Minister Buti Manamela Urges Grade 12 Learners to Apply Early for Universities, TVET Colleges and Student Funding Opportunities
Grade 12 Learners Encouraged to Plan Ahead for 2027 Studies
South Africa’s Grade 12 learners have been urged not to delay their applications for universities, TVET colleges and student funding opportunities as the Department of Higher Education and Training continues encouraging early planning for post-school education.
Speaking during a Career Exhibition hosted by the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education in Orange Farm on 24 July 2026, Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela encouraged learners to start preparing for life after matric by submitting applications well before institutions close their admissions.
The Minister said learners should continue working hard to improve their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results but reminded them that academic performance should not be viewed as the only pathway to success.
Instead, he encouraged learners to investigate the many educational opportunities available throughout South Africa’s Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
Why Early Applications Matter
Every year thousands of prospective students miss university and college admission opportunities because they submit applications after deadlines have closed.
Most South African universities begin accepting applications several months before the matric examinations are written. Many institutions also close applications long before the release of final matric results.
By applying early, learners improve their chances of:
- Receiving admission offers sooner.
- Applying for accommodation.
- Accessing bursaries and scholarships.
- Applying for NSFAS funding where eligible.
- Exploring multiple study options before making final decisions.
Minister Manamela emphasised that learners should avoid waiting until January when many institutions have already reached capacity.
He told learners:
“We don’t want you to apply next year in January. We want you to apply now.”
This message reinforces a long-standing recommendation from the Department of Higher Education and Training, which encourages learners to prepare months before completing Grade 12.
Universities and TVET Colleges Both Offer Valuable Opportunities
During the exhibition, the Minister encouraged learners not to focus only on universities.
He advised them to visit information stands from TVET colleges and learn about programmes that prepare students for occupations in high-demand sectors.
According to Manamela:
“We must also go and check out our colleges. There are stands here; they’ll give you all the information.”
TVET colleges continue to play an important role in South Africa’s skills development strategy by offering vocational qualifications linked to industry needs.
Programmes are available in fields including:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Hospitality
- Business Studies
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Electrical Infrastructure
- Civil Engineering
- Office Administration
- Finance
Graduates from TVET colleges may continue into employment, apprenticeships, learnerships or further studies depending on their qualifications.
Looking Beyond Matric Results
One of the strongest messages from the Minister was that matric results should not determine a learner’s future.
While achieving strong academic results remains important, South Africa’s education system provides multiple pathways for young people.
Learners who do not qualify immediately for university admission may still pursue careers through:
- TVET colleges
- Occupational qualifications
- Learnerships
- Skills programmes
- Apprenticeships
- Workplace-based learning
- SETA-funded training opportunities
These alternatives help thousands of young South Africans enter the labour market every year while continuing to build valuable qualifications.
Future Skills Are Becoming More Important
Minister Manamela also encouraged learners to think carefully about careers that will remain relevant in the years ahead.
He highlighted the importance of developing skills suited to changing workplace demands, saying:
“We must also look at the skills of the future.”
Across South Africa and internationally, employers are increasingly seeking skills in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- Renewable Energy
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Financial Services
- Software Development
- Advanced Manufacturing
Choosing qualifications linked to future economic growth can improve long-term employability.
Services SETA Supports Career Development
Among the organisations participating in the exhibition was Services SETA, which provided information to learners and unemployed youth about education and employment pathways.
Visitors received guidance on:
- Learnership opportunities
- Bursary programmes
- Workplace-based learning
- Skills development initiatives
- Career opportunities within the services sector
Services SETA works with employers, training providers and educational institutions to strengthen skills development across industries such as:
- Real Estate
- Funeral Services
- Cleaning Services
- Hairdressing
- Beauty Therapy
- Contact Centres
- Business Services
- Labour Recruitment
- Property Management
The exhibition allowed learners to ask questions directly and better understand available opportunities.
Why Career Exhibitions Are Important
Career exhibitions provide learners with direct access to institutions that can assist them after matric.
Instead of relying solely on online information, learners can engage with representatives from:
- Universities
- TVET Colleges
- SETAs
- Government departments
- Professional councils
- Funding organisations
- Employers
These events also help learners compare qualifications, understand admission requirements and identify suitable career paths.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 24 July 2026 | Career Exhibition held in Orange Farm |
| 24 July 2026 | Minister Buti Manamela addressed Grade 12 learners |
| 24 July 2026 | Learners encouraged to apply early for universities and TVET colleges |
| 24 July 2026 | Services SETA provided career guidance and information on learnerships and bursaries |
Why This Story Matters
South Africa continues working to improve access to higher education while reducing barriers faced by school leavers.
Many learners lose opportunities simply because they:
- Miss application deadlines.
- Lack career guidance.
- Are unaware of funding opportunities.
- Do not know about TVET colleges or SETA programmes.
The Minister’s message highlights the importance of informed decision-making and early preparation.
As competition for university places remains high, planning ahead gives learners more options.
Practical Implications for Learners
Grade 12 learners should consider taking the following steps immediately:
- Apply to several universities where eligible.
- Submit TVET college applications.
- Research admission requirements.
- Prepare certified supporting documents.
- Monitor application closing dates.
- Explore bursary opportunities.
- Check NSFAS eligibility.
- Investigate SETA learnerships and workplace-based learning programmes.
- Attend career exhibitions whenever possible.
Parents and guardians can also support learners by helping them keep track of deadlines and required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Buti Manamela?
Buti Manamela is South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Why is the Minister encouraging early applications?
Many universities and TVET colleges close admissions before the release of final matric results. Early applications improve admission opportunities.
Can learners apply before receiving final matric results?
Yes. Most institutions accept applications using Grade 11 and available Grade 12 results before final NSC results are released.
Are TVET colleges a good alternative?
Yes. TVET colleges offer practical qualifications linked to employment, apprenticeships and further education opportunities.
What assistance does Services SETA provide?
Services SETA supports skills development through bursaries, learnerships, workplace-based learning and industry training programmes.
Should learners only apply to one institution?
No. Applying to multiple universities and TVET colleges increases admission opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Minister Buti Manamela’s message serves as an important reminder that preparation for life after matric should begin well before the end of the school year.
By applying early, exploring both universities and TVET colleges, researching funding opportunities and considering future-focused careers, learners place themselves in a stronger position to access higher education and employment opportunities.
The participation of Services SETA and other education stakeholders also demonstrates the broad range of support available within South Africa’s Post-School Education and Training system.
For Grade 12 learners, the message is clear: do not wait until January—start planning and applying now.
Editorial Policy
This article has been prepared using official information released during the Department of Higher Education and Training Career Exhibition held in Orange Farm. All facts have been verified against official statements available at the time of publication. The content is written for educational and informational purposes, follows E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness), and is reviewed by human editors before publication. No misleading or speculative information has been included.
Sources and References
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Ministry of Higher Education and Training
- Portfolio Committee on Higher Education
- Services SETA
- South African Universities
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
