Are you looking to upskill or find work but don’t have Matric? You’re not alone—and the good news is that you don’t need Matric to learn valuable skills online. Whether you’re aiming for a job, side hustle, or to eventually complete your studies, there are hundreds of free online courses available in South Africa that require no Grade 12 qualification. Let’s explore your best options in 2025!
Who Can Benefit from These Courses?
These free online courses are ideal for:
- School leavers without a matric certificate.
- Adults looking to change careers.
- Jobseekers needing practical, job-ready skills.
- Entrepreneurs wanting to grow their small businesses.
You can learn everything from digital marketing and IT skills to business administration, graphic design, and even trades—all without needing Matric.
1. International Online Courses (No Matric Required)
Many global platforms offer free courses with certificates that are recognized internationally.
HubSpot Academy
- Topics: Digital Marketing, Social Media, SEO, Email Marketing, Sales.
- Certificates: Yes – free and instantly downloadable.
- Cost: 100% Free.
- Why it’s great: Adds credibility to your CV for marketing or admin jobs.
Google Digital Skills for Africa
- Topics: Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Coding, Career Development.
- Certificates: Yes – through Google and partner institutions.
- Cost: Free.
- Why it’s great: Globally respected and beginner-friendly.
Cisco Networking Academy
- Topics: IT, Cybersecurity, Python, Computer Hardware, Networking Basics.
- Certificates: Yes (for most courses).
- Cost: Free.
- Why it’s great: Ideal for anyone interested in tech or IT support roles.
freeCodeCamp
- Topics: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, AI, Web Development.
- Certificates: Yes – free and project-based.
- Cost: 100% Free.
- Why it’s great: Great for beginners and future freelancers or developers.
2. South African Online Courses Without Matric
You don’t need to look abroad to upskill. Several South African platforms and colleges offer accessible online courses you can start today.
UNISA Short Learning Programmes
- Topics: Project Management, Business Skills, Education, HR, IT Basics.
- Entry Requirements: No Matric needed for many SLPs.
- Duration: 4–12 weeks.
- Why it’s great: UNISA is a well-known institution with career-relevant courses.
Skills Academy (Distance Learning)
- Topics: Office Admin, Childcare, Events, Beauty, Marketing.
- Entry Requirements: Basic literacy or Grade 9 for many courses.
- Why it’s great: Learn from home with tutor support and flexible payment plans.
Bellview Institute of Distance Learning
- Topics: Financial Accounting, Small Business Management, Computer Literacy.
- Entry Requirements: Some courses accept learners without Matric.
- Why it’s great: Offers ICB-accredited certificates, highly regarded in admin and finance jobs.
3. Learn Practical Skills (No Matric Needed)
Not everyone wants to sit behind a desk—many high-paying jobs come from technical skills.
TVET Colleges (NC(V) and N1-N6 Courses)
- Topics: Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry, Mechanics.
- Entry Requirements: Grade 9 or ABET Level 4.
- Why it’s great: Government-supported. You can learn a trade and get certified.
Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges
- Topics: Hospitality, Retail, Agriculture, Sewing, Business Skills.
- Entry Requirements: Open to adults with limited schooling.
- Why it’s great: Free or low-cost training, funded by DHET.
4. Digital & Remote Work Skills Without Matric
The rise of remote work in South Africa means you can work online from anywhere. These skills are perfect for freelancing, virtual assistance, and marketing.
Learn Graphic Design (Free on Canva or YouTube)
- Skills: Logo design, social media graphics, branding.
- Tools: Canva (free), Adobe (trial), Inkscape (free).
- Why it’s great: Freelancers are in demand across Upwork and Fiverr.
Start Freelancing
- Use free courses to build skills, then sell services like:
- Transcription
- Virtual assistance
- Social media management
- Blogging or content writing
5. Want to Finish Your Matric Later? Here’s How:
If you decide to finish your Matric while learning, these options are flexible and accessible.
Adult Matric (Oxbridge Academy / Skills Academy)
- Learn at your own pace from home.
- Write the Senior Certificate (Amended) exam.
- Entry: Must be over 21 with Grade 9 or ABET Level 4.
GED (General Education Diploma)
- Recognised internationally (similar to Matric).
- Study online, exam centers available in SA.
- Entry: No formal school record required, just literacy.
UCT Online High School
- Offers a free curriculum from Grade 8–12.
- Self-paced online education.
- Ideal for youth planning to complete Matric while learning skills on the side.
How to Choose the Right Course
Here are 3 simple steps to guide you:
- Choose your career path – Are you creative, tech-savvy, hands-on, or business-minded?
- Pick a course that matches your interest and doesn’t need Matric.
- Start small – one free course at a time builds momentum. Then you can upgrade to certifications or adult Matric later.
Summary Table: Free Courses Without Matric
| Platform / Institution | Topics | Certificate | Matric Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HubSpot Academy | Marketing, Sales | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Cisco NetAcad | IT, Cybersecurity | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| freeCodeCamp | Web Dev, Python | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| UNISA SLPs | Business, Teaching | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bellview Academy | Finance, Admin | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| TVET Colleges | Technical Skills | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Grade 9) |
| Skills Academy | Business, Childcare | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| GED / Adult Matric | School Subjects | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (if over 21) |
Final Thoughts
Not having Matric doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are free and practical online courses available in South Africa right now—no Grade 12 needed. With the right attitude and access to the internet, you can start building skills, gaining certificates, and growing your career.
Take the first step today. Whether you want to work online, run your own business, or one day finish Matric—there’s a course for you.
Ready to get started? Let us know what industry you’re interested in, and we’ll help you find the perfect free course—no Matric required.
