You can still get a job, even if you did not get your Matric. There are ways to get around the fact that you do not have Matric. Some examples are:
- Study without Matric
- Apply for learnerships, internships, or apprenticeships that do not require Matric
- Apply for skills-based work that you have experience in
What Can I Study If I Failed Matric?
There are many courses you can study without Matric, such as:
- Matric programmes
- ICB courses
- CIMA courses
- Short courses
- An accredited child care course like the Occupational Certificate: ECD NQF Level 4
Matric Programmes
If you would like to improve your Matric results so that you can work or study at institutions that require you to have your Matric, you can do that. You can also get your Matric if you have not completed your Matric. There are four ways you can get your Matric online:
- Matric Rewrite
- Matric Upgrade
- Adult Matric
- National Certificate (Vocational) levels
Matric Rewrite
This option is for students under the age of 21 who would like to improve their Matric results. You may rewrite up to four of your subjects. You may not change any subjects, you must rewrite subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams.
You can rewrite your Matric as many times as you like up to five years after your Matric year, as long as you are still under the age of 21.
Matric Upgrade
This option is for students who are 21 or older who would like to improve their Matric results. You may upgrade up to four of your subjects. Alternatively, you can change up to four of your subjects.
You may upgrade your Matric as many times as you like. There is no age limit to when you can upgrade your Matric, as long as you are 21 or older. You can apply as early as 19, but you must be 21 or older to write the exams because you will write the Adult Matric exams.
Adult Matric
This option is for adults who are 21 or older and did not get to complete their high school education and could not write their Matric exams. You must have completed up to Grade 9 to apply for the Adult Matric Course.
Once you have successfully completed your Adult Matric, you will be awarded your Senior Certificate (Amended). This will function the same way as a National Senior Certificate, known as a school Matric. You can use your Adult Matric to apply for work or to further your studies.
National Certificate (Vocational) Levels
NC (V) levels are offered at TVET colleges, formerly known as FET colleges. These institutions require only Grade 9 to apply. NC (V) levels are offered at NQF levels 2 to 4, which are equivalent to Grades 10 to Matric.
These courses are vocational qualifications, which means they are designed to teach you career-specific skills, instead of giving you general academic knowledge like the skills you learn in high school.
Where Can I Study Matric Programmes?
There are many reputable distance learning colleges aside from TVET colleges that offer Matric programmes, such as:
ICB Courses
ICB courses are designed by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), and are accredited by ICB and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). QCTO accreditation means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa.
ICB is also an international organisation, which means ICB qualifications are recognised internationally as well. ICB courses go up to the Diploma level, and none of their three study streams require Matric to apply.
ICB Study Stream | Entry Requirement | Accepted Equivalent Examples |
Financial Accounting | Grade 10 or equivalent |
|
Business Management | Grade 11 or equivalent |
|
Office Administration | Matric or equivalent |
|
Where Can I Study ICB Courses?
Many distance learning colleges offer ICB courses. Some reputable ones are:
Short Courses
You can also study short courses that are open-access. Open-access means the only requirements you must meet are that you are 16 or older, and that you can understand, read and write in English.
You must also be comfortable studying through distance learning, as all the courses listed below are offered online only.
Short Courses At Matric College
Short Courses At Skills Academy
- Accounting, Bookkeeping And Finance Courses
- Beauty Courses
- Computer Courses
- Educare And Childcare Courses
- Human Resource Management Courses
- Interior Decorating and Design, and Digital Photography Courses
- Management Courses
- Marketing Courses
- Occupational Health and Safety Courses
- Project Management Courses
- Tourism Courses
- Wedding And Events Planning Courses
Short Courses At Ember Academy
- Beauty Therapist Programme
- Child Daycare Programme
- Child Psychology Programme
- Crèche Management Programme
- Digital Photography Programme
- Event Management Programme
- Facial Skincare Programme
- Guest House Management Programme
- Human Resource Management Programme
- Make-up Application Programme
- Nail Care Programme
- Operational Health and Safety Programme
- Personal Assistant Programme
- Project Management Programme
- Receptionist Courses
- Supply Chain Management Programme
- Tourism Management Programme
- Tourism Marketing Programme
- Wedding Planner Programme
Short Courses At Learning Group
Can You Pursue A Future Career Without Matric?
Yes, you can. You can study any of the above courses and pursue a wide range of careers, or you can apply for learnerships, internships, or apprenticeships with businesses that do not require Matric to apply for these opportunities.
Can You Work For The Government Without Matric?
No, you cannot work for the government without Matric. However, the government has systems in place for those who would like to get their education if they did not get to go to school.
If you do not have any school education, you can begin with Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) levels. Once you have completed your ABET levels, or if you completed school up to Grade 9, you can then do your NC (V) levels at a TVET college.
This will allow you to get your education up to the Matric level.
What Have We Learned?
- You can get a job without Matric
- There are many study opportunities available even if you do not have Matric
- There are options available for you to improve your Matric or get your Matric
- You can get a career without Matric
- You cannot work for the government without Matric
Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Last Updated: 5 March 2026