Gap Year Options in South Africa: Productive Things to Do Before University – Finishing matric is a big milestone, but not everyone is ready to dive straight into university. And that’s perfectly okay! A gap year can be one of the best decisions you ever make — as long as you use it wisely. Whether you want to work, travel, upskill, or simply figure out your next step, there are plenty of productive gap year options in South Africa. Below is a complete guide to help you choose the right path for your future, your interests, and your pocket.
🎓 What is a gap year?
A gap year is a break between matric and university (or between university years). Students usually take it to gain experience, save money, learn skills, or prepare mentally for the next stage of life. A gap year isn’t about doing nothing — it’s about doing something that grows you.
🌟 Why a gap year can be a great idea
- Gives you time to think clearly about your career path
- Helps you mature emotionally and academically
- Allows you to save money for university fees, transport, or accommodation
- Gives you work experience before you graduate
- Strengthens your university applications
If used well, a gap year can put you ahead of many students who rushed into a course they didn’t enjoy.
💼 1. Work and save money
This is one of the most popular and practical gap year options in South Africa. With high living costs and limited financial support, many students use their gap year to earn and save.
| Gap Year Option | Description | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Work & Save | Entry-level jobs such as retail, call centres, hospitality and admin. | No cost — you earn instead. |
| Short Courses | Skills like digital marketing, coding, bookkeeping and design. | R500 – R8 000 depending on provider. |
| Volunteering | Community service, youth centres, shelters, tutoring. | Mostly free. |
| Matric Upgrading | Rewrite or upgrade subjects for better university access. | R1 500 – R12 000 depending on centre. |
| Start a Small Business | Side hustles like baking, online stores, tutoring or design. | R0 – R3 000 depending on type. |
| Internships & Learnerships | Workplace training programmes that may offer stipends. | Free — often includes a stipend. |
| Travel | Local or international travel, cultural exchange, au pair. | R1 000 – R40 000+ depending on destination. |
| Job Shadowing | Spend time observing a professional in your field of interest. | Free or low-cost. |
Job options for matriculants include:
- Retail (shops, supermarkets, clothing stores)
- Call centres
- Admin or reception work
- Hospitality (restaurants, hotels, events)
- Tutoring younger learners
- Delivery driving or rider jobs
📘 2. Do short courses to build skills
If university feels overwhelming, short courses are a great stepping stone. They boost your confidence and can help you discover your real interests.
Popular short courses include:
- Digital marketing
- Coding and web development
- Bookkeeping and accounting basics
- Graphic design
- Photography and videography
- Project management
- First aid and caregiving
🤝 3. Volunteer locally
Volunteering is a powerful way to gain experience, meet people, and give back to your community. And it looks great on your university or bursary application.
Places you can volunteer:
- Local NGOs or youth centres
- Animal shelters
- After-school tutoring programmes
- Church or community outreach projects
- Environmental conservation groups
📚 4. Upgrade Your Matric Marks
If your matric marks weren’t strong enough to qualify for your dream course, a gap year is the perfect time to improve them. Many students upgrade one or two subjects and then qualify for better programmes the next year.
You can upgrade your marks at:
- TVET colleges
- Private upgrading centres
- Online learning platforms
An upgraded mark can be life-changing — especially for competitive courses like Nursing, Engineering, Medicine, or Accounting.
💡 5. Start a Small Business
South Africa has a big entrepreneurial spirit, and you don’t need a lot of money to start small. Many matriculants earn more than entry-level workers through side businesses.
Business ideas for students:
- Online thrift shop
- Photography for events
- Tutoring primary or high school students
- Digital design services (logos, flyers, posters)
- Typing or admin services
- Food selling or home baking
- Social media management
Even if you don’t continue the business long-term, the experience teaches marketing, leadership, budgeting, and customer service.
🚀 6. Internships or Learnerships
Many companies offer opportunities for young people with matric — especially in retail, IT, finance, and administration.
Learnerships include:
- Stipends
- Practical workplace training
- A registered qualification when completed
This option helps you gain skills and earn at the same time.
🌍 7. Travel (If You Can Afford It)
Travelling doesn’t have to mean flying overseas. South Africa is full of beautiful, affordable destinations.
Gap-year travel ideas:
- Backpacking through SA
- Visiting family in another province
- Joining community exchange programmes
- Exploring national parks
If you can afford international travel, many SA students do au pair programmes in Europe or the USA.
🧭 8. Job Shadowing
If you’re still unsure about your career path, job shadowing helps you understand what a job is really like. You spend a day or week with a professional and observe their work.
Fields you can shadow:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- IT
- Law
- Education
- Finance
Shadowing helps you avoid wasting money on a course you might not enjoy.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Gap Year Path
- Think about your long-term goals
- Be realistic about money and time
- Choose something that grows you — not something that drains you
- Ask yourself: will this help my future CV?
- Make sure your gap year has structure and discipline
⚠️ Things to Avoid During Your Gap Year
A gap year can be powerful and life-changing — but only if you use it wisely. Many students waste the entire year without realising how quickly time passes. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid so your gap year stays productive and meaningful.
🚫 1. Doing Nothing for Months
Resting for a few weeks after matric is normal, but taking a “long break” can easily turn into doing nothing for months. Universities and bursary providers want to see that you used your year constructively.
🚫 2. Spending Too Much Time on Entertainment
Binge-watching shows, gaming all day, or scrolling on your phone won’t develop your skills or help your future. Entertainment is fine — just keep it balanced.
🚫 3. Ignoring Your Future Plans
Some students avoid thinking about their careers because they feel overwhelmed. But a gap year should help you move closer to your goals, not further away. Set monthly targets and check in with yourself.
🚫 4. Not Saving Money
If you’re working during your gap year, try not to spend all your income. Saving even a small amount each month can help you with registration fees, textbooks, data, accommodation, or transport when university starts.
🚫 5. Avoiding Responsibility
Sleeping late, missing commitments, and avoiding real-life responsibilities can harm your discipline. University requires structure, deadlines, and consistency — start practising that now.
🚫 6. Choosing Low-Value Activities
Some activities keep you busy but don’t really help your future. Make sure whatever you do — work, courses, volunteering, or business — is adding value to your life.
🚫 7. Isolating Yourself
A gap year can be lonely if you don’t stay connected. Isolation can affect your confidence and motivation. Make an effort to stay social, join community groups, volunteer, or take short courses with others.
🚫 8. Delaying Applications
University and bursary applications open early, and spaces fill up fast. Don’t wait until the last minute — apply as soon as applications open to avoid disappointment.
🚫 9. Falling for Scams
Be careful with fake colleges, fake job posts, and fake “certificate” courses. Always check reviews, accreditation, and contact details before paying for anything.
🚫 10. Letting the Year Pass Without Growth
Your gap year should help you become more prepared, confident, and skilled. As long as you’re learning, growing, or saving, you’re on the right track. Don’t let the year end with nothing to show for it.
📌 Final Thoughts
A gap year isn’t a “waste of time” — it’s an opportunity to become stronger, smarter, and more prepared for university. Whether you work, study, volunteer, or discover a passion, the key is to stay active and intentional. A gap year is a break between high school and university where students explore personal growth, travel, work, or gain new experiences before starting tertiary education. Yes! A gap year can help you build skills, earn money, and decide on your career path — as long as you plan it properly and use your time productively. You can volunteer, work part-time, take short courses, start a small business, travel locally, or improve your digital and soft skills. No, most South African universities accept students who take a gap year — as long as your marks and documents remain valid. You can save money, find part-time work, apply for internships, or seek sponsorships for volunteer and training programs. Yes, it’s best to communicate your plans honestly. It shows maturity and helps them understand your timeline for applying or enrolling later. Avoid wasting time, overspending, or losing motivation to return to study. Make sure your gap year adds value to your goals. Yes. Many bursary providers and NSFAS accept applications from students who’ve taken a gap year, provided they meet the age and academic requirements. Typically, one year is ideal — enough time to grow and refocus, but not so long that it delays your studies significantly. Combine work experience, learning, volunteering, and travel to build your confidence, CV, and life skills before starting university.
Your future starts with the decisions you make today — so choose wisely, stay motivated, and use your gap year to build a future you’re proud of.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About Taking a Gap Year in South Africa
1. What is a gap year?
2. Is taking a gap year a good idea in South Africa?
3. What are the best gap year options in South Africa?
4. Can a gap year affect my university admission?
5. How can I fund my gap year activities?
6. Should I tell universities I’m taking a gap year?
7. What should I avoid during a gap year?
8. Can I still apply for bursaries after a gap year?
9. How long should a gap year be?
10. What’s the most productive way to spend my gap year?