Bridging The Gap Between Poor Matric Results And University Acceptance Levels
Failing to achieve the matric pass rate required to pursue the career of your choice does not signal the end of your dreams. South African students are thrown a lifeline with a programme known as Bridging Courses. This allows them to rewrite and improve on the results of the matric exam subjects that prevented them from continuing with their chosen career path.
Bridging Courses are available from both colleges and universities nationwide. Matric exams can be rewritten at college-level, while universities offer foundational courses over a one-year period. This covers a variety of fields to help students attain the qualifications needed to further their studies in their chosen career fields.
Colleges That Offer Bridging Courses
- Abbotts College
- Brainline
- Damelin
- Intec College
- Oxbridge Academy
- Taal- Net Training Institute
Which Universities Offer Bridging Courses In South Africa
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu- Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Pretoria
- University of Witwatersrand
Why Universities Turn Down Students Who Pass Matric Exams
Unfortunately, there are cases in which students have met the minimum admission requirements but are nevertheless rejected by universities. That is because meeting the basic admission criteria does not automatically guarantee you entrance into a university. There are a number of courses that are over-subscribed. In such cases, universities select only the top candidates to fill the number of places available. In such cases, students need to improve their matric marks to reapply.
What Is The Next Step?
In such cases, you do not need to waste an entire year rewriting your matric exam. Bridging Courses are available at universities that will make it easier for you to qualify for further studies in your chosen field.
If, however, you have failed to make the grade, rewriting your matric exam is your only option. Bridging Courses are offered by various colleges. Prospective students are strongly advised to ensure that the private college they choose is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the South African Qualifications Authority. A list of accredited colleges can be obtained from the Matriculation Board, the Department of Higher Education and Training or Umalusi.
The Part-Time Option
You may decide to start working and to rewrite the matric subjects that need improvement on a part-time basis. Colleges offer this option, while other possibilities are correspondence courses and distance learning.
Recognition Of Prior Learning
If you have gained experience in your chosen career in the workplace, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme could be your solution. RPL recognises experience gained on-the-job experience and you may qualify to register for a degree despite failing to obtain a university pass. Provide a copy of your matric certificate, as well as information about your workplace training and experience, to the Department of Higher Education South Africa or a university. They will assess your application and, if successful, provide you with an RPL certificate.
Mature Students
If you are 23 years and older, you are recognised as a Mature Student. Several academic institutions, such as Unisa, offer undergraduate degrees to students in this category, even if they had previously failed to meet the required matric pass-rate for university entrance.
Overview
Bridging Courses are short learning programmes, designed to assist students who want to further their studies at higher education institutions. They are introductory-level courses that range from six to 12 months. Bridging Courses offered at universities allows students to take foundational subjects to enable them to obtain a pre-degree/diploma.
