A 22 Year Old Can Go Back To High School In South Africa

There are many reasons why a 22 year old may wish to go back to high school in South Africa. Perhaps they dropped out of school prior to matric, failed grade 12 or had to drop out due to financial issues or family obligations. Regardless of their reason for wanting to return to high school, it is possible for them to get their matric certificate at the age of 22 in South Africa.

Most people believe that once they become adults, their ability to receive a formal education is over. This is not true. There is a specific educational pathway created by the South African government to allow adults to earn their school certificates.

A significant distinction when comparing attending a traditional high school with obtaining a senior certificate via an adult education program is being aware of what type of pathway will work best based upon your individual needs. Once you understand the differences between both options, then you can choose which option works best for you in terms of how long it takes to complete, cost and other factors that may affect your ability to pursue additional schooling.

In this article, we will discuss whether a 22 year old can attend high school again; how adult matric works; what qualifications are required; where to register; and what to do if you did not pass grade 12. Can A 22 Year Old Attend High School Again In South Africa? Yes, a 22 year old can pursue their secondary education in South Africa however, attending a typical high school is typically not the preferred method at this point in life. In South Africa, there exists a separate pathway for adults wishing to earn their senior certificate. This pathway is referred to as the “Senior Certificate (Amended),” otherwise known as adult matric.

The Department of Basic Education permits adults aged 21 and above to register for the Senior Certificate exam. Most applicants must possess either a grade 9 school report card; a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC); or some other type of acceptable equivalent qualification. Additionally, individuals who have unfinished portions of their senior certificate may also be eligible based upon certain criteria set forth by the Department.

Therefore, even though you are 22 years old and do not currently hold a senior certificate, you still have access to a means of earning one. The primary factor to consider when pursuing adult matric is that it is generally completed outside of the standard school environment. As opposed to simply enrolling into a regular high school classroom filled with students younger than yourself, you will study for the Senior Certificate exams via an approved adult learning program or independently.

Why Is It Hard For A 22 Year Old To Enroll Into A Regular High School? Due to the fact that South African schools primarily serve children and adolescents, age can play a significant role in determining whether or not a given school can accommodate someone seeking to re-enter grades 10, 11 or 12.

Because you are 22 years old, you may discover that most public high schools cannot enroll you in the same manner that they would enroll a child moving forward through the educational system.

While this does not imply that you no longer have rights to education, it does indicate that you may need to utilize a different means to accomplish your goals. For instance, suppose you quit school at 17 while you were in grade 10 because your family experienced economic hardship. Five years later, you now work and desire to acquire a senior certificate so that you can seek better employment or additional schooling. You may initially believe that the sole method available to you is to return to your former school and repeat grade 10. However, Adult Matric may provide a better option for you based upon your past test results/qualifications. Don’t assume that any one specific school will accept you; instead, contact your Provincial Education Office to find out what other options are available. Should your objective be to obtain a senior certificate, then research the Senior Certificate pathway.

What Is Adult Matric In South Africa? Adult matric is a pathway that enables qualified adult learners to acquire a Senior Certificate.

It is intended for individuals who did not complete their schooling and wish to gain another opportunity to attain a senior certificate. Adult matric may be especially advantageous for those who exited school several years ago, require a certificate for employment purposes, or need to satisfy prerequisites for further education.

Unlike the standard school route, the amended Senior Certificate is designed for adult candidates and relies largely on final exams rather than the usual form of assessment used in schools. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that you have prepared properly for your examinations. Before paying tuition costs or buying textbooks/study guides etc., check with either the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or your local provincial education department to confirm whether or not you are eligible based upon meeting the required pre-requisites.

If so, then adult matric could possibly work out well for you; this option is available when someone has left high school before completing grade 12. You are 22 or older and wish to acquire a senior certificate. You successfully completed grade 9 but did not advance beyond that level. You possess an incomplete senior certificate and wish to complete your coursework using an authorized adult route. You wish to enhance your prospects for employment or further education.

What Does It Take To Be Eligible For A 22-Year Old To Pursue An Adult Matric? At age 22, you’re over the minimum age needed for pursuing an Adult Senior Certificate. But being older isn’t all there is to it.

You’ll also need to show that you’ve completed some type of prior schooling. Here’s what else you’ll need to do:

1. Show Proof That You Have Reached The Required Age

Most adults applying for the Senior Certificate exam will need to be at least 21 years old. Since you’re 22, you’re past this barrier.

2. Show Proof Of A Prior Qualification

In order to be considered eligible for the Senior Certificate exam, most applicants will either have a Grade 9 report card showing that they successfully completed Grade 9; or a GETC (General Education and Training Certificate); or another recognized equivalent qualification at the required level. If you’ve tried taking the Senior Certificate exam before but didn’t finish it, you could possibly fall into the category of “candidates with incomplete Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate” qualifications. If you don’t have access to your old report card, contact your old school or the relevant provincial education authority to see if they can assist you in getting documentation proving your previous scores.

3. Register Through The Correct Channels

To take part in the Adult Matric program, you’ll need to go through either the provincial education authority or the official government registration service during the time that registration is allowed. When you register, you’ll need to provide various forms of documentation including a certified copy of your ID and proof of your previous school results. Depending upon your individual situation, the requirements may vary slightly so make sure to read the most up-to-date registration procedures before submitting your application. Information regarding registration can be found on the Department of Basic Education’s Senior Certificate Registration Page.

What Happens If I Didn’t Pass Grade 9?

It’s an important consideration since many people wishing to return to school come from diverse backgrounds. If you’re 22 but never passed Grade 9, don’t think you can just sign up for Adult Matric right away. The typical prerequisites for the Amended Senior Certificate include having passed Grade 9, having a GETC or having a recognized equivalent qualification. If you don’t meet those requirements, talk to your local provincial education authority or look into an Adult Basic Education Program that will allow you to achieve the necessary level of education. After achieving the required qualification, you can then determine if you’re eligible for Adult Matric.

While going through this process first might seem slow, it will ensure that you won’t waste time trying to get accepted into a program you aren’t qualified to complete.

Is It Possible For Me To Enroll In Grades 10, 11 Or 12 At Age 22?

You may have other choices, however attending an ordinary high school at age 22 is typically not the norm. The usual way to pursue Matric would be to look into the Senior Certificate route. Your best choice depends on where you were in your education when you left school.

If you dropped out after Grade 9

See if your Grade 9 scores meet the requirements for Adult Matric. If they do, you may be able to apply for the Senior Certificate route.

If you dropped out after Grade 10 or Grade 11

Check your old school records. If you passed Grade 9, you may have met the minimum educational requirement for Adult Matric. Next, verify the subjects offered, the testing schedule and the current registration procedure.

If you took Matric but didn’t pass

There are two options to finish off all of the remaining subjects and/or get a Senior Certificate. These options will depend upon what kind of qualifications you had prior to this point, which tests you took, and if your school’s assessment is still good. If you don’t know, then call the provincial education department to see where you stand before moving forward with completing the National Senior Certificate and converting over to the Amended Senior Certificate. Each option has its own rules.

What Are The Steps To Applying For Adult Matric When You Are 22 Years Old?

Once you find out that you qualify, it’s time to fill out an application. Here are five steps to take:

Step 1 – Gather All Of Your Documents

Take along your ID card and every report card/certificate from high school. Also bring along all of your test results/scores if you took Matric before.

Step 2 – Call Your Provincial Education Department

Find out from them about the Senior Certificate Exam, whether or not you can take it, and when the deadline is for registering for the next exam session.

Step 3 – Figure Out Where You Will Be Able To Register

Depending on how they handle registrations now, you may be able to register at one of their office locations or use their website to register online.

Step 4 – Select Subjects With Caution

Determine the available subjects and choose those which correspond to your plans for the future. Before proceeding with the selection of your final subject(s), do check the admission requirements for the program/degree in colleges/universities.

Step 5 – Plan Out Your Studies & Get Materials Needed

Develop a study schedule based on your exam requirements and purchase materials needed for studying.

After submitting your paperwork make sure to make copies of everything so that you have proof of submission and verify that your application was completed correctly.

Adult Matric – Can I Do This at Home? Yes, you can prepare for adult matric at home based upon the type of study arrangement you select.

Many adults study independently using textbooks, past exam papers and authorized study materials. As for another adults, they choose an education provider which offers lessons, study material or tutoring. Distance education is quite useful for adults who are already employed, parents or anyone else with other responsibilities that hinder them from going to classes.

For example, it may happen that every day after work you will devote just one hour to studies and a few more hours – during the weekends – to test preparation. This may be achieved due to a well-designed schedule.

Before paying for a private education provider, make it clear which certification the program will prepare you for and how to register for the exam. Don’t forget that joining a private program is not the same as applying to a national examination. Understand what each of these issues means.

How long will it take me to complete adult matric? The time needed to complete adult matric will depend on aspects such as where you start, the number of subjects you have remaining as well as how much time you can devote to studying.

Some candidates may need to devote longer time to prepare for the exam due to long years of being away from school. On the other hand, some candidates may already have knowledge of most of the subject matter and therefore require less time to prepare.

There is no “standard” amount of time that all candidates require to complete adult matric.

You should take into account the following points prior to taking a look at study plan:

• How long has passed since the last time you studied?
• Which subjects remain to be studied?
• Are you currently working along with studying?
• What is the weekly timeframe you can assign the study process?
• When is the next exam planned to take place?

 

Never choose a course of study just because it is quick, but only if you have enough time to gain knowledge. Make sure that you have enough time to learn the method.

After I Pass My Adult Matric – What Options Are Available To Me? Passing your adult matric opens up new possibilities; however, it does not automatically give you access to jobs or universities.

A Senior Certificate is a recognized document which will help you meet many different educational requirements for employment, college and higher education. Each employer and institution has set their own eligibility requirements.

For example, many universities have specified subject requirements and minimum grade levels for acceptance into their program.

Additionally, to receive a Bachelor’s Degree Endorsement, you will have to complete all required course work at both the subject matter and grade levels. Before deciding which subjects you want to take, find out what the entry requirements are for any specialized area of study (such as Nursing, Teaching, Engineering etc.) you plan on entering. In addition to finding jobs with matric requirements; find out what additional qualifications/certificates do companies/organizations look for in job candidates. Make sure you choose your subjects based upon your future career goals and not simply based on how “easy” they seem.

Will I Be Ashamed To Get My Matric At 22 Years Old?

Absolutely Not! There is absolutely no reason to feel bad about wanting to get your education done as an adult.
There are many reasons why people drop out of school. Financial problems, family issues, health issues, etc., can all cause disruptions to someone’s ability to continue their education.

Wherever you were at 16 or 17 years old doesn’t mean that this will be true for the rest of your life. Returning to education at the age of 22 is no easy task. You may have to find a balance between your studies, your job, your family responsibilities and financial issues, but that shouldn’t take away from how significant your goal is. However, it’s important to realize that everyone has a different schedule. Some students complete their school education at the age of 18, while others return to class when they are much older.

What matters the most is figuring out the best possible way forward.
The first step to take would be locating your school paperwork.

FAQs About Matric at 22 Years Old In South Africa

Is it possible to get my matric at 22 years old in South Africa?

Yes. If you meet the necessary criteria, you can apply for the Amended Senior Certificate which is designed specifically for adults.

Am I allowed to enroll in a regular high school at 22 years old?

Regular high schools are typically made available to children who are still attending school. Therefore, enrollment at 22 years old may not be feasible using the typical method. However, you should speak with your local provincial education office regarding alternatives such as Adult Matric.

Do I have to attend school to take the matric exams?

Not at all. If you meet the requirements for being an eligible adult applicant, you can carry out independent studies and take the Senior Certificate examination which does not need you to go to a formal institution. In any case, it is necessary to register properly and fulfill the requirements for taking the exam.

Can I take adult matric while doing a full-time job?

Yes. Depending on the method you choose to study, it may be true that you can continue working while preparing for your exam. There are options such as distance learning and self-study available to you.

Do I need my grade 9 report to apply for adult matric?

Generally speaking, you’ll need proof that you’ve completed the required amount of schooling. If you cannot obtain your own records from your previous school, then you should contact your provincial education office to see if they can verify an acceptable substitute.

Are adult matric and ordinary matric exactly alike?

As it has been mentioned, while both the Amended Senior Certificate and National Senior Certificate have valid recognition, they differ in their assessment process and what can be pursued thereafter from an academic or professional angle. Make sure to look through the requirements of institutes/employers you are going to follow up.

Conclusion: You Can Still Obtain Your Matric At 22 Years Old

Therefore, can a 22 year old return to high school in South Africa? Yes, however, Adult Matric is usually the best option rather than trying to re-enter into an ordinary high school setting. First, check if you still have access to your past academic history and determine if you meet the minimum requirements for applying to the Senior Certificate program. Then, reach out to your provincial education office, find out when the next application deadline is and select a study plan based upon your individual needs. Don’t let your age fool you into thinking that it’s too late to achieve your educational aspirations. With the resources currently available to you, simply gather as much information as possible, inquire about what options exist for you and take things one day at a time. Your journey may be different than another person’s but ultimately your ability to reach your goals remains unaffected.