What should I study after matric?

Start with what you enjoy and are good at, then match it to a career. Take our career quiz for ideas, read the career guides to see what each job needs, and work out your APS to see what you qualify for. There is no single best course, only the one that fits you.

Which course is best to study after matric in South Africa?

The best course is the one that leads to a career you want and that you can get into with your marks. Careers in health, engineering, IT, teaching and the trades are in steady demand. Use our careers pages to see what to study for each.

What can I study with my APS?

Your APS decides which university courses you can get into. Work out your APS with our free calculator, then see the courses you qualify for at each university.

What can I do after matric with Maths Literacy?

A lot. Law, psychology, social work, teaching, nursing, policing and hospitality all accept Maths Literacy for at least one route in. See our careers without maths page for the full list.

What if I do not know what to study?

That is normal. Take the career quiz to find careers that fit your interests, then read a few guides. You can also start at a TVET college or with a learnership while you decide.

Do I have to go to university after matric?

No. University is one route. You can also study at a TVET college, do a learnership and earn while you learn, or take a private college course. Each has its own way into a career.

What to Study After Matric in South Africa (2026)

Choosing what to study after matric can feel big, but you do not have to guess. The best way is to start with the job you want, then find out what to study for it. This page helps you find a direction, then shows every study route, from university to a TVET college to a learnership.

Not sure yet? Start here

Find careers that fit you, then see what each one needs.

Take the career quiz6 questions, careers that fit you Browse all careersWhat to study for each job Highest-paying careersRanked by salary Careers without mathsMaths Literacy is fine Careers in demandNeeded right now Jobs without a degreeDiploma, licence or trade

Your study options after matric

Once you know the career, pick the route that fits your marks and your pocket.

Work out your APSSee what you qualify for UniversitiesAll 26 public universities TVET collegesPractical, job-focused study LearnershipsEarn while you learn Bursaries and fundingHow to pay for it No matric yet?Your options without matric

Questions people ask

Work out your marks, find where to study, and get ready to apply.

Careers

What to study after matric

Not sure yet? Start here

Your study options after matric

Questions people ask

Related

Career guides

Career quiz

Highest-paying careers

What to study after matric

Not sure yet? Start here

Your study options after matric

Questions people ask

What should I study after matric?+

Which course is best to study after matric in South Africa?+

What can I study with my APS?+

What can I do after matric with Maths Literacy?+

What if I do not know what to study?+

Do I have to go to university after matric?+

Related

Career guides

Career quiz

Highest-paying careers