Only have Grade 10? Discover TVET colleges, learnerships, skills programmes and career paths you can study in 2026 in South Africa – no Matric needed.

Grade 10 Only? Here’s What You Can Study in 2026

If you reached Grade 10 and had to stop school, it does not mean your future is over. In South Africa, many young people build strong careers without Matric by choosing practical learning paths like TVET colleges, learnerships, skills programmes, and workplace training.

This article is written to help you clearly understand your options in 2026 — in simple language, with real guidance, and with respect for your situation.

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You Are Not a Failure

Life does not move the same way for everyone.

Some people:

• Struggle at school but succeed in practical work
• Learn better with their hands than from books
• Face family, financial, or health challenges

Grade 10 is not your ending.
It is simply a different starting line.

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What Does Grade 10 Qualify You For?

With Grade 10, you can study through:

• TVET colleges
• Learnerships
• Skills programmes
• Short courses
• Community and workplace training

These paths focus on skills that lead to jobs.

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TVET Colleges: Your Biggest Opportunity

TVET colleges train people for real careers using practical learning.

Many programmes accept Grade 10 learners.

Fields You Can Study With Grade 10

Engineering & Trades

• Electrical Infrastructure Construction
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Fitting and Turning
• Mechanical Engineering
• Boiler Making

Hospitality & Tourism

• Hospitality Services
• Food and Beverage Services
• Accommodation Services
• Professional Cookery

Business & Office Work

• Office Administration
• Marketing
• Management Assistant
• Public Management

ICT & Creative

• End User Computing
• IT Support
• Graphic Design
• Digital Media

Safety & Community

• Safety in Society
• Policing Support
• Community Development

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TVET Colleges in South Africa

Public TVET colleges include:

• Central Johannesburg TVET College
• Ekurhuleni West TVET College
• Tshwane South TVET College
• Capricorn TVET College
• Letaba TVET College
• Boland TVET College
• Northlink College
• False Bay TVET College
• Buffalo City TVET College
• Coastal TVET College
• Majuba TVET College

Each college offers different programmes, so always check what is open for 2026.

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Learnerships for Grade 10 Youth

Learnerships combine:

• Training
• Work experience
• A recognised qualification
• Sometimes a monthly stipend

Some learnerships accept Grade 10 or Grade 11.

Learnership Fields That Often Accept Grade 10

Hospitality

• Housekeeping
• Food and Beverage Service
• Reception

Cleaning & Hygiene

• Industrial Cleaning
• Office Cleaning
• Hospital Cleaning

Security

• Security Officer
• Access Control
• Guarding

Construction

• Bricklaying
• Carpentry
• Painting
• Plumbing Assistant

Agriculture

• Farming
• Animal Care
• Crop Production

Retail

• Shop Assistant
• Cashier
• Sales Assistant

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Skills Programmes and Short Courses

Skills programmes are shorter and focus on one skill.

Examples:

• Welding basics
• Plumbing basics
• Sewing and fashion
• Hairdressing
• Beauty therapy
• Catering
• Baking
• Driving and logistics
• Computer basics

These are offered by:

• Private colleges
• NGOs
• Training centres
• Community projects

Some are free, funded, or low-cost.

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Other Learning Options

You can also find:

• Government youth programmes
• NGO training projects
• Company training schemes
• Community-based skills training

Some programmes focus more on your attitude than your marks.

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Careers You Can Build From What You Can Study in 2026

These paths can lead to careers like:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Welder
• Chef
• Baker
• Housekeeper
• Cleaner
• Security officer
• Shop assistant
• Farm worker
• Office assistant
• IT support worker
• Call centre agent
• Driver or logistics worker
• Beauty therapist
• Hair stylist

Many people who started with Grade 10 now:

• Run businesses
• Supervise teams
• Earn stable incomes

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How to Apply in 2026

1: Prepare Your Documents

• Certified copy of ID
• Grade 10 school report
• Proof of address
• CV (if you have one)

2: Choose Wisely

Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy?
• What am I good at?
• What kind of life do I want?

3: Apply

Apply at:

• TVET colleges
• Training centres
• Learnership adverts
• Company programmes

Look on:

• College websites like Letaba college
• SETA websites
• Government platforms
• Trusted career sites like careersfocus.co.za

4: Apply Early

Do not wait. Spaces fill fast.

5: Take It Seriously

Be on time. respectful. committed.

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How to Succeed Without Matric

• Stop comparing yourself
• Learn useful skills
• Be reliable
• Respect your trainers
• Work hard
• Stay focused

Your attitude can open doors that certificates cannot.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I study with Grade 10?

Yes. Many programmes accept Grade 10.

Will I get paid?

Some learnerships pay stipends. TVET students may qualify for funding like NSFAS.

Can I go to university?

Universities require Matric, but many good careers do not.

Can I study further later?

Yes. You can move up to higher qualifications over time.

What if I failed badly?

School failure does not mean life failure.

Where can I find opportunities?

Check:

• TVET colleges
• SETAs
• Government training sites
• Employers
• CareersFocus.co.za

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Message to Grade 10 Youth

You are not broken.
not finished.
not useless.

simply have a different path.

Skills can change your life.
Effort can change your future.
Your story is still being written.

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Disclaimer – CareersFocus.co.za

CareersFocus.co.za provides information for What You Can Study in 2026 guidance only. Requirements, opportunities, and deadlines can change. Always confirm details with colleges, training providers, SETAs, or employers before applying. We do not sell jobs or guarantee placement. Our mission is to guide and empower South Africans to make better career choices.