Higher Certificate vs Diploma vs Degree (South Africa)
If you’re not sure what to choose after Matric, this guide makes it simple.
Short version:
- A Higher Certificate is usually the easiest entry and often 1 year.
- A Diploma is usually 3 years and more career-focused.
- A Degree is usually 3–4+ years and often has higher entry requirements.
1) Higher Certificate: what it is
A Higher Certificate is often:
- A 1-year qualification (sometimes longer depending on the institution)
- A practical starting point
- A pathway into a diploma or degree (in some cases)
Who it’s good for
- You didn’t meet diploma/degree requirements yet
- You want a faster entry into tertiary study
- You want a bridging route to a higher qualification
What to know
- Not all Higher Certificates lead directly to a Diploma/Degree
- Pathways depend on the institution and the programme
2) Diploma: what it is
A Diploma is often:
- A 3-year qualification
- Practical and career-focused
- Offered by universities of technology and some universities
Who it’s good for
- You have a Diploma pass and meet subject requirements
- You want a qualification that’s strongly linked to a career field
- You want a mix of theory + practical skills
What to know
- Many diplomas still require Mathematics (especially IT/Engineering)
- Some programmes are competitive, so APS matters
3) Degree: what it is
A Degree is often:
- A 3-year qualification (BA/BCom/BSc) or 4+ years (Engineering/Medicine/etc.)
- More theory-heavy (depending on the field)
- Often has higher entry requirements
Who it’s good for
- You have a Bachelor pass and strong marks
- You meet APS + required subjects (Maths/Science often required for certain degrees)
- You want broader options for postgraduate study later
What to know
- A Bachelor pass is not enough by itself — APS and subject requirements matter
- Competitive degrees may require a high APS
Quick comparison (simple)
- Higher Certificate: easiest entry, shortest, can be a stepping stone
- Diploma: mid-level entry, career-focused, usually 3 years
- Degree: highest entry, broader options, often 3–4+ years
Which one should you choose?
Choose based on:
- Your current Matric results (pass level + APS)
- Your target career
- Your subject choices (Maths vs Math Lit, Physical/Life Sciences, etc.)
- How quickly you want to start studying vs upgrading results
Best next step: calculate your APS
Try the APS Calculator and compare:
- best 6 vs best 7
- include/exclude LO
- degree requirement hints
Pathway tip (very common route)
Many students do this:
Higher Certificate → Diploma → Degree
This can be a smart plan if you didn’t qualify for the degree you want immediately.