What Can I Study With A Diploma Pass?

With a diploma pass, you can qualify for respected, career-focused courses in fields like business, HR, and finance. Study now!

Your diploma pass is more powerful than you think. If you’ve been wondering what to study with a diploma pass?, you’re not alone and you’re not out of options. With a diploma pass, you can qualify for respected, career-focused courses in fields like business, HR, and finance.

These aren’t second-best options; they are smart, flexible paths that match your ambition. Whether you’re aiming to build skills, earn a qualification, or move toward your goals, it all starts with knowing what’s possible.

What Is A Diploma Pass And What To Study With A Diploma Pass?

The diploma pass makes up one of the three passes of the National Senior Certificate (NSC). You can achieve this after passing your online matric. Your pass mark plays an important role in choosing where and what you can study.

Diploma Pass Requirements

To pass your matric with a diploma pass, you need to meet its requirements. This means you need to:

  • Achieve at least of 40% for your Home Language
  • Obtain at least of 40% in 4 other subjects (exclucing Life Orientation)
  • Achieve 30% or more in a Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)

You’ve just passed Matric and now it is time to keep the momentum going and start building the future you want. Download our brochure and request a call back today. Let our college guide you towards career-focused courses that will help you build skills and stand out.

Where to Study Diploma Courses in South Africa

Many focus on the course they want to study. Choosing where to study is also important. The method in which you will learn depends on the institution you enrol with.

Your choice of where to study should not make studying difficult. It should instead make learning fun and be an exciting chapter in your life. Locations where you can study diploma courses includes:

University of Technology – These are also known as a technikons. They offer an extensive range of diploma courses and other tertiary qualifications you can do. You will need to attend classes on campus and possibly travel or relocate to study with them.

TVET Colleges – These colleges were formerly known as FET colleges. At a TVET college, you will need to attend classes at a campus. TVET college is a great way to learn basic workplace experience and skills as you are required to complete a practical in the field you want to pursue.

Distance Learning Colleges – Choose an institution that adapts to your lifestyle. With distance learning colleges, you can study from the comfort of your home. You can study with us, no matter where you are in the country. 

Other benefits of studying through distance learning with us includes:

  • No credit checks
  • Only pay for the months studied with us

Choosing a study location can shape your whole future. Download our brochure today and explore diploma courses that match your goals. It’s the easiest way to find your perfect course and start your journey to success.

What To Study With A Diploma Pass – Diploma Pass Courses

You’ve worked hard to achieve your diploma pass. Now it’s time to start your journey to higher learning with us.

Our accredited courses will ensure that you improve on the skills and knowledge you have learned. Become a qualified professional in your field by studying the following courses:  

National Diploma

Stand out from the crowd with our  accredited National Diploma courses. Nated courses range from N4 – N6. With each course completed, you will receive a qualification. Complete all three levels as well as 18 months of required practical work to achieve your national diploma.

Boost your skills by studying any one of the following courses:

Your next chapter starts here! You’ve earned your diploma pass—now it’s time to build a future you can be proud of. Download a brochure to explore career-focused diploma courses in fields like business, finance, HR, and more. With these courses you will be ready for a promotion in no time. 

Open Access

When you complete your matric with a diploma pass, you’re not limited to only studying diploma courses. You can only study open access skills based courses without matric that will make you workplace ready.

Some of our courses includes:

Just because you have a diploma pass doesn’t mean you’re limited. Open access courses are a great way to learn practical skills and get ready for the job market. Download our brochure to explore hands-on courses like the above.

What Can I Study With A Diploma Pass Online?

With a diploma pass, you can study all the above programmes online. Online learning gives you flexible study options.

Is It Good To Pass With A Diploma? 

Yes, getting a diploma pass is still a great achievement. It means you passed matric and can study further at a college or do a diploma course. A diploma pass helps you build useful skills and get ready for a career you’ll enjoy.

How Many Years Is A Diploma?

A diploma usually takes about two to three years to finish. Some courses are shorter, while others take longer if they include work experience. It’s a good way to get job-ready skills in a shorter time than a full degree.

Difference Between a Degree, Diploma and Certificate

When completing your matric, you will receive one of 3 matric passes. The level in which you pass greatly influences what and where you can study. The 3 main qualification types you can complete. They are:

Degree – Matriculants who passed with a bachelors pass can complete a degree. They vary in course length, and can be anywhere between 3-5 years. Degrees can be completed at universities and technikons. The courses focus mostly on theory rather than practicals.

Diploma – A diploma pass in matric means you can pursue various diploma qualifications, such as advanced diploma and national diploma. They can be studied at an array of institutions like university of technology, TVET colleges and distance learning. Diploma courses focus on both theory and practical work.

Certificate – Even though certificates are not as prestigious as degrees and diplomas, they still hold merit. You can complete certificate courses via distance learning and TVET colleges. They are quicker to complete and can be used as credits to study higher qualifications. 

Happy African woman in a graduation cap celebrating her success after studying with a diploma pass.

Benefits of a Diploma Pass

Reap the rewards of studying further with your diploma pass. Studying a diploma or skills based course is also very popular among students. They teach you twice the amount of skills and knowledge for half the time and cost.

More Options When Choosing Courses

With your diploma pass, your study options won’t be limited to one field. You can enrol in almost all fields you are interested in, given they accept your pass mark.

There are diploma courses for all industries, from finance to educare. So fill in an ICB application today and advance your career.

Career Opportunities

Think you can’t have a successful career with a diploma pass? Think again. You’ll still have many career opportunities available to you.

Studying a course also will make your CV stand out from the crowd. Further your education and you could start your dream job in no time. 

Learn Practical Workplace Skills

The great thing about studying diploma courses with your diploma pass is the valuable skills you will learn. They prepare you by teaching you the skills you need to complete your day to day duties. This allows you to gain the knowledge to solve problems and make decisions. 

Man drinking juice while sitting with his laptop in a park. Thinking "What can I Study With a Diploma Pass?", study diploma courses with us.

Upgrade Your Diploma Pass to a Degree

Want to study further but you don’t meet the requirements due to your diploma pass? We have the right programme for you.

Our Matric Upgrade programme allows you to improve your current marks, giving you the chance to turn your diploma pass into a bachelors pass. All you need is to be 21 years and older, and have the ability to read and write in English.

Explore the right study path for you, choosing between a degree, diploma, or certificate doesn’t have to be confusing. Each option leads to great opportunities. Call us today to speak to a course expert that can help you find the best fit for you.

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Adult Matric
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Kebalipile
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Kholeka Nqobile Xintolo
Child Psychology
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Catherine Harland
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Zanele Kopo
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Diploma Pass Course Reviews

“I have previously studied with Skills Academy ,getting very good service, that is the reason why I enrolled with Skills again to study my ICB accounting further with the Academy. I want to give a huge shout out to Penina Mcube who was prepared to help me resolve an urgent query I had. She went the extra mile and was even prepared to help me , though it was evening and way past office hours. I will recommend Skills academy to anyone who wants to study from home part time.” – Bernadine Bond-Taylor

“I recently signed up to complete my Accounting course..I was honestly surprised at the level of support and help I received from Leigh(Student consultant).It went so smoothly and the whole process was effortless.I cannot wait to get started and I am so proud to say that I am a Skills Academy Student.Thank you for making my dreams a reality” – Annemarie Scholtemeyer

“Skills academy it’s not bad at all,at first was skeptical thinking maybe it’s one of those doggy colleges well only to find out Iwas wrong..It’s my second year studying with them my Educare diploma.everything it’s legit ,you get your qualifications after the completion of your course without any inconvenience..no need to worry skills academy it’s one of the best online distance learning.” – Mpho mellisa

Pave the way to Higher Education With Your Diploma Pass

Take control of your future today. Study further and learn the skills you need to lead a thriving career. Contact one of our course experts for more information on our diploma programmes. You can:

  • Call us on 0800 39 00 27
  • Fill in our contact form for a call back

You’ve earned your diploma pass, now let us call you back and guide you to the right study options for your future.

People Also Ask

Yes, you can study at a university with a Diploma Pass. This qualification allows you to pursue diploma courses at a university of technology and certain degree programs, depending on the university’s specific admission requirements.

A diploma typically takes between one and three years to complete, depending on the field of study and the specific requirements of the program.

To convert a diploma into a degree, you can enrol in a degree program and apply for credits based on your diploma studies. Some universities offer bridging courses or advanced standing for diploma holders, which can shorten the duration of the degree program.

A diploma is typically considered a Level 6 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is one level below a bachelor’s degree (Level 7).

To get a diploma pass in matric, you need at least 19 points. You must also pass six subjects, and four of them must be 40% or more. This type of pass helps you apply for diploma courses at colleges and some universities.

A diploma can also be called a certificate or a qualification. Some people call it a “national diploma” or “advanced diploma” too. The name can change, but it means you’ve finished a course and have skills in a subject.

A person who finishes a diploma is called a diploma graduate. They might also be called a graduate in what they studied, like a business graduate. It means they’ve been trained and have knowledge in that subject.

Many universities accept diploma passes. Places like UNISA and private colleges give you good study options. Just make sure to check what each one needs before you apply.

A diploma can be challenging but manageable with effort. It usually combines theory with practical learning. With dedication, most students succeed.

Yes, a diploma pass is a solid achievement. It allows entry into many colleges and certain universities. It gives you options for further study and careers.

Last Updated: 8 October 2025

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