Bursaries for Students Who Failed Matric in South Africa
Failed Matric? You Still Have Funding Options
Failed matric? Don’t give up. Discover Bursaries for Students Who Failed Matric in South Africa, funding options, and study opportunities available for students who didn’t pass matric in South Africa.
Failing matric can feel like the end of the road—but it’s not.
Thousands of students in South Africa don’t pass matric every year, yet many still go on to study, gain skills, and build successful careers. The key is knowing where to look.
👉 Yes, there are bursaries and funding options available—even if you failed matric.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Bursaries you can still apply for
- Courses that don’t require matric
- Alternative ways to qualify for funding
Can You Get a Bursary Without Matric?
Let’s be honest:
Most traditional university bursaries require a matric certificate.
However, there are exceptions and alternative pathways:
- ✅ TVET college bursaries
- ✅ Skills-based funding programs
- ✅ Learnerships with stipends
- ✅ Bridging programs (to upgrade your results)
👉 So while your options may be limited, they are definitely not zero.
Bursaries & Funding Options Available
Here are the best opportunities to explore:
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
- Funds students at TVET colleges
- You can apply even if you didn’t pass matric (depending on course)
- Covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances
👉 Best for: Students willing to study practical courses
TVET Colleges South Africa
- Offer courses that don’t always require matric
- NSFAS funding is available for qualifying students
- Focus on skills like engineering, business, hospitality
👉 Examples of courses:
- Electrical Engineering
- Hospitality Management
- Office Administration
Learnership Programmes (Paid Training)
- Combine work + study
- No matric required for some entry-level programs
- You earn a monthly stipend
👉 Offered by:
- Government departments
- Private companies
- SETA programs
Bridging Courses (Upgrade Your Matric)
- Rewrite or upgrade failed subjects
- Improve your marks and qualify for more bursaries later
👉 After upgrading, you can apply for:
- University bursaries
- Private funding programs
Courses You Can Study Without Matric
You still have solid study options:
- Certificate courses
- Short skills programs
- Online courses
- Vocational training
👉 These can lead to jobs faster than traditional degrees.
How to Apply for Funding Without Matric
Follow these steps:
- Choose a TVET college or training provider
- Apply for a course that matches your interests
- Submit required documents:
- ID copy
- Latest school results
- Apply for funding (like NSFAS)
- Track your application status
💡 Tip: Apply early—spaces fill up quickly.
Opportunities Open Right Now (2026)
- TVET college applications (multiple intakes)
- NSFAS funding cycles
- Learnership programs throughout the year
👉 Many of these don’t require matric—only basic literacy and willingness to learn.
Important Truth (Don’t Ignore This)
If you want better opportunities:
👉 Consider rewriting your matric.
Why?
- More bursaries become available
- Higher-paying careers open up
- University becomes an option
Smart Strategy for Success
Here’s a simple plan:
- Apply for a TVET course + NSFAS funding
- Join a learnership for income
- Upgrade your matric part-time
👉 This combination gives you education + income + future opportunities
FAQs
Can I study further if I failed matric?
Yes. You can study at TVET colleges, do short courses, or join learnerships.
Does NSFAS fund students without matric?
Yes, especially for TVET college programs.
Are there bursaries for students who failed matric?
Yes, but mostly through TVET funding and skills programs, not universities.
Can I still go to university?
Not immediately—but you can after upgrading your matric results.
Final Thoughts
Failing matric is not the end—it’s just a different path.
There are still bursaries, funding options, and career opportunities available if you take action.
👉 Start with what you have, apply for available funding, and keep improving your qualifications.
Bursaries With No Application Fee
Bursary Requirements South Africa
List Of All Available Bursaries in South Africa
COMPUTER SCIENCE | IT BURSARIES
CONSTRUCTION | BUILT ENVIRONMENT BURSARIES
UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA | UNIVERSITY-SPECIFIC BURSARIES
INTERNATIONAL BURSARIES
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST BURSARY APPLICATION FORMS