29 January.
This Department of Basic Education initiative emphasises that “teaching is not a job, but a lifestyle.” The programme offers:
Eligibility requirements:
Required documentation includes:
Applications opened on 10 October 2024, through the online Funza Lushaka Information System at www.eservices.gov.za.
ALSO READ: Class of 2024: Matric results, re-markings and rewrites — everything you need to know
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has announced nominations are open for South African students to study at Chinese institutions for the 2025/26 academic year.
This programme offers full scholarships covering all study costs across various fields.
The programme includes opportunities for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and Chinese language programmes.
While bachelor’s programmes require Chinese language proficiency (HSK 3 certificate), postgraduate programmes are taught in English, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
Eligibility requirements include:
Interested students must submit their applications by 24 January 2025. For inquiries, DHET can be contacted at chinaapplications@dhet.gov.za.
“Whether you did better or worse than expected, there are always steps you can take to continue growing and improving,” Kriel concludes.
“Celebrate your achievements, learn from your experiences, and stay focused on your future goals. Remember, with determination and the right mindset, you can overcome any challenge and achieve your dreams.”
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