Unlike other countries, in South Africa senior certificates are national priority, it shows how important you are, congratulations. To those who haven’t been successful, all is not lost, try again.

According to the Department of Basic Education the pass rate for 2023 was 80.1%, as announced on 19 January 2023.

It is all systems go, with youth flocking institutions of learning. For some, this ranges from long trips after sorting pots and pans, looking forward to get far away from home.  For others, it may be taxi trip down a local institution. Whichever it is, it is a great milestone, investing in your future.

Getting started

By now, you would have done the “homework” and explored the requirements for intended institution. You might have completed an application and the only missing thing was the certificate. If you received career guidance, it makes study choice easier, some will quickly have to understand options and make a decision.

1. Consider your natural skills, abilities and talents, most institutions will have free career guidance services open to potential students. This may include taking an assessment assisted by a qualified career advisor on campus.
2. Do your homework and conduct research on career choices that are relevant to market and your aptitude, preference and budget. The entrepreneurial choice is catered for in many institutions, for those wanting to start their own businesses one day.
3. Understand your desired field of study and options available.
4. Ensure your results meet the point system required for the field of study

Choosing an institution

Depending on various factors, such as affordability, results and preference, the choices fall into four main categories.

 University: This is the “traditional” route, which involves academic studies for specialist, professional to commercial, qualifications in 3 years+ tuition.

TVET College: This field predominantly offers occupational learning, which helps learners learn practical skills in the workplace. 

Specialty Skills Institution: For some learners, the ability to pursue a specific niche is what they are after.

Learnerships: Offering various options, learnerships have become a way for learners to get practical experience whilst getting a stipend. This allow learners to gain practical experience, as well as earn.

Funding

While education is a basic right, not everyone can afford the cost of tertiary institutions. Depending on affordability and requirements there are various bursaries and study loan available, this can range from covering tuitions and books to full board. Each institution will have an office dedicated to helping students with understanding various options available to them.

Registration & On boarding

Next up will be orientation, to help on-board for a smooth transition. Thinking back to my experience, it was a daunting to know everything, I probably missed a couple of classes, trying to navigate campus. I don’t think I even knew orientation was a thing. Years later, I was a proud parent accompanying my daughter to her orientation at my alma mater, and they pulled out all the stops to make them feel welcome, preparing for a significant milestone in their lives.

Tips for parents

1. Check that the institution is accredited accordingly, this is often overlooked as we assume no learning institution will operate without licences, but it necessary.
2. Ensure you support your child by attending critical events, they need it. Nothing beats having a parent present to calm their anxiety 
3. Ensure safety and support structure for your child, especially if studying away from home.
4. Take an interest in their progress and be aware of factors that may affect them, and encourage them to seek help.

Tips for students:

1. Know your priorities and your why, fun will always remain
2. Prepare yourself emotionally, mentally and physically for the demands higher learning brings and find opportunities to refresh
3. Understand all the support options available on campus, and reach out when needing help
4. Networking is underrated in general, find societies/forums relevant to your field to keep updated.
5. Safety, safety, safety, be mindful of your surroundings and always take precautionary measures.

For those who many not have support from family, the student services centre offer great support, guidance and mentoring to help you. They have qualified advisors ready and eager to assist. Depending on each institution there may also be pyscho-social assistance available, to help with all the big emotions and challenges that comes up with life transitions.

Also don’t forget to reach out to fellow students, teachers and roles models in your community.

Make this milestone a great one.

Article by: Coach AJ - Silu Coaching