SKA Square Kilometre Array Bid
2012-02-16Wednesday 4 April is an important day on SA's science calendar. That is when the decision will be announced to build the core site of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in South Africa or in Australia. more
Iziko Summer School 2012
2012-02-15"Thoughtful Reflections on our Art, History and Heritage" runs right up until Saturday 25 February 2012. This year's theme is inspired by the ANC’s Centenary Celebrations. Events showcase history and art by collecting, conserving and connecting people to South Africa's rich cultural heritage. more
« Back | Home » 2012 Is it too late to study further?
You’ve achieved a Matric pass that now entitles you to go to university – but you forgot to register or never thought about studying further, until now! Most public universities, including universities of technology, close their admissions between August and October the year before study – so now what do you do?
First, contact the university or university of technology you’re interested in as some may still be accepting students for classes or courses that are not yet full (visit www.careerplanet.co.za for a list of universities accepting late registrations).
If none are offering spaces for the courses or career fields you want to pursue, don’t give up or switch directions just yet. Many private tertiary institutions are still open for registration to obtain certificates, diplomas as well as Bachelor Degrees. Vega, for example, offers Bachelor of Arts in Communications Management and Bachelor of Arts: Brand Building and Management (closing date: 31 January 2012); and Varsity College offers a Bachelor Of Accounting Science (BCompt), Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Health Sciences & Social Services)(Psychological Counselling) (BAHSSS), Bachelor of Education (BEd ECD: Foundation Phase), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Business Administration Marketing Management, Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication (BA(CC), and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – with application open until 23 January 2012.
The last day for late applications will differ from institution to institution. Also, bear in mind that private institutions do charge more than public institutions, however – and always ask about hidden costs such as registration fees and late application penalties to work out your budget or extra financing needs in advance.
If for any reason you do not get in or cannot afford tuition at a private training institution, there are still ways in which to make your year ahead useful. The facility called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and all institutions can assess whether education or work you do in 2012 can count towards one’s qualifications in 2013. In other words, when you to a university of your choice for 2013 (apply in June/July 2012 to make the application deadlines!) they can assess whether what you’ve done in 2012 can allow for some exemptions. For example:
- Choose a one-year certificate Higher Certificate course (NQF Level 5 with some relationship to the ultimate course you aim to study) – for example, accounting if you intend studying for a BCom; or computer skills, which can be a valuable skills-set to add to your CV irrespective of the course you intend to study or if you decide to look for work without full-time study.
- If you passed but your marks could be improved (say Maths), you could go to an FET college, and do a vocational courses which will also count towards a RPL assessment. You could also consider doing a Bridging Year to prepare for the various challenges you will encounter at the tertiary level.
- Many people (especially those who have not chosen a direction) find that a gap year or a working year contributes to their maturity and that they are more committed at the end of it. Explore internship opportunities, part-time jobs, volunteer placements and learnership opportunities to gain experience as well as practical knowledge. For trainee, intern and bursary opportunities still accepting applications in 2012, visit our homepage.
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