CAREER

Grade 11 Life Orientation: Term 1 By Uvthi Chatsingh

National Senior Certificate (NSC)

CARE
Requirements for Certificate, Diploma and
C A R E E R S Degree
A Studies.
N D
Minimum Requirements to Study a
Certificate Course
C A R E E R C H O I C E S
You can study a certificate course after school at public and
private universities, however some certificate courses are
not accredited and there are different NSC requirements for
different courses.
Requirements for Admission to Additional
and Higher Education Courses Minimum Requirements to Study for

ER
Higher Education refers to a course that you take at an
accredited higher education institution. Additional education a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree at
refers to other further education and includes a range of Higher Educations Institutions
short courses. Depending on wear you study you may
receive one of the following qualifications: You have to obtain the minimum NSC requirements to study
different qualifications.
Qualification Institution
 Higher Certificate – A minimum of 30% in the
 Additional education language learning and teaching at the higher
Non-accredited and accredited
 College
certificates
 Private institution
education institute.
 Higher Education
 Diploma – A minimum of 30% in the language
 College learning and teaching at the higher education
Accredited certificate, diploma
 University institute as well as a minimum achievement rating
and/or degree
 University of Technology of 3 (40-49%) or better in 4 recognised NSC
 Comprehensive university
subjects.
In order to study after school, one need to achieve certain  Degree – A minimum of 30% in the language
marks in their matric exams. In South Africa the National learning and teaching at the higher education
Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification fits into the National institute as well as a minimum achievement rating
Qualification Framework (NfQ), which describes all of 4 (50-59%) or better in 4 recognised NSC
education, from the first year of school to the highest level subjects.
of qualification. Keep in mind that institutions may have further
requirements. You may have to take abridging course
NFQ Band NFQ Level Educational Grade/Qualification
or write national selection tests in certain subjects.
GET : General Grade 1 – 7
Education and
Training NFQ 1
Grade 9 (or Adult Basic Education and
Training Level 4)
Evaluating Additional and Higher
NFQ 2 Grade 10 Education Options
FET: Further
Education and
NFQ 3 Grade 11 When choosing a higher education institution you need to
Training Grade 12
NFQ 4
Trade Certificate consider various things such as the additional requirements
Bachelor’s Degree (3 years) as well as the cost of it.
NFQ 5 Diploma
Higher Certificate
HET: Higher
Education and NFQ 6
Honours Degree
Post-Graduate Degree
Admission Points Score (APS) for
Training
NGQ 7
Certificate
Master’s Degree
Institutions of Higher Learning
NFQ 8 Doctorate
In order to study towards a certain qualification, you need a
certain APS score. This is made up of your marks in each of
your subjects. Some universities exclude Life Orientation or
let it count for less points.
NSC % NSC Rating Achieved
Achieve APS
80-100% 7
70-79% 6
60-69% 5
50-59% 4
40-49% 3
30-39% 2
0-29% 1
Options for Financial Assistance for - All required documentation needs to be
submitted.
Further Studies
The Cost of Studying after School
Some courses take less time than others, therefore the
o The NSFAS will grant study loans without need for
students are able to get into the job market sooner. There are
many options available. guaranties and sureties and will work out a very
reasonable repayment plan based on your earnings.

Different Options for Financial Assistance Scholarships

for Additional and Higher Education
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community-
Based Organisations (CBOs) may assist with gathering
information on financial assistance.
Bursaries
A means tested award that is made to students on the basis
of satisfactory academic performance and their
parent’s/guardian’s financial circumstance.
A means test determines if a person’s financial situation is
such that they deserve government assistance.
A bursary may cover either the full costs or a part of it.
Bursaries are non-repayable grants, therefore one does not
have pay back the money unless they discontinue the course.
Many organisations offer bursaries,
One has to fill out a financial disclosure form, it also
requires your parent’s/guardian’s proof of income and
certain geographical and demographical details.
Bursaries are awarded to deserving students from
disadvantaged areas/groups.
Scholarships provide financial assistance to students based
on the basis if exceptional academic and other abilities.
Most of the student’s expenses are covered. The scholarship
is renewed each year as long as the student maintains high
academic achievements.
Learnerships
A learnership is a structured learning programme that gives
one the opportunity to work and earn an income while
studying. This combines both theoretical and practical work.
Anyone between the ages of 16 and 60 can apply. When you
enrol you will be asked to sign a three-way contract between
yourself, the employer and the training provider. The
learnership must be registered with Sector and Training
Authority (SETA).
Sector Education and Training
Authorities (SETA)
For students who did not obtain enough marks to enrol at a
higher education institution, SETA offers Skills
Development to ensure that they are equipped with skills.

Study Loans Obligations in Terms of Financial

A loan is money that you have to pay back on completion or
termination of studies. You can pay it off in full or in
instalments. Many banks offer study loans. If you are unable
to pay back the loan then the parent/guardian that signed a
surety will have to pay it back. There are also organisations
in South Africa that offer study loans, such as NSFAS and
Eduloan:
Arrangements
Repaying a loan is a big responsibility. When taking out a
loan, you and the person who stands surety for you must
fully understand the agreement and have the ability to pay
back the loan.

National Student Financial Aid Scheme

(NSFAS)
o Is a statutory (controlled by the law) body.
o Has to be repaid with an interest rate.
o A portion of the loan can be converted into a bursary,
based on academic performance.
o NSFAS Loan Criteria
- Only South African students studying at
South African educational institutions.
- Undergraduate student studying towards a
first qualifications.
- Student show academic potential and be in
need of financial assistance.
- Application must be filled completely and
correctly.