Naturally, people are disappointed when they find out that they’re not able to do a degree and instead of having to do a lower qualification. It’s like, for example, craving for a Big Mac but you only have enough money for a small Cheeseburger. It’s simply not the same.

That does not mean that there’s no value in having the cheeseburger though. You’re still having that cheeseburger rather than going on an empty stomach. The same goes for studying a lower qualification. Just because it’s not what you were originally aiming for, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any value to it.

Did you know though that students can use the UNISA Higher Certificate qualifications to apply for a higher qualification? Not to say that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) isn’t valuable, but wouldn’t you think that you stand a better chance of being accepted for the qualification of your choice if you already have a UNISA qualification in your chosen field behind you?

Here are a few pointers to consider while you’re thinking about whether to do a Higher Certificate qualification or not:

• The higher certificate qualifications are seen as an introductory phase into the career path of your choice;
• Higher certificates are more industry-orientated than other qualifications;
• This will thus prepare students well when it comes to implementing the skills learned in the workforce;
• Becoming a specialist in a certain area of expertise would result in a higher chance of applicants offered job opportunities than those without the required skills;