Step Two: Determine a Suitable Course
You need to download as many university and TVET college prospectus as possible and look at the different courses offered out there. Make sure that the course you want to apply for matches with the grades you are getting in grade 11 and 12. If you know you are good in theory, reading and understanding, choose courses like law that consists of a lot of theory. If you are good with numbers and working with your hands make sure you choose courses such as Engineering. Also consider your background while choosing a course, if you are someone that comes from a disadvantaged background, and you are hoping that the degree that you choose will get you a job as soon as possible. You need to choose a professional degree such as:
- Healthcare and Medical Degrees
o Medicine
o Nursing
o Pharmacy
o Dentistry
o Physiotherapy
o Medical Laboratory Technology
- Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science:
o Computer Science
o Information Systems
o Software Engineering
o Cybersecurity
o Data Science/Analytics
o Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
- Engineering (Various Disciplines):
o Electrical Engineering
o Civil Engineering
o Mechanical Engineering
o Chemical Engineering
o Industrial Engineering
- Renewable Energy and Environmental Science:
o Environmental Science
o Renewable Energy Engineering
o Sustainable Development
o Environmental Management
- Contruction Management and Quantity Surveying:
o Construction Management
o Quantity Surveying
o Building Science
- Education and Teaching:
o Primary and Secondary Education
o Special Education
o Early Childhood Education
o Education Leadership
Keep in mind that these are some of the proffesional degrees, not all of them. If you want a job as soon as you done with your degree do not choose academic degrees that will more/less require you to further your study in order for you to get a good paying job. Some of the courses that are considered academic degrees are:
• Media Studies
• Fine Arts
• Psychology
• Theology
• Public Governance
• Philosophy
• Social Work
• Cultural Studies
• Information Studies
• Bsc Life Science
• Bsc Physical Science
• Bsc Toxicology
• BA Language Studies
• BA Ancient Languages
Note that I am not saying you are not going to work if you study these course, however you might need to further your studies and do your honours, masters and possibly PhD in order for you to get a proper job in South Africa. And in order to further your studies you will be needing funding. As majority of South African students relay on NSFAS for tertiary funding, it is important to note that NSFAS does not cover any postgraduate qualifications.