Career guidance and advice

Choose your career

career guidance and subject advice

Choose your career

career guidance and subject advice

3 Grade 12 "pass"

certificate options

There are three different Grade 12 passes, in the form of certificates or diplomas as set out in this section.

Grade 12 Certificate option: Diploma pass

A diploma pass requires 40% in four higher credit subjects, 30% in three lower credit subjects, and you may fail one subject.

With this pass, you can enrol for a bridging course at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or a diploma course at a university of technology.

To receive a diploma pass, a student must:

– Pass 6 of the 7 subjects offered;
Of which 4 Subjects must be at least a 40% (level 3) achievement;
Subjects include Home Language at 40% Compulsory Pass /excluding Life Orientation;
– 30% Pass in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT).

Grade 12 Certificate option: Bachelor's Pass

A bachelor’s pass means you can apply for a degree course at a university or university of technology and can study for a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree.

To achieve a bachelor’s pass, you must:

Pass 6 of the 7 subjects offered;
Of which four Subjects must be at least a 50% (level 4) achievement;
Including Home Language 40% Compulsory Pass /excluding Life Orientation;
30% Pass in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT);
The Department of Basic Education has revoked the list of designated subjects with effect from September 2018;
The minimum admission requirements for a Bachelor’s degree programme remain the same, namely, a NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education Institution (HEI), coupled with an achievements rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in any four (4) NSC subject except Life Orientation.
It should be noted that even if a student has achieved a bachelor’s pass, they do not automatically qualify for a university position.

Grade 12 Certificate Option: Certificate pass

A certificate pass requires a 40% pass in your home language, 2 subjects above 40%, 4 subjects above 30% and you may fail 1 subject. This pass allows you to study for a higher certificate.

Unsuccessful students

It is possible for some unsuccessful students to rewrite a paper through a supplementary exam. You qualify to rewrite if you’ve failed 2 or more subjects.

Only candidates who were registered for and, who wrote the November 2019 NSC examination, can apply to write a supplementary exam.

2019 Grade 12 learners can register to write the examination if:

– They failed to meet the requirements in the November examination;
– They passed but seek to improve their performance; or
– They were absent from the writing of one or more question papers due to ill-health or other unforeseen circumstances;
– The closing date for NSC May/June 2020 supplementary examination applications is 31 January 2020.

3 Grade 12 "pass"

certificate options

There are three different Grade 12 passes, in the form of certificates or diplomas as set out in this section.

Grade 12 Certificate option: Diploma pass

A diploma pass requires 40% in four higher credit subjects, 30% in three lower credit subjects, and you may fail one subject.

With this pass, you can enrol for a bridging course at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or a diploma course at a university of technology.

To receive a diploma pass, a student must:

Grade 12 Certificate option: Bachelor's Pass

A bachelor’s pass means you can apply for a degree course at a university or university of technology and can study for a higher certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree.

To achieve a bachelor’s pass, you must:

Grade 12 Certificate Option: Certificate pass

A certificate pass requires a 40% pass in your home language, 2 subjects above 40%, 4 subjects above 30% and you may fail 1 subject. This pass allows you to study for a higher certificate.

Unsuccessful students

It is possible for some unsuccessful students to rewrite a paper through a supplementary exam. You qualify to rewrite if you’ve failed 2 or more subjects.

Only candidates who were registered for and, who wrote the November 2019 NSC examination, can apply to write a supplementary exam.

2019 Grade 12 learners can register to write the examination if:

Free help with choosing

your career

Choosing a Career is one of the most important milestones in an individual’s life.

The decisions you make now will have a significant impact on the rest of your personal and professional life.

Click here to take a look at some of the career opportunities that are available in different study fields.

Click here for excellent free assistance and recommendations from

Free help with choosing

your career

Choosing a Career is one of the most important milestones in an individual’s life.

The decisions you make now will have a significant impact on the rest of your personal and professional life.

Click here to take a look at some of the career opportunities that are available in different study fields.

Click here for excellent free assistance and recommendations from

4th Industrial Revolution

new careers

– Organisational Dispatcher
– Personal Educational Guide
– Custom Body Part Manufactory
– Brain Implant Specialist
– Personal Microbiome Manager
– Pharmaceutical Artisan
– Urban Security Coordinator
– End-of-Line Manager or Memorialiser
– Hyper-Intelligent Transportation Engineer
– Cyborg Designer
– Robotic or Holographic Avatar Designer
– Space Tourism Guide
– Space Nurse or Physician
– Landfill Worm Operator
– Extinct Species Revivalist
– Android Relationship Counsellor
– Mind-Transfer Specialist

What is the 4th IR?

A technological revolution is a period in which one or more technologies is replaced by another technology in a short amount of time.

The phrase Fourth Industrial Revolution was first introduced by Klaus Schwab, the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.

It is expected that this era to be marked by breakthroughs in emerging technologies in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, the internet of things, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), decentralized consensus, fifth-generation wireless technologies (5G), 3D printing and fully autonomous vehicles.

Wiki-pedia

17 jobs paying more than R2 million in SA right now ...

The 5 most in-demand jobs in SA right now - with salaries of around R500,000 ...

The 4th Industrial Revolution – Threat or Opportunity? Dr Suzette le Roux ...

for 2020 and beyond

Careers

– Solar photo-voltaic installers
– Wind turbine service technicians
– Home health aides
– Personal care aides
– Physician assistants
– Nurse practitioners
– Genetic counsellors
– Statisticians
– Speech-language pathologists
– Physical therapist assistants
– Software developers-applications
– Mathematicians

– Medical assistants
– Bicycle repairers
– Physical therapist aides
– Occupational therapy assistants
– Information security analysts
– Operations research analyst
– Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
– Health specialists’ teachers-postsecondary
– Derrick operators’ oil and gas
– Physical therapists
– Occupational therapy aids
– Roustabouts oil and gas
– Phlebotomists

What is the 4th IR?

A technological revolution is a period in which one or more technologies is replaced by another technology in a short amount of time.

The phrase Fourth Industrial Revolution was first introduced by Klaus Schwab, the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.

Wiki-pedia

17 jobs paying more than R2 million in SA right now ...

The 5 most in-demand jobs in SA right now - with salaries of around R500,000 ...

The 4th Industrial Revolution – Threat or Opportunity? Dr Suzette le Roux ...

4th Industrial Revolution

new careers

Agriculture and Environment

Farming:

Commercial farmer, livestock farmer, farming consultant, grain grader, wool classer, farm assistant, wine farmer, dairy farmer, farm project consultant, wool classer specialist.

Agriculture:

Agriculture economist, agriculture inspector, agriculture researcher, agronomist, apiculturist, crop production manager, pest control operator, soil scientist.

Animals, Birds and Insects

Animal behaviour specialist, animal nutritionist, animal physiotherapist, animal technician, animal trainer, game range manager, entomologist, horse breeder, jockey, microbiologist, ornithologist, primatologist, veterinarian, veterinary nurse, taxidermist, zookeeper, zoologist.

Plants, Landscaping and Gardening

Arboriculturist, botanist, bryologist, florist, garden designer, forester, landscape architect, grassland scientist, herbarium worker, horticulturist, timber/wood technologist, wine maker.

Marine, Water and Sea

Aquaculturist, aquatic scientist, boat builder and shipwright, costal geologist, cruise director, hydrologist, ichthyologist, marine biologist, marine architect, water care technologist, oceanographer, ship surveyor, tug master, vessel coordinator.

Geography and Meteorology

Cartographer, climatologist, geographer, geologist, geo-morphologist, meteorologist, palaeontologist, seismologist, volcanologist.

Arts and Culture

Fine Arts and Design

Artist, art director, animator, cartoonist, book illustrator, ceramic designer, fine artist, illustrator, mural artist, photographer, sculptor, sign writer, tattoo artist, stained glass artist.

Fashion and Clothing

Fashion designer, dressmaker, clothing manager, cobbler, costume designer, fashion artist, fashion illustrator, knitter, leather chemist, leather colourer, leather manufacturer, milliner, model, seamstress, tailor, textile designer, textile technologist, upholsterer.

Jewellery

Diamond cutter, diamond manufacturing, jeweller, jewel pattern cutter, jewellery designer, watch maker/repairer.

Film and TV

Actor/actress, camera operator, choreographer, décor designer, model builder, motion picture projectionist, performing arts technician, play writer, movie programme director, lights technician, radio and TV announcer, news writer, screenwriter/scriptwriter, special effects artist, theatre technician, video editor.

Printing and Media

Audio visual specialist, bookbinder, gravure machine minder, letter setter, printmaker, printer mechanic, screen printer, technical illustrator, typographer, desktop publisher, publisher.

Music

A&R administrator, concert manager, concert organiser, DJ, musical arranger, musician, composer, musical instrument builder, music producer, music editor, piano tuner, orchestral musician, record producer, singer, songwriter, sound engineer, sound operator technician, stage manager.

Entertainment

Announcer, clown, comedian, display artist, entertainer, impersonator, magician, puppeteer, stunt performer, variety artist.

Engineering and Technology

Engineering

Aeronautical-, industrial-, systems-, chemical-, computer-, digital-, electrical-, electronic-, agriculture-, biomedical-, civil-, hydrological-, process-, robotics-, mining-, metallurgic-, nuclear-, mechanical-, mechatronics-, petroleum-, waste-, robotics-, telecommunication, solar engineers.

Architecture

Architect, landscape -, restoration -, urban -, research -, lightning -, interior architect.

Building and Construction Management

Construction management, quantity surveyor, building contractor, project leader, valuer and appraiser, construction supervisor, building inspector, building surveyor.

Artisans and Manufacturing

Automotive electrician, panel beater, builder, painter, motor mechanic, plumber, fitter and turner, electrician, road worker, welder, appliance technician, gunsmith, telecommunications technician, radio and TV technician, boilermakers, toolmakers, metal technician, millwright, moulder, engineering technician, woodworker, upholsterer, concrete mixer, lift mechanic, plasterer, rigger, tiler, blacksmith, alarm security technician, coppersmith, locksmith, spray painter, pattern maker, plastic technician, etc.

Draughting

Architectural-, mechanical-, engineering-, multi-disciplinary draughtman.

Geology and Mining Management

Geologist, mineral resource manager, mining manager, materials specialist, mining supervisor, rock specialists, ventilation manager, geotechnical engineer, safety manager, maintenance supervisor, metallurgical technologist, mineralogist, geochemist.

Mining Support

Miner, explosive expert, heavy machinery operators, drivers, artisans such as millwrights, boilermakers, fitters and turners, technicians, cleaners, safety representative.

Human, Social and Education

Education and Training

Au pair, high school teacher, primary school teacher, ECD teacher, remedial teacher, principal, educarer, day-care manager, lecturer, life and career counsellor, online teacher.

Sports and Fitness

Aerobics instructor, biokineticist (human movement specialist), coach, exercise specialist, lifesaver, personal fitness trainer, sports administrator, sports commentator, sports events organiser, sports and recreation manager, sports promoter, sports journalist, professional sportsman/woman.

Beauty and Cosmetology

Acupuncturist, aroma therapist, beauty therapist, beauty salon manager, body make-up artist, hairdresser, health and beauty technician, herbalist, laser specialist, model, massage therapist, permanent make-up specialist, reflexologist, somatologist.

Religion

Pastor, chaplain, reverend, priest, imam, monk, funeral director, clerical, pastoral psychologist, religious teacher, youth minister.

History and Culture

Anthropologist, archaeologist, demographer, ethnomusicologist, historian, museum curator, philosopher, sociologist, speleologist.

Languages and Law

Languages and Journalism

Author, copywriter, corporate communicator, document designer, editor, interpreter, journalist, language practitioner, lexicographer, librarian, mediator, on-line researcher, poet, proofreader, terminologist, translator.

Law

Advocate/state advocate, arbitrator, attorney/state attorney, civil investigator, judge, legal advisor, legal specialist, magistrate, public prosecutor.

Legal Support

Bailiff, civil investigator, chief legal officer, legal administrative officer, legal secretary, polygraph examiner, stenographer, forensic investigator.

Services

Travel and Tourism

Adventure tourism manager, bus driver, chauffer/taxi driver, destination manager, tour guide, tour operator, tourism manager, tourism researcher, travel agent, interpreter.

Hotels, Hospitality and Events

Baker, bartender, brewer, baking technologist, caterer, chef, cheese maker, conference organiser, events coordinator, events manager, food and beverage manager, food inspector, food stylist, hospitality manager, hotel manager, housekeeper, receptionist, waiter, restaurateur, wedding consultant/planner.

Aviation and Airways

Aircraft controller, instrument technician, aviation mechanic, aeronautical engineer, air cargo manager, navigator, pilot.

Aviation and Airways Support

Airport planner, airport police, airport manager, air hostess/cabin attendant, ground staff, airport security, customs officer, airline catering agent.

Government and Public Services

Cleaner, courier driver, customs and excise officer, diplomat, embalmer, fireman, foreign affairs officer, government manager, meter reader, international relationship officer, meter reader, municipality worker, postman, property inspector, public administrator officer.

Safety and Security

Ballistic expert, bodyguard, call centre10111 taker and dispatcher, communication and liaison officer, correctional officer, crime information officer, customs inspector, detective, forensic expert, forensic analyst, flying squad member, forensic laboratory assistant, investigation officer, parole officer, hostage negotiator official, immigration inspector, murder and robbery officer, security advisor, security manager, special task member, syndicated fraud investigator, traffic officer, vehicle crime identification officer.

Health and Natural Sciences

Medical Practitioners

Anaesthetist, brain specialist, dermatologist, chiropractor, ear, nose and throat specialist, gynaecologist, heart specialist, homeopath, internist, general practitioner (GP), neurologist, oncologist, paediatrician, plastic surgeon, podiatrist, urologist.

Optometry

Ocularist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, optical dispenser, optical technician.

Dentistry

Dentist, dental assistant, dental technician, oral hygienist, orthodontist, periodontist, prosthodontist, dental therapist.

Para-medical Support

Physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, radiographer, dietician, audiologist.

Pharmacy

Retail pharmacist, nuclear pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, chemo-therapy pharmacist, pharmaceutical sales representative.

Medical Health Support

Auxiliary nursing, home caregiver, paramedic, dialysis technician, EEG technician, health advisor, hospice worker, hospital porter, ultrasound technologist, ambulance driver, angiographer, clinical technologist, dietician technologist, nurse, matron.

Medical Research

Biomedical technologist, biologist, chemical analyst, cytotechnologist, food science technician, forensic pathologist, geneticist, histologist, immune-haematologist, laboratory analysts, laboratory assistant, geneticist, medical researcher, apheresis specialist, phlebotomist, physiologist.

Psychology, Social Work and Counselling

Educational, clinical, industrial, research, forensic, child, community, developmental psychologists, social worker, grief counsellor, marriage counsellor, psychometrist, sexual abuse counsellor, trauma counsellor, social auxiliary worker.

Subjects for

for the 9 career fields

Languages and Law

Subject advice
English or Afrikaans with another National Senior Certificate language and Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory. Complementing subjects such as Languages, History, Business Studies and Accounting are
recommended for this area.
University Courses: For B Com degrees, you need English and one additional language as well as
Maths. For BA degrees, you need the two languages and Maths or Maths Literacy.
University of Technology: For a National Diploma in Journalism or Languages you need Afrikaans or
English with another National Senior Certificate language, and Maths or Maths Literacy.
Private Institutions: For Degrees or National Diplomas, admission requirements differ from Institution to institution. For B Com Law, English and Maths are compulsory.

Business, Finances and Management

Subject advice: For Business, Finance and Management, Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory. Complementary subjects such as Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Computer Application Technology (CAT) or Information Technology are recommended for this area.
University Courses: English or Afrikaans and Maths are compulsory for all BCom degrees and Accounting is compulsory for some of the BCom courses.
University of Technology: English or Afrikaans with Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory.
TVET Colleges: A Grade 9 pass, or be 16 years old.
Private Institutions: Admission requirements vary from one institution to the other.

Computers and Information Technology

Subject advice
Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory with complementary subjects such as Physical Science, Information Technology and Computer Application Technology (CAT) are important for this area. For computer animation, Visual Arts and Design are highly recommended
University Courses: For B Engineering, Maths and Science are compulsory. For a BSc degree, Maths and
in some cases Physical Sciences or Information Technology is compulsory. For B Com degrees, Maths is a
compulsory subject.
University of Technology: Maths or Maths Literacy and English are compulsory. Highly recommended
subjects are Computer Application Technology (CAT), Information Technology and Design, Visual Arts, Business Studies or Economics.
TVET Colleges: You must have completed and passed Grade 9 or be 16 years of age.
Private Institutions: Maths or Math Literacy are compulsory. Highly recommended subjects are Computer Application Technology (CAT), Information Technology, Business Studies, and for certain courses, Design or Visual Arts.

Human, Social and Education

Subject advice
Afrikaans and English, Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory. Complementing subjects such as Languages, Life Sciences, Tourism, Computer Application Technology (CAT), History, Business Studies, Biblical Studies and Geography are recommended for this area.
University courses: For BA degrees, Afrikaans, OR English and one other National Senior Certificate
language and Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory.
University of Technology: For National Diplomas, Afrikaans or English with Maths or Maths Literacy are
compulsory.
TVET Colleges: Grade 10 is compulsory for most of the certificate courses in this area.
Private Institutions: Admission requirements differ from institution to institution.

Services

Subject advice
Afrikaans and English, Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory. Complementing subjects such as another Language, Tourism, Computer Application Technology (CAT), Hospitality, Consumer Sciences, History, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, and Geography are recommended for this area.
University courses: For B Com degrees, English plus one additional National Senior Certificate language, and Maths are compulsory. For BA degrees, English plus one additional National Senior Certificate language and Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory.
University of Technology: For National Diplomas, English with one additional language and Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory.
TVET Colleges: Grade 10 is compulsory for most of the certificates in this area.
Private Institutions: Admission requirements differ from college to college.

Health and Natural Sciences

Subject advice
Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences with complementary subjects such as Business Studies and Accounting are recommended for this career area.
University Courses: Maths, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences are compulsory for Medicine, Optometry, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Biological Sciences and Research and Medical Support. Some universities will accept Maths Literacy (5) for Occupational Therapy. Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory and Life Sciences or Physical Sciences are highly recommended for Psychology, Social Work and Counselling and Medical Health Support.

University of Technology: Maths or Maths Literacy, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences are compulsory for most of the courses.

Private Institutions: Maths or Maths Literacy and Life Sciences or Physical Sciences are compulsory for most degrees or diplomas. Admission requirements differ from institution to institution.

Agriculture and Environment

Subject advice
Maths or Maths Literacy, Physical Sciences and/or Life Sciences and/or Geography are compulsory for certain degrees in this area. Complementing subjects such as Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Technology and Agricultural Management Practices, Engineering Graphic and Design, Economics and
Business Studies are recommended for this area.
University Courses: For BSc degrees, English, Afrikaans and Maths are compulsory with either Physical
Sciences or Life Sciences. Geography is highly recommended in BSc degrees where Geography is a major
subject. For B Com degrees, Agricultural Sciences, Maths and English are compulsory.
University of Technology: Maths or Maths Literacy is compulsory and for some National Diplomas either
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences is compulsory.
TVET Colleges: A Grade 9 pass and be 16 years old.
Private Institutions: Admission requirements differ from institution to institution.

Arts and Culture

Subject advice
English with one additional National Senior Certificate language and Maths or Maths Literacy are compulsory. Complementing subjects such as Design, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Music, Dramatic Arts; and Dance Studies are recommended for this area.
University Courses: English plus one additional National Senior Certificate language and Maths or Maths
Literacy are compulsory subjects for any degree in this area.
University of Technology: For a National Diploma you need English and one additional language as well as Maths or Maths Literacy.
TVET College: Grade 10 is usually a requirement for courses in this area.
Private Institutions: Admission requirements differ from institution to institution.

Engineering and Technology

Subject advice
Maths and Physical Sciences are compulsory for all Engineering degrees and for most National Diplomas. Complementary subjects such as Maths Literacy, Geography, Information Technology, Computer Application Technology (CAT), Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering are recommended for this area.
University Courses: Maths and Physical Sciences and English are compulsory and you have to obtain a
minimum of 5 in all your subjects (at UJ) with an Average Point Score (APS) of 32 for your 6 academic subjects. There are, however, universities that require a minimum of a 7 for Maths and a 6 for Physical Sciences for Engineering.
University of Technology Courses: Maths and Physical Sciences are compulsory for most of the
Diploma / B Tech courses. There are some National Diplomas such as Industrial Design where Maths Literacy is accepted.
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges: You need Grade 9 and you must be 16
years old.
Private Institutions and Training Centres: Admission requirements differ from institution to institution,
therefore you must make completely sure your marks comply with their criteria.

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