NCV is a qualification that is generally offered at colleges at level 2, 3, and 4 which are equivalent to grade 10, 11, and 12.
These programmes offer workplace environment experience and focuses more on skill development. Following the completion of these programmes, one still has an opportunity to complete higher education qualifications. In total the programmes take 3 years to complete as they consist of level 2, 3, and 4. Students are awarded a certificate at the completion of each level, which takes 1 year.
To qualify for such a programme, you need a minimum of grade 9 qualification. Meaning you need to have passed your grade 9 before you can apply for a NCV programme.
Visit colleges to see NCV programmes offered by each college. Click here.
A diploma is more career orientated and focuses more on the practical learning. The purpose is to prepare you to work efficiently in a particular field.
These are generally offered over a period of 3 years at both colleges and universities. It can be done full-time or part-time. Note that doing it part-time means that you will take longer (a year more) to complete the programme. Some programmes take 6 months to a year.
To qualify you need to have completed your matric/grade 12.
To see which diplomas are offered by different institutions, visit the universities and colleges tabs.
A degree is a qualification offered at a university level. These programmes take a more academic approach and focus on enabling the graduates’ knowledge and competencies in their various fields. The duration of study generally varies from 3 - 4 years for almost all fields of study, but for some fields like medicine it takes 5 - 6 years depending on which university you go to.
To qualify you need to have completed matric/grade 12. However, it is important to note that each degree programme has minimum admission requirements which majorly depend on your marks or rather how well you did in your grade 12 exams.
Some universities also offer part-time studying.
To check various degree programmes offered by different universities, click here.