Not finishing matric doesn’t mean you can’t study. There are still many courses you can take. Accredited distance learning courses let you study from home and get an ICB certificate that companies respect. In this article, I’ll explain how ICB courses work, who can join, and how to get started with your studies.

Online Courses Without Matric
If you didn’t pass matric, you can still study through distance learning. ICB offers accredited education options that you can do from home. These are made for people who want to build a future without going to college in person.
Here are 3 types of ICB courses you can choose:
- ICB Accounting Courses: These courses teach you about money, tax, and how to keep track of what a business earns and spends. They are great for jobs in finance and bookkeeping.
- ICB Business Management Courses: These are for people who want to run a business or become a manager. You’ll learn about business plans, working with teams, and making good decisions.
Which Course Do I Qualify Without Matric?
You can join many of these courses if you passed Grade 10 and can understand English. That’s all you need to get started. These online courses without matric are a good first step if you want to learn skills and get a job.
ICB Accounting Courses
Accounting is a good skill for many jobs. You learn how to do the money side of things for a business. These study without matric courses can help you find work in finance.
- Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma
ICB Business Management Courses
Business Management is a great choice if you like organising, planning, and leading. You’ll learn how to start and grow a business. You don’t need matric to begin.
- Business Management: ICB National Certificate
- Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
- Business Management: ICB National Diploma
Which Course Is Best Without Matric?
The best course for you depends on what you like and what you want to do. If you enjoy numbers, go for accounting. If you want to run a company or be a boss one day, business management is a smart pick. If you want a job in an office, then office administration is the right fit.
Are ICB Courses Accredited
Yes, ICB courses are fully accredited. They are approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and SAQA. These are recognised courses in South Africa, and they help you build your future, even without matric.
Where Can I Study These Types Of Courses?
You can do all of these distance learning courses in South Africa through Skills Academy. There’s no need to go to a campus. You’ll study from home and get support from tutors. It’s simple, and everything you need is sent to you.
Are Bridging Courses Worth It?
Bridging courses are a good way to build your skills and move forward. These courses help you go from basic to advanced. If you want to study more later, these bridging course options will prepare you.
Here’s why ICB courses are a smart choice:
- You get a recognised certificate: These are not just short courses. They count toward real qualifications you can use for jobs or future study.
- You study from home: There’s no need to travel or sit in a classroom. You can learn in your own space.
- You don’t need matric: These accredited distance learning courses without matric are made for people who want a second chance.
- You grow one step at a time: You start with the basics and can work your way up to a diploma.
Benefits Of Studying At Skills Academy
Studying with Skills Academy is easy and made for people with busy lives. You’ll get support, flexibility, and a path to a better future.
Benefit | Why This Benefit Matters |
---|---|
Study from home | You save on transport and can study in your own time and space. |
Help from tutors | If you’re stuck, someone is there to guide you and answer your questions. |
Monthly payments | You don’t have to pay everything upfront. There are options to pay your study fees monthly. |
Certificates that count | Your certificate is recognised, which makes it easier to get a job or study further. |
This makes home study courses a great choice if you want to work and learn at the same time. You don’t have to wait to start changing your life.
Is Distance Learning Right For Me?
Distance learning is good for people who have jobs or take care of family. If you need to study at your own pace, this works well. You don’t need fast internet or a fancy computer—just your books and time to study.
How To Apply For Bridging?
Getting started with ICB courses at Skills Academy is simple. You don’t need to wait for a new school year.
Here’s how to apply:
- Choose a course: Pick a course that fits what you enjoy and what you want to do. You can ask for help if you’re not sure.
- Check the requirements: Most courses only need Grade 10 and basic English. There’s no need for a matric certificate.
- Talk to a course expert: You can call 0800 39 00 27 or contact a consultant. They’ll answer your questions and explain everything clearly.
- Register and begin: Once you’re signed up, you can register online. You’ll get your study material and can start learning right away.
Who Qualifies For A Bridging Course?
You can study a bridging course if you want to grow your skills and don’t have matric. These courses are made for people who left school early but still want to learn. If you’re ready to study and can follow English lessons, you can qualify.
How Do You Qualify For Bridging?
It’s easy to get started with ICB courses. You don’t need to worry about tough school marks. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Grade 10 or something similar: You must have passed Grade 10. That means you have the basics to join one of the entry-level ICB courses for adults.
- Understand English: You should be able to read, write, and follow along in English. This is important for all courses offered through distance learning.
- Be ready to study from home: These are certificate courses you can do from home, so you’ll need to manage your own time and learning.
- Basic learning tools: You should have access to books and a way to talk to tutors. You’ll use printed study packs and support from experts when needed.
Can You Do A Bridging Course Without Matric?
Yes, you can. There are online learning options with no matric that help you build skills and work towards a career. These programmes give you real qualifications that employers trust.
Can I Do A Bridging Course With A Higher Certificate?
If you already have a higher certificate, you can still choose a bridging course. Some people use them to switch careers or refresh what they’ve learned. It’s a smart way to prepare for the next step.
How Many Months Does Bridging Course Take?
Bridging courses take different amounts of time depending on the course level. You can finish an entry-level training programme in about 8 years total. Higher levels take more time as they teach more advanced skills.
ICB Accounting Course Durations
Each accounting course builds on the one before it. You can work your way up from a certificate to a diploma.
- Junior Bookkeeper: ICB National Certificate – 16 months
- Certified Senior Bookkeeping: ICB Certificate – 24 months
- Technical Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – 28 months
- Certified Financial Accounting: ICB National Diploma – 36 months
ICB Business Management Course Durations
You can also start with basic business knowledge and go all the way to a diploma. Here are the ICB Business Management programme durations:
- Business Management: ICB National Certificate – 12 months
- Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate – 27 months
- Business Management: ICB National Diploma – 36 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Most N1 courses need at least Grade 10 or higher. If you didn’t finish school, you may not meet the requirements. But there are no matric study opportunities that still help you gain practical skills and move forward.
Not passing matric doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. You can join one of the education courses for adults without matric, like an ICB course. These are great for building a career or starting your own business.
Here’s what you can do with an ICB certificate:
- Apply for entry-level jobs: Many companies accept ICB certificates when hiring for admin, finance, or support roles.
- Open a small business: You’ll learn about budgeting, planning, and managing money—skills that help run a successful business.
- Study further and earn a diploma: After finishing a course, you can move to the next level and get your National Diploma in Financial Accounting.
- Learn from home in your own time: With distance learning made easy, you can study without attending classes.
A bridging school gives people a chance to study again if they didn’t finish school. It helps you prepare for further learning. You can take beginner-friendly courses for school leavers that lead to better opportunities.
A bridging qualification is a short course that helps you get ready for higher learning. It covers the basics you need to succeed in your next course. One good option is the ICB Junior Bookkeeping course, which is made for new students.
Yes, it is equivalent to matric. It is NQF Level 4 course that gives you helpful skills, but it doesn’t replace a school certificate. If you want an amended matric certificate, you can study Adult Matric through distance learning after completing your ICB course.
Author: Jodie Jacobs