Not going to university after matric does not mean your education or career journey has to stop. South African school leavers have several options, including TVET colleges, learnerships, apprenticeships, internships, skills programmes, entry-level jobs and entrepreneurship.
The right choice depends on your interests, matric results, financial circumstances and the type of career you want to build.
The important thing is to choose a pathway that can help you develop recognised skills, gain practical experience or move closer to employment.
Quick Guide
| Option | What It Can Offer |
|---|---|
| TVET College | Practical and career-focused qualifications |
| Learnership | Workplace experience combined with structured learning |
| Apprenticeship | Practical technical training in a trade |
| Skills Programme | Shorter training focused on specific skills |
| Internship | Practical workplace experience |
| Entry-Level Job | Income and initial work experience |
| Entrepreneurship | Opportunity to build a small business |
| Further Education | Alternative qualifications and training |
Do You Have to Go to University After Matric?
No.
University is one route into higher education, but it is not the only option available after Grade 12.
Different careers require different forms of education and training. Some professions require university degrees, while other careers can be entered through vocational qualifications, occupational training, apprenticeships, learnerships or practical workplace experience.
For example, technical, construction, hospitality, automotive, engineering-related and artisan careers can have strong vocational pathways.
The important question is not simply whether you are going to university. Instead, ask yourself:
What skills or qualification do I need to reach the career I want?
Consider a TVET College
A Technical and Vocational Education and Training college can be a useful option for matriculants who prefer practical and career-focused education.
TVET colleges offer different programmes across areas such as:
- Engineering
- Business studies
- Information technology
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Tourism
- Office administration
- Finance
- Transport and logistics
The exact programmes available depend on the college and campus.
A TVET route can be particularly useful if you prefer learning practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Before registering, compare the programme’s admission requirements, duration, costs, location and career opportunities.
Apply for a Learnership
Learnerships combine structured learning with workplace experience.
They can be particularly useful for young people who want to gain experience while developing occupational skills.
Depending on the programme, applicants may need Grade 12 or another specified qualification.
Learnerships can be offered by companies, government departments and organisations working with Sector Education and Training Authorities.
Some learnerships provide a monthly stipend, although the amount varies between programmes.
Always check the official advertisement for the exact eligibility requirements, duration, stipend and application deadline.
Look at Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship can be a strong pathway for someone interested in a practical trade.
Depending on the programme, apprentices may develop skills in areas such as:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Automotive repair
- Fitting and machining
- Boilermaking
- Carpentry
- Mechanical trades
Apprenticeships generally involve practical workplace training combined with theoretical or structured learning.
If you enjoy working with tools, equipment, machinery or technical systems, investigating artisan development opportunities may be worthwhile.
Consider a Skills Programme
Skills programmes can provide another route for people who want to develop a specific practical skill without immediately committing to a long qualification.
Depending on the provider, training may cover areas such as:
- Computer skills
- Early childhood development
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Hospitality
- Business administration
- Security-related training
- Technical skills
The duration and certification depend on the specific programme.
Before enrolling, confirm whether the provider is legitimate and understand what qualification or certificate you will receive after completing the training.
Look for Internships
Internships are another option, particularly for matriculants who have already completed a relevant qualification or are studying towards one.
Some internships are specifically designed for graduates, while others may target students or people with particular technical qualifications.
Internships can help you gain workplace exposure and understand how organisations operate.
If you are not yet eligible for a particular internship, look for training programmes or learnerships that may help you develop the qualifications required for future opportunities.
Search for Entry-Level Jobs
You can also begin looking for employment after matric.
Some entry-level vacancies accept applicants with Grade 12, although requirements vary considerably.
Possible areas include:
- Retail
- Customer service
- Administration
- Hospitality
- Warehousing
- Sales
- Clerical work
- General support roles
- Call centres
- Security, where the required registration and training apply
Do not apply based only on the job title.
Read the complete vacancy advertisement and check the required qualifications, experience, location, documents and closing date.
Build Skills While Looking for Work
If you do not immediately find a job, use the time productively.
You could work on skills such as:
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft Office
- Communication
- Customer service
- Basic bookkeeping
- Digital skills
- Coding
- Graphic design
- Entrepreneurship
- Driving, where appropriate
- Trade-related practical skills
Free or affordable learning resources may also be available through government programmes, educational institutions and reputable training providers.
The goal is to keep developing skills that can strengthen your future applications.
Consider Entrepreneurship
Starting a business is another possible pathway after matric.
You do not necessarily need to begin with a large company.
Some young entrepreneurs start small businesses based on skills or services they already have.
Possible ideas include:
- Cleaning services
- Catering
- Graphic design
- Hair and beauty services
- Gardening
- Car washing
- Clothing
- Digital services
- Repairs
- Food businesses
However, entrepreneurship requires planning.
Before spending money, research your market, understand your costs, consider whether there is demand for the product or service and learn about the legal requirements that apply to the business.
Do not assume that starting a business will immediately generate an income.
Improve Your CV
Whether you are applying for a job, learnership or training programme, having a clear CV can make the application process easier.
Your CV can include:
- Full name
- Contact details
- Matric results
- Subjects
- Additional qualifications
- Skills
- Volunteer experience
- School leadership activities
- Projects
- Certificates
- References, where appropriate
Do not exaggerate your experience or qualifications.
If you have never worked before, focus on genuine skills and activities that demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, communication or willingness to learn.
Keep Your Documents Ready
Having your documents prepared can help you respond quickly when applications open.
Depending on the opportunity, you may need:
- South African ID
- Matric certificate or statement of results
- Updated CV
- Qualification certificates
- Academic records
- Proof of residence
- Banking details, where legitimately requested
- Other documents specified by the organisation
Only provide documents requested through a legitimate application process.
How to Choose the Right Path
You do not have to decide your entire career immediately after matric.
Start by considering your interests and strengths.
If you enjoy practical work
Consider TVET programmes, apprenticeships, artisan development or technical skills programmes.
If you want workplace experience
Look at learnerships, internships, apprenticeships and entry-level employment.
If you enjoy business
Explore business studies, entrepreneurship, sales, administration or starting a small service-based business.
If you want a specific profession
Research the exact qualification required for that career. Some professions require university degrees or professional registration, so understand the pathway before choosing an alternative qualification.
If you are unsure
Speak to a career adviser, TVET college, training provider or another trusted education professional.
Avoid Fake Opportunities
Young people looking for their first opportunity can be targeted by recruitment scams.
Be cautious if someone promises guaranteed employment in exchange for money.
Before applying, verify:
- The organisation
- The vacancy
- The official website
- The application process
- The closing date
- The contact details
Whenever possible, apply through the organisation’s official recruitment platform.
Do not share sensitive personal or financial information with an unknown person simply because they claim to be a recruiter.
You Can Change Direction Later
Your first decision after matric does not have to determine your entire future.
Someone may begin with a learnership, gain workplace experience and later study further.
Another person may complete a TVET qualification, enter employment and continue studying while working.
Someone else may start a small business and later pursue additional training.
Career paths are not always straight lines.
What matters is continuing to build useful skills, gaining experience where possible and making informed decisions about your next step.
Final Advice
If you do not go to university after matric, you still have several options.
You can consider a TVET college, learnership, apprenticeship, skills programme, internship, entry-level job or entrepreneurship. You can also continue developing skills while searching for opportunities.
Do not choose an option simply because other people are choosing it. Consider your interests, matric results, finances and long-term career goals.
Most importantly, verify every opportunity before applying or paying for training.
Your matric certificate can be the beginning of your next chapter, even if that chapter does not start at university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do after matric without going to university?
You can consider TVET colleges, learnerships, apprenticeships, skills programmes, internships, entry-level jobs, further vocational training or entrepreneurship.
Can I get a job with matric only?
Yes, some entry-level vacancies accept applicants with Grade 12. However, requirements differ between employers, so always read the individual vacancy advertisement.
Can I study without going to university?
Yes. TVET colleges, occupational training providers and other recognised institutions offer alternative education and training pathways.
Are learnerships paid?
Some learnerships provide a stipend, but payment is not identical across programmes. Check the official advertisement for the exact stipend and conditions.
Can I become an artisan without university?
Yes. Artisan careers can follow vocational and apprenticeship pathways. The exact training and trade requirements depend on the occupation.
What if I do not know what career I want?
Start by identifying subjects, activities and types of work you enjoy. Research careers and speak to a qualified career adviser or education institution before committing to a programme.
Expert Guidance
Not going to university immediately should not be viewed as the end of your education.
The strongest next step is one that moves you closer to a realistic career goal.
If you need workplace experience, investigate learnerships, internships and entry-level jobs. If you prefer practical technical work, explore TVET programmes and apprenticeships. If you want to develop a specific skill, investigate recognised skills programmes.
Keep your CV updated, maintain copies of your certificates and regularly check legitimate opportunity sources.
You can also continue learning while working. Building experience and qualifications over time can create opportunities that may not be available immediately after matric.
Disclaimer
This article provides general education and career guidance for South African matriculants. Requirements, fees, programme availability, stipends and application procedures can change.
Always verify the latest information directly with the relevant college, employer, training provider or official government source before applying.
VukaGuide is not a recruiting organisation and does not charge applicants application fees.
Trust Signals
Written by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Reviewed by: VukaGuide Editorial Team
Published: 25 August 2026
Last Updated: 25 August 2026
Reading Time: 6–7 min read
Sources:
- South African Government education and employment information
- TVET college information
- Department of Higher Education and Training information
- Official employer and training-provider information
Editorial Review:
This article has been reviewed for accuracy and is intended to provide practical career guidance to South African matriculants considering alternatives to university.
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About
Mokoena
Puseletso Mokoena is a Vukaguide contributor who writes practical and informative content for South African job seekers, students, graduates and young professionals.
Puseletso covers employment opportunities, learnerships, internships, bursaries, education, skills development and career guidance. The focus is on making opportunity information easier to understand and helping readers navigate application requirements and processes.
Vukaguide articles by Puseletso Mokoena are written with a focus on clear, useful and factual information, with opportunity details checked against available source information where possible.
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