If you want to study accounting but don’t have matric, you are in the right place. In this article, I will show you how to get started with accredited accounting courses without matric. You will learn about the courses you can do, how they work, and how you can still become an accountant.
Accounting requires more than just working with numbers — it needs accuracy, focus, and the right way of thinking. Before you choose an accredited accounting or bookkeeping course, take our Career Aptitude Test to see if accounting matches your strengths and career goals.
Online Accounting Courses In South Africa
The best accounting qualification depends on what you want to achieve. Some courses help you get a job faster, while others help you learn more and go further in your career. Below is a table that shows the different ICB Accounting Courses you can choose from:
| Course | Course Description |
|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeper Course: ICB National Certificate | This course is the starting point. It teaches you the basics of bookkeeping and how to keep financial records. |
| Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate | This course helps you grow your bookkeeping skills. You will learn about financial reports and how to manage payroll. |
| Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | You will learn about tax returns and how to apply accounting rules. This course prepares you for more serious jobs in accounting. |
| Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma | This course takes you to a high level. It covers business planning and management skills for big accounting roles. |
Get accredited course jobs in accounting with these programmes.. Each one builds on the one before, so you can grow step by step. You can choose the course that fits your goals and how far you want to go.
What Is A Bridging Course?
A bridging course is an accredited course without matric helps you get ready for a bigger course. It fills in the learning you may have missed. It can help you qualify for further studies.
What Is The Difference Between Accredited And Non Accredited Courses
An accredited course gives you a certificate that is recognised by employers and industry bodies. A non-accredited course gives you useful skills but does not give you a recognised qualification.
- Official recognition: Accredited courses are approved by education bodies like the QCTO.
- Meets standards: Accredited courses follow South African education rules set by SAQA.
- More job choices: These courses can help you get better jobs in business and finance.
- Fast learning: Non-accredited courses are shorter and focus on specific skills you can use quickly.
What NQF Level Is Bookkeeping?
The first bookkeeping course, Junior Bookkeeper, is at NQF Level 3. When you move to higher levels like Senior Bookkeeper or Financial Accounting, you can reach NQF Level 4 and higher. NQF levels are the national education levels at which the course is set on the National Qualifications Framework.
Can You Become An Accountant Without Matric?
Yes, you can. Many people start with bookkeeping courses without matric and then move on to advanced qualifications.
After that, you can grow into accounting jobs. Study to be an account with us today.
What Is The Minimum Qualification For Accounting?
You need at least a basic bookkeeping certificate to get into accounting. This is your first step into the world of finance and business. Here are the requirements necessary to study accounting courses with our college from home:
- Be able to read and write in English.
- Feel comfortable working with numbers.
- Have a computer and internet at home.
- Be ready to complete assignments and exams.
Be able to read and write in English
All ICB accounting courses use English. You will read learning materials, write assignments, and take tests in English. Good English skills will also help you at work.
Feel comfortable working with numbers
You don’t need to be a maths expert, but you must be happy working with numbers. To improve your numeracy skills you can play math games on your phone.
Have a computer and internet at home
You will study online or through distance learning. A computer and internet connection will help you access your course materials, send your assignments, and get help from tutors.
Be ready to complete assignments and exams
You will need to do your coursework and exams to pass your programme. These will test your skills and get you ready for real work in the accounting field. They will all be compiled together in your portfolio of evidence.
Can I Do A Bridging Course Without Matric?
Yes, you can. Bridging courses are made for people who want to study further but don’t have matric. Once, you have completed your bridging course you can try taking our Adult Matric course to obtain a matric certificate.
Can I Study Accounting Without Maths?
Yes, you can study accounting even if you don’t have strong maths skills. Basic maths or maths literacy is enough for most entry-level accounting courses. Here are the subjects you will learn in our accounting courses:
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns
- Computerised Bookkeeping
- Business Literacy
- Financial Statements
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Income Tax Returns
- Business Law and Accounting Control
Can I Do Accounting If I’m Bad At Math?
Yes, you can. You don’t need to be great at maths to do well in accounting. Many students improve their number skills while focusing on other important parts of accounting like organising and checking financial records.
Where Can I Study Bookkeeping Without Matric?
You can study bookkeeping without matric right here with Skills Academy. We offer ICB accredited bookkeeping lessons that help you get started, even if you don’t have matric. These no matric needed courses help you learn the skills for bookkeeping jobs.
Can I Study Accounting Online?
Yes, you can study accounting online. With home study accounting courses, you don’t need to go to a classroom. You can learn from your computer at home and study when it suits you.
What Are Four Reasons To Study Accounting?
Accounting is a great way to start a career. It also helps you understand how to manage money, which is a useful skill. Here are four good reasons to study accounting:
- Learn work skills: Accounting basics for jobs teach you how to work with money, balance books, and help a business stay organised.
- Get more job choices: When you know accounting, you can work in shops, offices, and even run your own small business.
- Handle your own money better: These skills help you manage your budget and make smarter money decisions.
- Study from anywhere: With Skills Academy’s affordable accounting courses, you can learn at home and still get a recognised certificate.
Register With Skills Academy
You can sign up and start learning today. Register online for accounting to join Skills Academy and start working towards your accounting goals. You will also get help from tutors along the way.
How To Study Accounting At Home?
It’s easy to study from home with a little planning. Here are simple steps to help you:
- Make a study plan: Write down when you will study each day and stick to it.
- Use your learning tools: Open your books, use your online notes, and complete all your tasks.
- Take short breaks: Rest your brain with quick breaks so you don’t get too tired.
- Ask for help if stuck: Join online study groups or chat with your tutor if you don’t understand something.
Student Testimonials
Many of our learners began their accounting journey without a matric certificate. Here are real stories of how Skills Academy’s flexible, accredited ICB programmes helped them reach their goals.
“Skills Academy is a great institution for anyone looking to study at their own pace. The course material is clear and easy to follow, and the tutors are always helpful and supportive. The team communicates well and provides excellent student support. Highly recommended!!”
-Diana M
“My experience so far are the BEST , they always follow up on how you doing with your studies and that shows ALOT !! I really appreciate it , IT KEEPS ME MOTIVATED AND TO KEEP GOING . Thank you to everyone at Skills Academy”
-Anisha B
How Long Is A Bookkeeping Course?
It will take about 6 and a half years to complete our bookkeeping course programme. The time you will need depends on the course you choose. Some are short, and others take longer to finish. Here are our bookkeeping course durations:
- Junior Bookkeeper Course: 16 months
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course: 24 months
- Technical Financial Accounting Course: 28 months
- Certified Financial Accounting Course: 36 months
Junior Bookkeeper Course: 16 Months
The Junior Bookkeeper Course is good for beginners. It takes about 16 months to finish and will show you how to manage books and basic accounts.
Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course: 24 Months
The Certified Senior Bookkeeping Course takes about 24 months. It teaches more about financial reports and payroll so you can take on bigger tasks.
Technical Financial Accounting Course: 28 Months
The Technical Financial Accounting Course takes 28 months. This course will help you learn about tax, business law, and how to manage costs.
Certified Financial Accounting Course: 36 Months
The Certified Financial Accounting Course is the longest. It takes about 36 months and will help you learn skills for top jobs like managing company money.
How Many Months Does A Bridging Course Take?
Most bridging courses are short. The ICB Bridging Course usually takes between 12 to 36 months. It helps you get ready for bigger courses if you don’t have matric.
What Is The Fastest Way To Become An Accountant?
The quickest way is to start with an entry-level bookkeeping course. From there, you can work while you study higher courses. This lets you earn money and gain experience at the same time.
How Much Does a Bridging Course Cost?
The cost of a bridging course depends on the programme you choose and how many subjects you take. You will need to pay for a yearly registration fee, subject fees, and assessment costs.
To know the exact cost for your course, speak to one of our course experts. They can also tell you about our affordable payment plans to help you manage your budget.
ICB Course Fees
ICB courses have set fees. These include the yearly registration fee, subject fees, and extra costs for assessments or certificates. Below you can see the 2025 ICB course fees:
| ICB Course Fees | Prices |
|---|---|
| Annual Student Registration Fee (No member benefits) | R500 |
| Subject Fee per subject (R915 x 2) | R1 830 |
| RPL/Exemption Application Fee | R915 |
| RPL/Exemption Fee per subject (no POE Required) | R375 |
| RPL PoE Fee per subject (PoE to be Completed) | R585 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (domestic postage) | R440 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (domestic postage) | R440 |
| ICB Programme Certificate reprint (international postage) | R660 |
| FASSET Certificate reprint (international postage) | R660 |
| Certificate resend fee – domestic | R220 |
| Certificate resend fee – international | R580 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (1–4) | R490 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (5–8) | R750 |
| IQB SLP Certificate Prints (9–12) | R925 |
| Results Transcript (Print & Send) | R180 |
| Assessment Fee for Digital PoE (paper & online exam) | R1 350 |
| Assessment Postponement Fee per subject | R2 200 |
| Assessment Late Entry Fee per subject | R1 800 |
| Assessment Remark & Examiner’s Report per subject | R600 |
| Private Invigilator Admin Fee (Prior Approval Required) | R475 |
| Workplace PoE Assessments (Learnerships) | R1 050 |
From the table, the yearly registration fee is R500. Each subject costs R915, which makes R1 830 for two subjects. There are also extra fees for things like assessments, reprints of certificates, and RPL applications.
Having this breakdown makes it easier to plan your budget. You can also speak to our course experts about payment plan options to make studying more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s easy to figure out if accounting is a good fit for you. If you like working with numbers and following clear steps, this could be a great choice. Here’s how you can decide if accounting is the right path for you:
- You like numbers: If solving maths problems or working with money feels fun, accounting could suit you.
- You like to be organised: Accounting is about keeping track of money and making sure everything adds up neatly.
- You enjoy solving puzzles: In accounting, you might need to find errors or fix problems in financial records.
- You like having a plan: Accounting tasks often follow the same steps, so it’s perfect if you like routine work.
Yes, there is. When you study beginner accounting courses, you will have small tests along the way and a final exam at the end. These tests help check what you have learned about managing money and keeping records.
Some accounting jobs are simple to start with, especially if you are new to the field. These jobs help you gain experience while you learn. Here are four easy accounting jobs you can do with a bookkeeping certificate:
- Payroll Clerk: This job means you help with paying staff and making sure tax payments are correct.
- Accounts Assistant: You will help keep records, check invoices, and make sure the company’s money is recorded.
- Debtors Clerk: Your job will be to follow up on people who owe money to the company and make sure payments come in.
- Bookkeeping Clerk: You will work on updating simple financial records to make sure everything is correct.
The Certified Financial Accounting Diploma often leads to the best-paying jobs. This course teaches you skills for higher-level jobs like managing a company’s finances. With this qualification, you can apply for more senior roles in accounting.
Many companies in South Africa use popular accounting software. The most common are Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero. These tools help accountants do their jobs faster by keeping track of money, payments, and reports.
Accredited courses are approved by official education bodies like the QCTO or SAQA. This means the course meets set standards and gives you a recognised qualification. Non-accredited courses still teach useful skills but do not give you a qualification recognised by these bodies.
With Grade 10, you can apply for certain ICB programmes like the Financial Accounting Programme. These courses can help you start learning skills that will prepare you for better job opportunities. Over time, you can study further and work towards higher qualifications.
Some distance learning colleges accept students without matric for certain courses. For example, you can study ICB programmes with only Grade 10 or 11, depending on the course. This is a good way to continue your studies and improve your career options without needing matric right away.
Yes. Accredited online bookkeeping courses from institutions like Skills Academy are recognised by employers in South Africa. Skills Academy’s ICB courses are accredited by the ICB and QCTO, and registered on the NQF (Levels 3–6). This means you can earn respected qualifications—from Junior Bookkeeper to National Diploma in Financial Accounting—while studying online and at your own pace.
No. To become a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), you need Matric with university entrance, a SAICA-accredited degree, postgraduate studies, and a training contract. However, you can still start a career in accounting without Matric by taking ICB-accredited bookkeeping courses at Skills Academy, working your way up to a National Diploma in Financial Accounting.
Bookkeeping is about recording daily financial transactions like invoices, payments, and payroll. Accounting goes further—analyzing data, preparing financial reports, handling tax, and advising on business decisions. Skills Academy’s ICB courses progress from bookkeeping basics to advanced accounting, giving you both skills over time.
Author: Jodie Jacobs
