Wondering about the difference between a college and a university? It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it comes down to how you study, how long it takes, and what you want from your qualification. Colleges focus on practical training, certificates, and diplomas that get you into the workplace faster. Universities are larger, academically driven institutions offering degrees and postgraduate studies, with a strong emphasis on theory and research. The right choice isn’t about prestige, it’s about what actually fits your life, your goals, and where you want to be in five years. Let’s break down exactly how they differ.
Both options can lead to success, the key is choosing the one that matches your ambitions.
Is A College The Same As A University?
No, a college is not the same as a university. Both colleges and universities offer post-high school education and training. Here are the main differences between a college and a university:
| COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY | |
| Level of Education |
|
|
| Accreditation |
| Department of Higher and Tertiary Education |
| NQF Level | Level 4 -6 | Level 7 -10 |
| Courses | Vocational | Academic |
| Registration | Can be all year round | Restricted |
| Study Duration | 6 months to 3 years | 2 to 4+ years |
What Type Of Qualifications Do Universities And Colleges Offer?
Universities and colleges offer different types of qualifications based on your level of study. Each type helps you grow your knowledge and move closer to your career goals.
| College | University |
Here are the types of qualifications that you can get from a college:
| Here are the types of qualifications that you can get from a university:
|
What Is The Meaning Of University?
By definition, a university is a place/institution/school where students from all walks of life go to study several fields of academic qualifications, which are facilitated by lecturers who are experts in these fields and conduct research to further add to the knowledge of the students, as well as themselves.
Here are the characteristics of a university:
- Comprise different learning faculties
- Has the authority to confer degrees in various fields of study
- A university is larger than a college
- has a broader curriculum
- Offers graduate and professional Degrees in addition to undergraduate Degrees
What Are The Different Types Of Institutions Of Higher Learning?
There are many places where you can study after finishing school. Each one offers different courses and study options based on what you want to do.
There are different types of institutions of higher learning, here are the most common ones in South Africa:
- Distance learning colleges
- Traditional university
- University of Technology
- Private college
- FET college (TVET)
Traditional University
Traditional universities are well-known institutions that offer academic qualifications in many fields. They usually offer full-time study with lectures, exams, and research.
Institutions that are referred to as traditional universities have the following characteristics:
- Operate on a semester basis (There are 2 semesters in a year. Typically, February–June and July–October, however, these dates depend on the course you study and the University you study in
- Offers the following programmes:
- Post Graduate Programmes
- Bachelor’s Degree Programmes
- Honours Degree Programmes
- Master’s Degree Programmes
- Doctorate Degree Programmes
- Students are selected from the following:
- Local communities
- National
- Internationally
- Live-in campus
- Duration of studies:
- Bachelor’s Degree – 3 to 4 years
- Honours Degree – 4 years
- Master’s Degree – 2 years
- Doctorate Degree 8 to 12 years
University Of Technology
A University of Technology is different from a traditional university. It focuses more on practical training and preparing students for the workplace.
Here are the distinguishing factors between a traditional university and a university of technology:
- A Universities of Technology focus on technology and innovation
- Offers career-oriented educational programmes
- Engage with the industry to produce innovative problem-solving research
- Programmes offered include work-integrated learning
- Students to complete a structured programme while working in an organisation
Private College
A private college is an independent and privately funded type of higher education institution. Private colleges tend to have smaller class sizes and may have higher tuition costs than public colleges.
TVET College (FET)
Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges offer technical education and training. The colleges provide skills that enable a person to look for employment opportunities or to start their own business. TVET colleges provide a level of education that is equivalent to Grades 10 to 12.
Distance Learning Colleges
Distance learning colleges also offer tertiary education. With distance learning, you do not have to attend classes. Learning materials such as textbooks and study notes will be provided for you.
It is a form of online learning as online tools are also used to distribute learning material as well, as to reach out to students. Here are some of the reasons that you should consider distance learning:
- Flexibility
- Cut costs
- Work and learn at the same time
Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of distance learning is the flexibility it offers. It allows you to manage your time and studies in a way that works best for you.
There is flexibility when you study through distance learning:
- Study at your own pace
- Study at times that suit you
- With distance learning, you can study from anywhere in South Africa. All you will need is access to an internet connection. This will enable you to submit your assignments.
This flexibility makes it easier to balance work, family, and study. You are in control of your learning schedule and environment.
Cut Costs
Studying through distance learning can help you save money on your education. You will avoid many of the extra costs linked to attending classes in person.
With distance learning, you can cut some costs associated with higher education:
- Distance learning is more affordable than contact learning
- You will also cut transport costs. Since you will not travel for classes, you will save on the cost of transport.
- You will be provided with learning materials, including textbooks. This means that you will not have any expenses in the purchase of books and other learning materials that you may need.
- You will also save on snacks that you may have purchased on breaks
Work And Learn At The Same Time
With distance learning, you can work and learn at the same time, so there is no need to quit your job. If you are not working, you can also look for employment opportunities.
“I am an adult and wanted to attain my matric, they have assisted me every time I needed it so far. I haven’t completed however by next year through the assistance of matric collage, i will have my certificate.” – Jade M
Now that you know the options, ask yourself: which path matches your lifestyle, budget, and ambitions?
Is A University Higher Than A College?
Yes, a university is higher than a college. Even the qualifications from a university are rated higher on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The NQF groups qualifications with the same learning experience at the same level. This framework is administered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Here are the NQF levels:
| NQF Level | Qualification |
| NQF Level 1 | Grade 9 |
| NQF Level 2 | Grade 10 |
| NQF Level 3 | Grade 11 |
| NQF Level 4 | Grade 12 or Matric Equivalent Certificates or N (C) V Level 4 |
| NQF Level 5 | Higher Certificates |
| NQF Level 6 | Diploma or Advanced Certificates |
| NQF Level 7 | Advanced Diplomas or Bachelor’s Degree |
| NQF Level 8 | Post Graduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees |
| NQF Level 9 | Master’s Degrees |
| NQF Level 10 | Doctoral Degrees |
However, it is entirely up to the student to decide where he or she would like to study.
What Do I Need For University Entrance?
For you to be able to be admitted to a university, you will need a Bachelor’s Degree Pass.
Here are the Matric Pass Levels:
Bachelor’s Degree Pass
Your Matric Points for university entrance should be at least 23 Points. This is a Bachelor’s Degree Pass. You will be able to study for a Bachelor’s Degree.
Depending on the programme that you want to study, there can be other specific requirements. Other requirements can include having passed with a minimum of a specific APS score.
Diploma Pass
With a minimum of at least 19 Matric Points, you will have achieved a Diploma Pass. With a Diploma Pass, you can study the following at Matric College:
Higher Certificate Pass
The Higher Certificate Pass is one of the four Matric pass levels. It requires a lower APS score and still gives you access to many study options.
A minimum of an APS score of 15. With a Higher Certificate Pass, you can study the following at Matric College:
- NATED Courses
- ICB Courses
- Short Courses
- Matric Upgrade
- Matric Rewrite
National Senior Certificate Pass
The National Senior Certificate Pass is the minimum pass level in Matric. It still gives you the opportunity to study further and gain useful skills.
A minimum of an APS score of 14. With a National Senior Certificate Pass, you can study the following at Matric College:
- NATED Courses
- ICB Courses
- Short Courses
- Matric Upgrade
- Matric Rewrite
This is where your results meet your futuremake sure they align.
How Are University Matric Points Calculated?
University Matric Points are calculated by looking at your percentages for each subject completed in Matric and comparing them to your APS Scores. The table below shows the percentage score and the corresponding APS score.
| Percentages (%) | APS Score |
| 80 – 100 % | 7 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 |
| 40 – 49 % | 3 |
| 30 – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 29% | 1 |
Your APS score tells you where you stand, but your Career Aptitude Test result tells you where you could go. Take our free quiz, work through a series of deep and meaningful questions, and uncover the career path that suits you best along with a course recommendation to help you get there. The moment you finish, our Ultimate Career Booklet is yours for free.
People Also Ask
Yes, we offer courses for students with a grade 9 or ABET level 4 certificate, allowing you to study with us and without the need of a matric certificate.
So whether you want to complete your matric as an adult with our Adult Matric course, or you want to gain the skills to boost your career options/start your business with our Short courses, our door is open to every student who believes that education is the key to success, so study with us from home.
Yes, whether you wrote before in high school or you want a second chance to gain your matric certificate as an adult, Matric College has the courses that will help you study and prepare to write your matric exams with the tools needed to confidently pass your exams and look to the future with excitement about the options available to you with your certificate.
In our opinion, we do not have a “best” course, as we believe that all our courses have great value for each student who decides to choose distance learning with us. Each course has appeal for every kind of student, and the opportunities that come with completing each one spell success for your future. So if you want to know which of our courses is the best, all of them are.
N4 is a NATED qualification that teaches students the beginner-level knowledge/theory of their chosen industry through the courses offered for each one. Students study this course for 6–12 months, and once they pass, they will receive a certificate of completion and allowance to proceed to N5 and N6 certificates in the same course till they are fully qualified after receiving the N6 diploma.
Universities focus more on theory and academic degrees. They are best if you want to study fields like law, medicine, or engineering and meet the entry requirements. They are great for learning about BBBEE Training solutions.
Colleges, like Matric College, focus on practical and career-ready skills. You don’t always need matric to apply, and you can study from home with full support. This makes college a great option if you want to start working sooner or build your skills step by step.
So, the better choice depends on what you need: academic theory or hands-on training. Both are valuable in different ways.
No, colleges do not offer degrees. In South Africa, degrees are only offered by universities and other higher education institutions that are registered to do so.
Colleges offer:
- Provider programmes (skills-based training)
- Short courses
- NATED courses (which can lead to a diploma)
- Matric programmes (Adult Matric and Matric Upgrade)
- ICB qualifications (which can go up to diploma level)
While you can’t earn a degree at a college, you can gain valuable skills that prepare you for the workplace or help you build a career—even without matric.
An undergraduate is someone who is studying for their first higher education qualification—usually a degree, diploma, or certificate—after completing matric or its equivalent.
For example, if you’re doing a Bachelor’s Degree at university, you are an undergraduate student. The term can also apply to someone studying a Higher Certificate or Diploma at a registered higher education institution.
It simply means you haven’t completed your first formal qualification yet. Once you finish, you move on to being a graduate or may choose to do postgraduate studies like an honours or master’s degree.
Yes, college is worth it. It offers practical skills, shorter courses, and flexible options—great for those who want to start working sooner or didn’t pass Matric. Many colleges also allow distance learning, making it easier to study from anywhere.
College is ideal for people who want job-ready skills, didn’t pass Matric, want to change careers, or start a business. It’s also great for adults returning to study. Courses are affordable, practical, and easy to access.
Not everyone qualifies for university, so many students choose college. Colleges offer more entry options, even for those without Matric, and focus on skills that lead to jobs. This makes them a popular choice in South Africa.
Yes, you can go to certain colleges without matric. Many TVET colleges, private colleges, and distance learning institutions offer courses that don’t require a matric certificate. These include short courses, skills programmes, and vocational training designed to give you practical skills and entry into the job market.
If you failed matric, you still have options. You can study at TVET colleges, which accept students with a Grade 9 pass, or enroll at private colleges that offer bridging and skills-based programmes. You can also choose Matric Rewrite or Matric Upgrade programmes at institutions like Matric College to improve your results and open more study opportunities.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 23, 2022