The National Benchmarking Tests (more commonly known as the NBTs) is a set of tests used to assess a student’s academic literacy, general knowledge and mathematical skill in an effort to measure academic readiness for tertiary education (i.e. university).

I completed my school education outside South Africa. Can I still register for a bachelor degree?Yes, you can. You’ll need to apply for a certificate of conditional matric exemption to the Matriculation Board, which will evaluate your school qualification. Visit the...

Here’s a scary fact: more than half the matrics who leave school every year don’t have the basic skills to get a job in any sector of the economy. And even if you make it to university, as many as 7 000 South African graduates are jobless at any given time.

Do you want to be a good athlete? Run a lot. Do you want to be an amazing dancer? Dance a lot. Do you want to do well in the exams? Examine yourself a lot. Huh?

Your dream degree or diploma beckons, but money’s too tight to mention. Don’t despair – if you’re on the ball, it’s easy to score financial aid.

After the school bell rings for the last time, what now? Christina Kennedy gives the lowdown on the options open to you.

Beat the bursary blues. Somewhere over the funding rainbow…your dream of a degree or a diploma can come true. Bright but broke? Gifted but penniless? Don’t despair – there are funding angels out there to help those who want to study further after matric.

The countdown has begun and the clock is ticking as the ‘biggie’ looms on the horizon. Once you’ve got Matric under your belt, you can saddle up and ride off into your very own sunset.

Confused about your next step on the road that lies ahead? Read on then plan the best route to take you to your chosen destination.