6 Mins Read
Thousands of South African matriculants are turning to free online courses to build practical skills after leaving school, as the cost of tertiary education continues to rise and youth unemployment remains high. The trend affects school leavers who do not immediately enter university or college, as well as those waiting for placement, funding decisions, or job opportunities. As the 2026 academic year approaches, online learning platforms are increasingly filling the gap between matric, further study, and entry-level work.
