Your options
Four paths beyond university
Each one leads to a real qualification and a job. Pick one to see the colleges, what they cost, and how to get in.
TVET Colleges
Public colleges that teach trades and real job skills. NSFAS can pay your fees. All 50 public colleges are listed.
ExploreCET Colleges
Community colleges for adults and young people not in school. Finish your matric or pick up new skills.
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Private Colleges
Private study options. Always check the college is registered with the DHET before you pay any money.
ExploreSETAs & Learnerships
Get paid to learn on the job. A learnership mixes work and study, and ends with a real qualification.
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Money and next steps
Bursaries, NSFAS, and funding to help you pay for whichever path you choose.
Compare all 9 after-school routes
Universities, TVET, CET, private colleges, learnerships and more, compared side by side.
Learn moreTVETTVET college courses
Every NC(V) and NATED course, with requirements, duration, NSFAS and the careers they lead to.
Learn moreCareersStudy without matric
Honest options without matric: TVET, learnerships and how to get your matric for free.
Learn moreCareerSocial worker: where to study
Universities and colleges that train you as a social worker, and what each needs.
Learn moreCareerNurse: where to study
Universities and colleges that train you as a nurse, and what each needs.
Learn moreCareerTeacher: where to study
Universities and colleges that train you as a teacher, and what each needs.
Learn moreWorried about fees?
NSFAS pays for TVET college too, and there are many bursaries. See what you can get.
See funding options