Distance learning offers a variety of courses and each one is unique. To know which course is best for you while you study through distance learning, you must reflect on what your interests and skills are. At Matric College, we offer different courses that you can choose from. In this article, we will give you an overview of what distance learning is all about and the different courses we have for you to choose from.
These are the different distance learning course programmes offered at Matric College:
Where Did Distance Learning Begin In South Africa?
Distance Learning began in 1946 in South Africa. The University of South Africa (UNISA) was the first distance learning institution to offer distance education at the time. Today, South Africa has many institutions that offer distance learning with different courses. Matric College is one of the many distance learning colleges.
What Is The Purpose Of Distance Learning?
Distance learning enables people in different locations to receive an education. Not everyone has the time or resources to attend physical classes. Distance learning makes life easy because you study from home or anywhere that is convenient for you.
Which Course Is Best For Distance Education?
The best course for distance learning depends on your needs as a student. All courses at Matric College are best because you are able to study further or find employment once you have completed them. The factors that can influence your decision on the best distance learning course is:
- The course that best meets your needs
- What you can afford
- How long you want to study
- Why you want to study
What Tools Are Used In Distance Learning?
The tools that are used at Matric College are:
Can Anyone Study Through Distance Learning?
Yes, anyone can study through distance learning. The purpose of distance learning is to give educational access to everyone. Anyone can study including the following groups:
- Parents
- Employees
- Employers
- Business owners
- International students
- People with or without a Matric Certificate
Since there are no classes to attend, you can study even though you have a busy schedule. Study schedules are flexible and you can adjust them to what suits your learning best.
Why Choose To Study Via Distance Learning
- Study from home
By studying at home, you prevent yourself and your loved ones from contracting viruses such as COVID-19.
- Study at your own pace
If you prefer studying late at night, you can adjust your schedule for late hours. The same applies if you prefer studying early in the morning. This allows you to study at a pace that you can understand better.
- Save money
You will be able to save a lot of money due to not having to travel to contact classes.
- Study while you work
You can work and study at the same time. You do not have to do one thing at a time and can accomplish work and academic success at the same time.
- Gain a skills-based qualification
You gain a skills-based qualification. This helps you gain skills that make you stand out when you look for employment.
NATED Courses
- Business Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Business Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
- Marketing Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Marketing Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
- Management Assistant NATED N4 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N5 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N6 National Certificate
- Management Assistant NATED N6 National Diploma
Human Resources Management Courses
- Human Resource Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Human Resource Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Human Resource Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Human Resource Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
- Financial Management: NATED N4 National Certificate
- Financial Management: NATED N5 National Certificate
- Financial Management: NATED N6 National Certificate
- Financial Management: NATED N6 National Diploma
NATED means National Accredited Technical Education Diploma.
NATED Courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The purpose of NATED courses is to:
- Equip students with practical skills
- Equip students with theoretical knowledge
- Prepare students for work
- Reduce the gap of youth unemployment
NATED N4 to N6 means the following:
- NATED N4 National Certificate
- NATED N5 National Certificate
- NATED N6 National Certificate
NATED Certificate courses are built on each other. You must study the NATED N4 National Certificate course to get to the last qualification. This is beneficial because you receive qualifications for every level you complete. When you have completed the three (3) Certificate courses, you will have three (3) qualifications.
Although the courses are studied from first to last, students can choose to study the NATED courses individually. You can study in the following manner:
| Qualification | Requirements To Study | Course Duration | Qualification Awarded | Reasons For Qualification Awarded |
| N4 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have a Matric certificate to study | Study for 6 to 12 months | Get awarded the N4 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete 6 months of work experience to get an N4 Certificate |
| N5 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have N4 NATED Certificate to study | Study for 6 to 24 months | Get awarded the N5 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete work experience to get an N5 Certificate |
| N6 NATED Certificate ONLY | Must have an N5 NATED Certificate to study | Study for 6 to 36 months | Get awarded the N6 NATED Certificate | You do not need to complete work experience to get an N6 Certificate |
| N6 NATED National Diploma | Must have N4 NATED Certificate, N5 NATED Certificate and N6 NATED Certificate and complete 18 months of work experience | Complete 18 months of work experience | Get awarded N6 NATED National Diploma | Must complete 18 months of work experience and have a logbook approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training to get an N6 National Diploma |
If you decide to study the full NATED qualification and not only the N4, N5 or N6 certificates separately, you have to complete 18 months of work experience. The best way you can complete your theory studies and complete your practical work experience is in the following way:
- You can study theory for 18 months and then complete 18 months of practical work experience afterwards
- Study 18 months of theory while doing practical work experience at the company you work for
- Complete 6 months of theory and 6 months of practical work experience, then obtain the N4 certificate, then continue the process until you reach the N6 certificate.
NATED Courses Logbooks
A logbook is a book that records information that can be reviewed later in order to keep track of events. Logbooks are used in NATED Qualifications to record the hours you complete while doing your practical work experience. The logbook shows how the process was done and if you completed all the work you were assigned to.
You receive the logbook from us. Once the work experience is complete, you hand the logbook to the manager of the place where you will be working for them to sign. Bring back the logbook to us and we will send it to the Department of Higher Education and Training. Once the DHET has approved your logbook, they will send you your National Diploma.
It takes 18 to 36 months to complete a NATED course.
Yes, All NATED courses are accredited by the DHET and the QCTO. Accreditation means that the courses are registered with a professional body. This means you gain a quality education that allows you to stand out when you look for employment.
Anyone who has a Matric Certificate qualifies to study a NATED course. You can study all NATED courses with a Matric Certificate.
Yes, you can study a NATED course with a Higher Certificate Matric pass. You can study with any other Matric pass including:
- Bachelor’s Degree pass
- Diploma pass
- National Senior Certificate pass
No, you cannot study a NATED course without Matric. You must have a Matric Certificate (Amended Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate). However, if you do not have Matric, you can apply for the following courses:
Adult Matric
The Requirements For Adult Matric:
- You must have at least a Grade 9 or equivalent qualification,
- ie: Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 4
- You have an incomplete Matric
- You must be able to read, write and understand English or Afrikaans
- You must be 21 years or older to write the exams
- You may sign up for the Adult Matric course at the age of 19 years old, but you will only be able to write the Adult Matric exam once you are over 21
Once you have completed this course, you will be awarded a Matric Certificate. You can use this to apply for any NATED course.
NATED Assessments work in the following way:
| NATED N4 Certificate | 3 open book assignments for each subject | One final examination set by the DHET |
| NATED N5 Certificate | 3 open book assignments for each subject | One final examination set by the DHET |
| NATED N6 Certificate | 3 open book assignments for each subject | One final examination set by the DHET |
| Business Management NATED N6 National Diploma | No assignments (Must complete 18 months work experience to obtain this qualification) | No final examination (Must complete 18 months work experience to obtain this qualification) |
For each open book assignment, you must aim for 50% and higher. You can use the study material that we prove to assist you. For the final examinations, you must aim for 50% and higher.
NATED Qualifications are not equivalent to other qualifications. Equivalent qualifications are known to have the same learning processes and outcomes. NATED Qualifications are not equivalent to other qualifications because all NATED courses have different learning processes and outcomes from other qualifications.
Benefits Of Distance Learning At Matric College
- You can study from anywhere
- You create your own study schedules
- Study at the pace that suits your understanding
- You can work and be a student at once
- There are tutors available to assist you
- You gain an accredited qualification
- Gain recognised qualifications
ICB Courses
These are the ICB courses we offer:
- Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate
- Office Administration – Business Management: ICB Higher Certificate
- Financial Accounting – Business Management: ICB National Diploma
ICB is the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. They are an Independent External Examination Body that sets external assessments. ICB courses are offered through training providers that are registered with them.
An ICB Portfolio of Evidence consists of assessments used to determine if learners can pass a course or not. These assessments are tests and assignments. Besides the PoE, you are also required to write final examinations.
There are two types of exams in the ICB Technical Financial Accounting National Diploma. These are online and paper-based exams
Distance learning students write their exams at the ICB-approved examination centres as well as online. This applies from April 2021 onwards.
Online Exams
The online exams are written on the ICB MACCI Portal. Online exams are set for 01:00 pm to 04:30 pm.
Paper-Based Exams
The paper-based exams are written at a physical location booked by ICB or at a provider college. The exams are set for 09:00 am to 12:30 pm.
The ICB Student Portal is an online portal. You can do the following on the ICB student portal:
- Register for an ICB course
- Register for the ICB Exam (Matric College does NOT register students for exams)
- Get copies of qualifications and other official documents
- Make course payments
- Update personal details
ICB MACCI is the second online portal. You can do the following on the ICB MACCI portal:
- Get updates on courses
- Access your PoE
- Write and submit your assignments
- Write online tests
- Write your examinations
Yes, all ICB courses are accredited by ICB and the QCTO. This means you gain quality standard education and access to further your studies or look for employment.
Yes, all ICB courses are recognised nationally and internationally. This means you gain qualifications that give you access to study further or find employment in South Africa and abroad.
Yes, ICB Qualifications are recognised in the United Kingdom. These are the professional bodies that recognised ICB:
- ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK)
- IAB (International Association of Bookkeepers UK)
- IAAP (International Association of Accounting Professionals UK)
No, ICB does not offer Degree Qualifications. They only offer the following Qualifications:
- National Certificates
- Higher Certificates
- National Diplomas
If you wish to study for a Degree Qualification, you can apply at a college or professional body that recognises ICB Qualifications.
An ICB Certificate is a qualification you are awarded once you complete an ICB Certificate course. These Certificates are printed by FASSET and awarded by ICB.
Our Accreditation
SAQA
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) monitors and advances the role of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). We offer NATED, ICB, and Matric courses registered with SAQA. This means that they are recognised in the South African NQF system. This secures your qualifications and you can further your studies or look for employment with your qualifications.
DHET
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is a professional body that accredits training providers and qualifications. According to the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), training providers must be registered with DHET or the ICB.
ICB
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is a professional body. They design courses and accredit them. Our ICB accredited courses are accredited by ICB and QCTO. All ICB courses are recognised nationally and internationally. You can further your studies or look for employment inside and outside South Africa.
QCTO
The Quality Council of Trades And Occupations (QCTO) is a professional body that accredits occupational qualifications. The QCTO is a quality council and monitors qualifications to ensure they give quality education at all times. Our Bookkeeping and Accounting courses are accredited by the QCTO. This guarantees a quality education that will set you apart when looking for employment or furthering your education.
Short Courses
Short Courses are for students who want to gain specific skills. They can learn skills that advance them. This means you can gain skills that can be used for the following:
- Personal advancement
- Entrepreneurship
- Gain a promotion
You can study Short Courses without Matric. These courses have accessible requirements which are the following:
- Be at least 16 years or older to study
- Be able to read, write and understand English
- Be able to study through distance learning
These are the Short Courses you can study at Matric College:
Make-Up
- Make-up Application: Comprehensive Course
- Make-up Application: Certificate Course
- Make-up Application: Short Course
Facial Skincare
- Facial Skincare: Short Course
- Facial Skincare: Certificate Course
- Facial Skincare: Comprehensive Course
Child Day Care
Child Psychology
- Child Psychology: Short Course
- Child Psychology: Certificate Course
- Child Psychology: Comprehensive Course
First Aid
Guest Management
- Guest Management: Short Course
- Guest Management: Certificate Course
- Guest Management: Comprehensive Course
Tourism Management
- Tourism Management: Short Course
- Tourism Management: Certificate Course
- Tourism Management: Comprehensive Course
Event and Wedding Planning
- Wedding Planning: Short Course
- Wedding Planning: Certificate Course
- Wedding Planning: Comprehensive Course
- Event Management: Short Course
- Event Management: Certificate Course
- Event Management: Comprehensive Course
Nail Care
Creché Management
Yes, you can find employment with a Short Course. This is because Short Courses focus on skills. Employers value candidates with skills because they know you will be able to do the following:
- Learn new skills fast
- Advance the skills you have
- Easily adapt to work
Each Short Course is unique. Some Short Courses take longer to study while others can be completed quickly. Short Courses at Matric College can be completed in a period of 2 to 12 months.
Yes, Short Courses are good because anyone can study. This means students who are also challenged by theoretical courses have an opportunity to study. You can learn skills and look for entry-level unemployment to advance your career path.
Yes, Short Course Certificates are worth it. These courses are beneficial because:
- You can study through distance learning
- You can complete them quickly
- They add to your available qualifications
- You can gain employment
- You gain skills that can help you start a business
No, Short Courses are not accredited. These are courses that a college or university creates itself. These courses are not registered with a professional body. They are more skills-based and prepare you for the work environment.
A Short Course Certificate is a qualification you are awarded once you have completed a Short Course Qualification. Your college or university awards you with this qualification.
If a course is not accredited, it is not registered with a professional body. However, If you are someone who has gained a qualification that is not accredited, do not be alarmed. You can look for employment with a qualification that is not accredited or use the skills you have to open a business. Although the course is not accredited, the skills you obtain are valid.
Yes, a Short Course counts as a qualification. This usually serves as a foundation or an additional course to other qualifications such as a Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree. These courses are best if you want to learn detailed practical knowledge of a career.
Matric Courses
These are the Matric courses we offer:
Yes, Matric is a qualification. This is known as a Matric Certificate and is awarded to learners who complete their Grade 12/Matric, Matric Upgrade course or Adult Matric course. A Matric Certificate is important because it allows you to further your studies at university or look for employment. You also gain the following benefits through a Matric Certificate:
- You gain knowledge
- Ability to read, write and understand
- You can think fast
- Learn easy
- Ability to learn skills
- Ability to advance your skills
You can gain a Matric Certificate without going to school. You can do it through distance learning at Matric College. This means you study the course from home. There are no classes to attend. We offer the Adult Matric course for students 21 years and older. This is a chance to gain a qualification that will help you further your studies at university or find employment. The Matric Certificate you are awarded through the Adult Matric course is the same one students receive in high school.
Requirements for Adult Matric:
- You must have at least a Grade 9 or a Grade 9 Equivalent Qualification,
- ie: Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) Level 4
- You have an incomplete Matric
- You must be able to read, write and understand English or Afrikaans
- You must be 21 years or older to write the exams
- You may sign up for the Adult Matric at the age of 19 years old, but you will only be able to write the Adult Matric exam once you are over 21
It takes 1 to 3 years to complete an Adult Matric course at Matric College. However, the course can be completed in different ways. There are six (6) subjects to be completed and this is how you can choose to study them:
- One year
Students can study the six (6) subjects in the Adult Matric course in one year.
- Two years
Students can study the six (6) subjects in the Adult Matric course by dividing them. They can study three (3) subjects in the first year and then complete the other three (3) subjects in the following year.
- Three years
Students can study the six (6) subjects in the Adult Matric course by diving them. They can study two (2) subjects in the first year, two (2) subjects in the second year and then complete the last two (2) subjects in the third year.
Yes, you can pass Adult Matric with five (5) subjects. You need six (6) subjects to study the Adult Matric course. From the six (6) subjects, if you pass five (5) subjects then you pass the course.
Yes, you can do Matric in three (3) months if you already have Matric and rewrite immediately. For example, if you receive your Matric results in February and complete a rewrite in May, this is a period of about 3 months.
No, you should not buy a Matric Certificate. This is an illegal act that can make you face the law if you are found with an illegal Certificate.
You can rewrite your Matric as many times as you can at Matric College. While rewriting your Matric results, you can choose a minimum of four (4) new subjects. This helps you choose subjects that you can find easy to complete.
If you fail Maths you can still pass Matric. If you fail two or more subjects, you fail Matric. However, your focus should not be on the number of subjects you can fail and manage to pass. You should study to pass all subjects. This will help you when you look for admission into the university. Some universities require that you have specific subjects and marks. This means you must prepare yourself and pass all subjects with high marks.
If you fail Matric, you still have options. You can apply for one of the following:
- Rewrite Matric
- Matric Upgrade
- Remark
- Recheck
- View Paper
Yes, upgrading your Matric is good. This process improves your results and helps you in the following ways:
- Gain entry into university course
- Gain entry into a university
- Be eligible for bursary applications
- Be eligible for learnership applications
- Gain academic confidence
- Be valued by employers
How To Study At Matric College
We have a simple application process that you can follow. You can do this online or through the phone. Here is how you can apply:
Application And Registration Process
- Click here to apply for our accredited courses
- Book a call
- Call our landline (021 838 8295)
- Visit us at our physical address
- Our course experts will contact you and register you for the course you want
- When you have been successfully registered, we will send your study material by courier
- This process takes 5 to 7 days
Tutors
Tutors are available to help you with your course. They can be reached by email, phone, or WhatsApp. They are available Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. You can also do the following:
- You can ask tutors academic questions
- You can request assistance with course assessments
- Ask them to explain a topic in your study material
- Find out new information
- Acquire clarity on the course information
Support
You will receive study materials from us. These materials will help you study more effectively. This is part of your course fees, and therefore you are not required to pay extra costs.
We also have red alert forms that you can use to contact us in a time of emergency. If you need urgent assistance, our Support team will ensure they help you before they go home.
If you wish to know detailed information regarding the course you choose, you can contact our course experts. They will explain everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can find employment after studying through distance learning. This is because distance learning has the same value as contact learning. It offers courses that usually focus on equipping students with skills that prepare them for the workplace. You can study at Matric College to get qualifications that are quality standard.
We offer courses that are recognised. These courses include National Qualifications (NATED) that are recognised nationally. We also offer ICB courses that are recognised nationally and internationally. If you complete any of these courses, you increase your chances of finding employment in different places.
If you want to find employment quickly, you can apply for our Short Courses. They can be completed in a period of two (2) to (6) six months and up. These are skills-based and will get you work-ready in a short period. Employers will recognise you more if you apply for employment with these skills.
Yes, you can study through distance learning from another country. Since there are no contact classes to attend, distance learning is not limited to only students around the college to study. You can apply to Matric College to study as an international student. You would only need to come to South Africa if the exams are only written in physical venues rather than online.
Distance learning is flexible. Since you study from home, you can study any time of day or night. The most important part is to ensure you write and submit all your assignments, tests and exams in time.
Yes, distance learning is cheaper. This is because you study from home. You do not have to spend money on daily transport, food or other academic expenses such as stationery. It is cheaper to attend Matric College. You receive all of your study materials from us. You do not have to buy textbooks and spend extra money. The study material fee is included in your course fee.
These are the differences between distance learning and contact learning:
| Distance Learning | Contact Learning |
| Students can study from anywhere | Only students that can attend classes physically can study |
| Save transport money | Spend transport money |
| Study material is provided to students by the college | Students have to buy their study material |
| COVID-19 safety is guaranteed | COVID-19 safety is not guaranteed |
| You can study with or without a Matric Qualification | You must have a Matric Qualification to study |
All Our Accredited Courses
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Amy Venter
Date Published: March 25, 2022