For many Grade 11 and 12 learners, tertiary education feels like a decision that can wait until matric results are released. However, with applications for the 2027 academic year already open at many institutions, education experts are encouraging learners to start planning sooner rather than later.
According to Ravika Sookraj, Executive Director: Student Experience at Richfield, early preparation gives learners more time to explore their options, understand admission requirements and make informed decisions about their future.
“Applying for tertiary education requires learners to understand their options, assess their readiness, recognise the work required during their final school years and make informed choices about the qualifications and institutions that will support their goals,” says Sookraj.
She notes that Grades 11 and 12 are not just about preparing for examinations but are also important years for career exploration and future planning.
Five things Grade 11 learners should do now:
1. Explore interests and strengths
Before selecting a qualification, learners should evaluate the subjects they enjoy, their academic strengths and the careers that interest them. Career exhibitions, open days and conversations with educators and industry professionals can help learners gain a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.
2. Research qualifications and entry requirements
Learners should look beyond the title of a qualification and understand the subjects, admission requirements and career opportunities associated with it.
Sookraj believes fields such as Information Technology and Business remain valuable options for many learners.
“Qualifications in IT and Business develop skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries. They equip graduates with capabilities in problem solving, technology, management and commercial decision making that remain highly relevant in the modern workplace,” she says.
3. Monitor academic performance closely
Grade 11 results are often used by institutions when assessing provisional applications, making consistent academic performance important.
“Grade 11 is not simply another year to get through,” says Sookraj. “The effort learners invest during this period can influence both their options and their confidence as they move into matric.”
Learners who identify academic challenges early have more time to seek support and improve their results before the final year of school.
4. Compare institutions carefully
Prospective students should begin identifying institutions that offer programmes aligned to their interests and career aspirations. It is equally important to ensure that both the institution and the qualification are appropriately registered and accredited.
5. Start planning financially
While tuition fees are often the primary consideration, learners and their families should also account for accommodation, transport, devices, connectivity and other study related expenses. Researching bursaries and funding opportunities early can help reduce financial pressure later.
Four things Grade 12 learners should do now:
1. Finalise a shortlist of study options
By Grade 12, learners should have narrowed their options based on their interests, academic performance, admission requirements and potential career pathways.
Having more than one suitable option is advisable, rather than relying on a single application outcome.
2. Submit applications and track progress
Application deadlines and requirements differ between institutions and programmes. Learners should apply as early as possible, keep records of submissions and reference numbers, and regularly monitor communications regarding their applications.
3. Confirm funding and accommodation arrangements
Applications for bursaries, financial aid and student loans should be submitted well in advance. Learners should also work with their families to finalise accommodation and other practical arrangements before the start of the academic year.
4. Look beyond the qualification
When comparing institutions, learners should consider more than the qualification itself. Factors such as academic support services, student wellbeing initiatives and the institution’s learning model can all influence student success.
“Students should choose an institution that not only offers the right qualification but also provides the support, learning environment and practical opportunities that will help them succeed,” says Sookraj. “Programmes that combine academic knowledge with digital, and workplace relevant skills can better prepare graduates for the realities of employment.”
Parents and guardians have an important role to play in supporting learners as they research options, manage deadlines and navigate practical considerations. However, education experts caution against allowing external expectations to drive the decision-making process.
“Choosing a path after school is not about selecting an option that appears impressive,” says Sookraj. “It is about giving learners the knowledge, support and confidence to make choices that are meaningful to them and to build a future they can take ownership of.”
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