How to Choose a Course

Explore our easy-to-follow tips on how to choose a course that is the best fit for you. You will have the opportunity to study the most in-demand courses that match SA’s most popular careers!

Don’t get stuck studying something you aren’t interested in. We have tips that show you how to choose a course. This way you’ll start your career on the right note and you’ll enjoy your studies. 

Top 5 Courses To Study 

Get ready to start the career of your dreams by learning quality skills in our top 5 courses: 

  1. Matric Courses
  2. Computer Courses
  3. Beauty Therapy Course
  4. Educare
  5. Human Resource Management

Matric Courses

Whether you want to get your matric or achieve better results, our Matric Courses will help you reach your goals. 

Computer Courses

Go digital with our Computer Courses. Since everything is online, you need to keep up with the trends that will help you stay on top. 

Beauty Therapy Course

Set the foundation for your career with our Beauty Therapy Course. This comprehensive course will teach you various skills, such as facial skincare and professional salon skills to help you start your beauty career.

Educare

Learn the ABCs of childcare and education in our Educare Courses. This accredited course will help you earn your recognised national diploma.

Human Resource Management

Gain the skills that will help you employ the best candidates and train staff with our HR Management Courses. And the best part? You can start your studies with or without matric.

This gives all our students an equal opportunity for quality education. 

HR Diploma Courses:

HR Provider Programmes:

Student sitting outside writing down notes. Learn how to choose a course right here.

Why Choose the Right Course 

You don’t want to drop out of your course halfway through or end up in a career you’re unsatisfied with. That’s why choosing the right course is so important. It sets the tone for your entire future. Take the time to carefully and strategically make this life changing decision. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Course 

No, don’t go running for the hills just yet. Yes, there are a lot of course options. But with these steps, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here you’ll be able to know where you are starting and where you want to end up, making the decision process easier. 

Matriculant 

After matric you are looking to start your life. So, you’ll need to look at courses that you are interested in and that can help start your career. 

Goal: Have a qualification.

Factors to Consider: Your course should include work placement skills.

Career Change 

The career you’re currently in might not be enough for you mentally or financially. This is the perfect opportunity to study something you are passionate about. 

Goal: Start a new career.

Factors to Consider: You need to meet the entry requirements of the course. 

Wanting a Promotion 

You might be working at an entry level position and that’s fine but only for so long. Level up your career by adding to your qualifications and skills. 

Goal: Get a promotion and increase your skills 

Factors to Consider: Try finding courses that offer skills that are highly sought after 

Gain a new Skill 

Wanting to learn new skills is more reason to study a new course. It in fact speaks to your willingness to learn which is always a win with potential employers. 

Goal: Gain a new skill 

Factors to Consider: This course should be something that you are passionate about. 

Deciding on the Career you Want 

Deciding on a career can be a bit tricky but it can be done. Break this process down into two main sections: Wanting a promotion and wanting to start a new career. Once that’s completed you can go on to these steps: 

Wanting a promotion:

  • Speak to your employers on what skills are relevant for your career
  • Look at the requirements needed for the course

Starting a new Career: 

  • Note down fields you are interested in 
  • Look at the skills and knowledge you already have

Where do you Want to Study? 

Location is important. Great thing is you’re spoilt for choices, you can study anywhere in the world. But remember there are other factors to consider like fees, transportation and juggling your other responsibilities with your studies. 

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Not everyone is in the potion to pay high tuition fees. That’s why you have financial aid and scholarships available to you like NSFAS. You can apply for it while applying to your institution. 

Local or Abroad 

Do you want to study in your hometown, the big city or in a foregin country? Studying abroad is a great way to start travelling and experience different cultures. But studying in your hometown means you have the option of living at home or on campus.

Working 

Having an income is always a need. Life’s expensive and so are textbooks. But balance is important as well. You need to know how to prioritise your work and your studies at the same time. 

Theory or Practical Studying? 

What kind of learner are you? Knowing how you retain information helps you narrow down what institution you should study with. If you are a theoretical learner it means that you understand work better when it’s written down. Practical learners understand work best when it’s demonstrated in front of them or when you work with your hands. 

Study Methods 

Being comfortable is what’s most important when studying. Where you study contributes to that as well. Look at your options and the entry requirements for each institution. Remember to also look at the benefits of studying with each institution. 

University 

Universities offer a variety of diplomas, degrees and several other qualifications you can study.  Although you have all these options, universities tend to have strict entry requirements. 

College 

There are FET and TVET colleges at your disposal. Most colleges allow you to start studying with your grade 9 report and they offer courses that aim to make you workplace ready. 

Distance Learning 

No time to attend classes? With distance learning you study from the comfort of your home and our entry requirements are flexible. This allows everyone access to accredited education. 

Online 

Online courses are affordable and accessible if you have a reliable internet connection. Apart from that, you should be on the lookout for any scammers who offer free courses and take your money. 

Important Factors to Consider 

With your course and institution in hand, now you get to look at the minor details of the course. These details will help you make a final decision on a course and help you remove what won’t work for you and your needs. 

Duration: How many years do you want to spend studying? 

Subject: Do the subjects speak to the skills you want to learn?

Work Experience: Will this qualification get you the work experience you need? 

Research that Should be Done 

Don’t just rely on the tips of one article to make a big decision. Always do more Research! Doing different forms of research can answer questions you might have and it can put your mind at ease. Look at these simple ways that you can do some research: 

  • Open Days 
  • Network/Talk to people 
  • The Internet

Can a Quiz Help Choose a Course? 

Course quizzes are a fun way to see what course you are interested in. There are many online aptitude tests that you can do to get a basic understanding of what career you could go into. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go into the career selected for you, it’s still your choice. 

Decide on a Path and Follow Through to the end 

Gear up with our tips and your research and find the course that opens the doors to your future career. Remember the sky’s the limit. Contact one of our course advisors and get some expert advice today. 

  • Call us for free on 0800 39 00 27
  • Or fill out a contact form for a call back
Last Updated: 18 January 2023

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