One of the most common questions asked by young people in South Africa is:
“Do I need matric to apply for a SETA learnership?”
Many people lose hope after failing matric or leaving school early, believing that all learnerships are only for those with Grade 12. The good news is that not all SETA learnerships require matric. In fact, several learnerships are designed specifically for people with Grade 10 or Grade 11.
In this complete guide, we will explain:
- When matric is required
- When matric is NOT required
- What level of education is accepted
- Which NQF levels you qualify for
- What documents you need
- And how to improve your chances of selection
What Is a SETA Learnership?
A SETA learnership is a workplace training programme that combines:
- Theoretical learning (classroom training)
- Practical workplace experience
Learnerships are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and are overseen by different Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).
When you successfully finish a learnership, you receive a nationally recognised qualification that can help you:
- Get a job
- Continue studying
- Build a professional career
Do All SETA Learnerships Require Matric?
No – NOT all SETA learnerships require matric.
The education requirement depends on:
- The NQF level of the learnership
- The industry offering the programme
- The employer or training provider
Some learnerships are designed for:
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Matric holders
- College graduates
- University graduates
This means that even without matric, you may still qualify for certain learnerships.
Understanding NQF Levels and Education Requirements
To understand why some learnerships need matric and others do not, you must understand NQF levels (National Qualifications Framework).
Here is a simple breakdown:
1: NQF Level 1 – 2
- Education Required: Grade 9 – Grade 10
- Matric: NOT required
- These are entry-level learnerships.
2: NQF Level 3 – 4
- Education Required: Grade 11 – Matric
- Matric: Often required for NQF 4
- Most popular learnerships fall here.
3: NQF Level 5+
- Education Required: Post-matric qualifications
- Matric: Always required
- These are higher-level professional learnerships.
So, matric is not always required, but it becomes important as the NQF level (the qualification level) increases.
Examples of Learnerships That May NOT Require Matric
Some industries regularly offer learnerships for people without matric. Examples include:
- Cleaning and hygiene services
- General labour
- Wholesale and retail
- Food handling and hospitality
- Call centre and customer service (entry level)
- Security practices
- Construction and infrastructure support
- Logistics and warehousing
These learnerships usually fall under NQF Level 1–2.
Examples of Learnerships That Usually Require Matric
Learnerships that often require matric include:
- Banking and finance
- Office administration
- Information technology
- Business management
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Legal administration
- Supply chain management
These mostly fall under NQF Level 4 and higher.
Can You Still Apply If You Failed Matric?
Yes
If you wrote matric but did not pass, you can still apply for:
- NQF Level 1 learnerships
- NQF Level 2 learnerships
- Some NQF Level 3 programmes
You will need to submit your statement of results, not a full matric certificate.
Some employers also accept:
- Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) certificates
- TVET college entry-level certificates
What If You Never Wrote Matric at All?
If you never wrote matric, you can still apply for:
- Entry-level learnerships
- Skills programmes
- Short courses that lead to learnerships
Many employers focus on:
- Your literacy level
- Your ability to communicate
- Your attitude and willingness to learn
Some training providers also allow you to upgrade your education while on the programme.
Do Matric Subjects Matter for Learnerships?
Yes, sometimes
Certain learnerships require specific matric subjects, such as:
- Mathematics for finance and engineering
- English for administration and call centre work
- Physical Science for technical learnerships
- Accounting for business-related fields
However, many learnerships only require:
- A general pass in Grade 12
- Basic communication skills
Documents Required When Applying Without Matric
If you do NOT have matric, you may be asked to submit:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Latest school report (e.g., Grade 11 report or Matric statement of results)
- Proof of residence
- Updated CV
You must always submit true documents. Using fake certificates can lead to permanent blacklisting.
How Employers Select Learners (Not Only by Matric)
Even when matric is required, employers do not always select only based on marks.
They also look at:
- Communication skills
- Motivation and attitude
- Willingness to learn
- Basic computer literacy
- Ability to work in teams
- Availability and commitment
This means that having matric alone does not guarantee selection.
Can You Do a Learnership to Get Matric?
Directly, no
A learnership gives you an NQF qualification, not a matric certificate itself.
But indirectly, yes
Some learners start with:
- ABET programmes
- Skills programmes
- Entry-level learnerships
Then later:
- Upgrade their education
- Re-write matric part-time
- Progress into higher NQF learnerships
This creates a career pathway, even without matric at first.
Pros and Cons of Doing a Learnership Without Matric
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| You gain work experience | Fewer learnership choices |
| You earn a stipend | Lower starting qualification level |
| You receive a recognised qualification | Slower career progression |
| You improve your employability | Some industries remain closed without matric |
| You build a career foundation |
Still, it is better to start at a lower level than not start at all.
Common Myths About Matric and Learnerships
Myth 1: “All learnerships need matric”
Not true. Many entry-level learnerships accept Grade 10 or 11.
Myth 2: “Without matric your career is finished”
Not true. Many people build careers through practical skills and experience.
Myth 3: “SETA only funds graduates”
Not true. SETAs mainly focus on unemployed youth and skills development across all NQF levels.
Tips to Improve Your Chances Without Matric
If you do not have matric, you should:
- Have a neat, honest CV
- Improve your English communication
- Get basic computer skills
- Be available for assessments/interviews
- Apply consistently
- Avoid paying for “guaranteed placement” (it’s a scam)
Your attitude and discipline matter just as much as your school results.
Are There Age Limits If You Don’t Have Matric?
Most SETA learnerships are targeted at:
- Youth between 18 and 35
Some are open to people older than 35. Disability learnerships may also have flexible age limits. Age limits depend entirely on the employer and the specific funding model.
Final Verdict: Do You Need Matric for SETA Learnerships?
The answer is clear:
- Matric is NOT required for all SETA learnerships.
- Entry-level learnerships accept Grade 10 and 11.
- Higher-level learnerships usually require matric.
- You can still build a career without matric through skills training.
The most important thing is to:
- Start where you qualify.
- Gain experience.
- Upgrade your education over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I do a learnership with Grade 9?
It is rare, but some short skills programmes might accept it. Most formal learnerships start at NQF Level 1, which usually requires a Grade 10 pass.
Q: Is matric compulsory for banking learnerships?
Yes, most finance-related learnerships require a National Senior Certificate (Matric) due to the nature of the NQF Level 4/5 qualifications offered.
Q: Can I upgrade to higher learnerships without matric?
Only if you gain recognised prior learning (RPL) through experience, or if you formally upgrade your basic education (e.g., finishing matric part-time) to meet the entry requirements of the higher NQF level programme.
Q: Are non-matric learnerships paid?
Yes, the majority of formal SETA learnerships, even entry-level ones, still pay monthly stipends.
Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.
