Bursaries That Doesn’t Need Matric in 2025

Bursaries that doesn’t need Matric in 2025 transport security learnership

Introduction

If you don’t have a Matric certificate, don’t worry—you can still access quality bursaries that doesn’t need Matric in 2025. This comprehensive guide reveals learnerships and bursary-type opportunities in South Africa for people without Grade 12. Expect real data, reliable sources, and clear application steps—all in friendly, engaging style, perfect if you’re browsing from the US, UK, or Canada.

What Are “Bursaries That Doesn’t Need Matric”?

Strictly speaking in South Africa, traditional bursaries fund tertiary study and usually require matric. But learnerships—often funded by SETAs or employers—do not mandate Grade 12. They are structured training programmes leading to NQF‑level certificates, on‑the‑job training, and often include a stipend. That’s your ticket if you’re missing Matric. (sasolbursaries.com, Regenesys)

1. Learnerships Without Matric (SETA-Backed)

How They Work

SETAs (e.g., MERSETA, FASSET, TETA) offer learnerships to candidates with NQF Level 2 or below—no Matric required. (Regenesys)
You sign a tripartite agreement (you, employer, training provider). Training is partly classroom, partly workplace. (merseta.org.za)
Most last 12 months, and you earn a learner allowance (not salary) to cover transport/meals. (merseta.org.za)
On completion you earn a national qualification, such as NQF Level 3 or 4.

High‑Demand Sectors

Transport & logistics (TETA) – warehouse, freight handling
Mining & resources (MQA) – processing assistants, basic mining skills
Security sector – private security guards
Finance/Bookkeeping (ICB via FASSET) – junior/senior bookkeeper learnerships, small business finance (Regenesys)

2. Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Learnership

Offers Junior Bookkeeper (NQF 2) and Senior Bookkeeper (NQF 3) programmes—no Matric needed, only NQF 2 or equivalent. (Regenesys)
Duration: ~12 months, nationally recognised.
Includes classroom learning and workplace placement.
Ideal for careers in bookkeeping, admin, accounting assistants.

3. Shoprite Retail Readiness and YES Programmes

Shoprite’s Retail Readiness Programme (RRP) accepts Grade 10 pass or equivalent (Matric advantageous but not mandatory). (Shoprite Holdings)
Supports learners with three weeks of theory + four weeks in-store training; ends with NQF Level 2 certificate.
The Youth Employment Service (YES) programme also admits candidates with Grade 10-equivalent, no Matric required.
These programmes can lead to full-time work in retail, logistics, IT support, and more.

4. Government‑Run Provincial Learnerships / Bursaries

For example, Western Cape Government offers Masakh’iSizwe Bursaries and learnerships in engineering, health, agriculture—some of which accommodate candidates without Matric if placed in targeted training schemes. (Shoprite Holdings, Western Cape Government)
Many provincial departments also partner with SETAs for internships/learnerships open to unemployed youth regardless of Matric status.

5. YES and Sector Learnerships by Public/Private Partnerships

The national Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative is supported by private companies and government.
Many YES roles do not require Matric—just a Grade 10 equivalence or on‑the‑job training prerequisite. (Shoprite Holdings)
Sectors include hospitality, retail, admin, and light manufacturing.

6. Accredited Private Colleges & NGO Programmes

Institutions like Regenesys promote Learnerships without Matric in fields aligned with SETAs—bookkeeping, business admin, safety & security, hospitality. (Regenesys)
Application typically requires a cover letter, ID, and proof of NQF Level 2 or 3, rather than Matric.

7. Transport & Logistics Learnerships via MERSETA, TETA

MERSETA offers programmes with no entry requirements beyond interest and basic literacy/numeracy. (merseta.org.za)
TETA offers distribution, warehousing, freight handling learnerships starting from NQF Level 2.
These include classroom training and workplace placement; Stipends paid monthly.

Comparison Table

Option	Matric Required?	Duration	Certification Level	Stipend	Field Examples
ICB Bookkeeper	No (NQF 2 required)	~12 months	NQF 3–4	Yes	Bookkeeping, admin
Shoprite RRP / YES	No (Grade 10)	3–7 weeks + practicum	NQF 2	Yes	Retail, customer service
MERSETA / TETA Learnerships	No (varies)	12 months	NQF 2–4	Yes	Transport, logistics, security
Regenesys / NGO	No	Varies	Varies	Sometimes	Business, hospitality
Provincial Govt / YES	Sometimes	6–12 months	varies	Yes	Health, agri, admin

How to Apply: Step‑by‑Step

Step 1: Identify your NQF level

If you don’t have Matric, check whether you’ve completed Grade 10/11 or an NQF Level 2/3 certificate. Many programmes require NQF 2 or 3.

Step 2: Research vacancies

Use platforms like the Department of Labour’s ESSA database, company websites (Shoprite, Standard Bank), SETA portals (e.g. MERSETA), or NGO sites (University portals, Regenesys) to find learnerships that don’t need Matric. (finaid.sun.ac.za)

Step 3: Prepare documents

Certified ID (no older than 3 months)
Proof of highest qualification or Grade 10/11 certificate
Curriculum Vitae (short)
Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the role

Step 4: Submit timely

Applications often close in mid‑2025 (e.g. Shoprite opens July–August 2025 for 2026 intake). (Shoprite Holdings)
Double‑check deadlines on the SETA or company site.

Step 5: Interview / selection

Most include basic English literacy tests, interviews or group exercises. Be ready to talk about motivation and reliability.

Step 6: Register and start

Once selected, you sign a learnership agreement and begin training. Expect both in‑class and on‑the‑job training.

Why Bursaries That Doesn’t Need Matric Make Sense in 2025

Combat high youth unemployment

South Africa’s youth jobless rate is over 40%. Learnerships offer practical pathways into employment starting from Grade 10-level. (merseta.org.za)

Build recognized qualifications

Completing an NQF‑aligned learnership leads to a nationally registered qualification—a step up from unskilled labour.

Earn while you learn

Most programs provide a monthly allowance to help with transport or meals.

Access to scarce‑skills sectors

Fields in logistics, transport, security, bookkeeping, and retail are actively recruiting entrants without Matric.

Stepping stone to Matric equivalence

After completing a Level 3 or 4 course, you may later apply for an ABET or adult matric programme to continue your journey.

FAQs

Q: Can I ever get a full bursary without Matric?

A: Genuine bursaries that fund tertiary studies typically require Matric. However, certain skill-type bursaries or learner funding may be awarded to candidates without Matric—but those are much rarer.

Q: Is NSFAS available without Matric?

A: No. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) only funds full-time tertiary students with Matric who meet the means test. (merseta.org.za, en.wikipedia.org)

Q: How many of these programmes exist in 2025?

A: Thousands—SETAs advertise learnerships regularly. For example, MERSETA and TETA each have dozens of annual learnership slots across major cities.

Q: Will I receive a qualification I can use elsewhere?

A: Yes. Your NQF Level 2–4 certificate is nationally recognized and can support entry-level jobs or future access to Matric-equivalent or diploma programmes.

Internal & External Links (SEO Signals)

Internal: Link to your site’s page on “Adult Education and ABET Programmes in South Africa” or “How to get Matric equivalence later.”
External:
Department of Labour ESSA portal
MERSETA / TETA official sites
Shoprite Youth Employment Service
Regenesys insights on learnerships without matric (Shoprite Holdings, Regenesys)

Tips to Increase Your Odds

Apply to multiple programmes — demand is high and competition is intense.
Highlight any volunteer or part-time work—even informal.
Show enthusiasm and punctuality—key traits employers look for.
Follow social media and community bulletins—some learnerships aren’t widely advertised.

Conclusion

If you’re exploring bursaries that doesn’t need Matric in 2025, learnerships are the gateway. They offer structured training, qualification, and monthly allowances from sectors like retail, transport, security, and finance. Though not the classic bursary to study at university, they are legitimate, impactful, and accessible even without Grade 12.

To recap, the top 7 programmes to explore are:

SETA-backed learnerships (MERSETA, TETA, MQA, FASSET)
ICB bookkeeping learnership
Shoprite Retail Readiness / YES programmes
Provincial government learnerships (e.g. Masakh’iSizwe)
Corporate‑NGO programmes via Regenesys
Sector-based learnerships in transport or security
Partnered youth employment services

Start now—research available openings, prepare your documents, and apply early. With determination and smart effort, you can build a solid career path without Matric, even aiming for international-level standards in work readiness and skill. If you’d like help finding links to application forms or enterprise contact info, I’d be glad to assist!