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South African education help portal

How to choose a career after Matric (simple decision guide)

If you feel confused after Matric, you’re not alone. The trick is to choose a direction, not a perfect answer.

This guide helps you decide in a practical way — without overthinking.

Step 1: Pick your “problem type”

Choose the kind of problems you enjoy:

  • People problems: helping, teaching, communicating, leading
  • Numbers problems: budgeting, analysis, business, finance
  • Tech problems: computers, coding, systems, building tools
  • Science problems: experiments, health, the environment, research
  • Design problems: creative work, visuals, content, products
  • Hands-on problems: fixing/building things, practical work, fieldwork

You can pick more than one.

Step 2: Pick your lifestyle preferences

Be honest:

  • Do you want office work or hands-on work?
  • Do you want a stable routine or variety?
  • Do you prefer working alone or with people?
  • Are you okay with long training (like 5–7 years) or do you want to start working sooner?

This helps you choose the right pathway (certificate/diploma/degree).

Step 3: Choose 3 career options (not 1)

Don’t bet everything on one path.

Pick:

  • Option A (dream): what you want most
  • Option B (strong backup): still good and realistic
  • Option C (fast start): quicker entry, with growth potential

Step 4: Check subject requirements early (Maths vs Math Lit matters)

Some careers have strict subject rules.

Examples (general guidance):

  • Engineering / many BSc programmes: often require Mathematics + Physical Sciences
  • Medicine / many health degrees: often require Mathematics + Physical Sciences + Life Sciences
  • IT diplomas: can be more flexible than Computer Science degrees
  • Law / Humanities: often focus more on language and APS than Maths/Science

Tip: even if your APS is high, missing required subjects can block you.

Step 5: Calculate your APS and pick a pathway

Your APS helps you choose what’s realistic right now.

👉 Use the APS Calculator:
APS Calculator

Then decide:

  • Degree route (if you qualify and meet subjects)
  • Diploma route (practical and strong career options)
  • Higher Certificate route (stepping stone into diploma/degree)

Use this guide:

Step 6: If your results are not enough (you still have options)

Many students succeed through smart upgrades.

Quick “career starter list” (examples)

These are examples to help you explore:

People-focused

  • Teaching
  • Social work
  • HR
  • Marketing / sales
  • Nursing pathways (requirements differ)

Numbers / business

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Supply chain / logistics
  • Business management

Tech

  • IT support / networks
  • Software development
  • Data / analytics (often needs stronger Maths)

Science / health

  • Environmental health (varies)
  • Biomedical / health science pathways (often strict)
  • Lab-related fields (requirements vary)

Hands-on / practical

  • TVET trades and technical careers
  • Engineering diplomas (often Maths/Science required)

Your next step (simple plan)

  1. Pick 3 careers (A, B, C)
  2. Check subject requirements
  3. Calculate APS: APS Calculator
  4. Choose pathway: certificate/diploma/degree
  5. Apply: How to apply to university
  6. Funding: NSFAS guides

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