City Press

If we only we lived in one of those countries where your tertiary education is paid for by the government… But we don’t! So it’s time to face facts, and think about how you can pay to get the education you deserve. Even if you have involved, loving parents, the responsibility for your future is all yours, and you need to take an interest in how you’re going to reach for your dream. Even without a fat savings account waiting for you, there are ways to get ready for life after matric.

WORK!

When you think about how much just one year of varsity costs, you might be tempted to throw in the towel right now. That would be a terrible mistake! Do whatever you can (without resorting to crime, of course) to find a part-time job, as early as possible. Sure, it means you’ll be tired sometimes, and struggle to find enough time to do everything you have to. But that’s real life – it’s only going to get harder when you leave school. Save as much as possible. Varsities require a deposit of anywhere from R4000 to R10 000 when you start a course, and if you have that money in hand, you can register. From there, you have a fighting chance to move on to phase two…

STUDENT LOANS

If you know someone with a good debt history, like a parent or other family member, or even someone who just really believes in you, then you can apply for a student loan. You need that person to sign for you, and that makes them liable for your debt if you don’t repay it, so it’s a serious business. While you’re studying, you only pay the interest on the loan. The rest becomes your responsibility as soon as you start full-time work. Any of the big banks will be happy to give you the information you need.

OR YOU CAN WORK SOME MORE!

Studying and working part-time is TOUGH. But many, many people before you have done it and made it work. There is a lot of work available for students, from waitressing to doing promotions and tutoring. Most campuses even have an office where you can put your name down for student employment. On the down side, don’t expect to get much sleep until you’ve finished your degree.

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

So many matrics pin all their hopes on getting some kind of bursary. We’re not saying you shouldn’t try – of course you should! But understand that bursaries and scholarships are given to the top achievers, and there is a huge amount of competition for very few of them.

GET YOUR FUTURE EMPLOYER TO PAY

You can study for free, or close to free, if you are going to be a teacher, a policeman, or a military person. There are also private companies that will happily pay for you to study, as long as you keep passing, and you promise to work for them for three to five years after graduation.

CHOOSE AN FET COLLEGE

FET’s (Further Education and Training) have, in many cases, become great places to study. They have extremely low fees (as little as R5000 per year for some courses) and certain diplomas, like electrical engineering, or civil engineering, can be done FOR FREE, if you pass all your exams. Not all the FET’s have the same high standards. Do your research carefully before you choose one.

There’s always a way, if you’ve passed matric and you’re eager to make a good life for yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you differently!

The Rocking Future Roadshow is proud to announce their partnership with media giant City Press.

City Press is the fourth most read newspaper in the country, and it’s available countrywide every Sunday. It is an established brand of over 27 years, respected, trusted and a must-read in today’s changing world. City Press is a fully fledged Sunday newspaper incorporating News, Sport, Business and Careers sections, as well as, a TV Guide / entertainment magazine, called City Pulse, with every issue.

The bit we’re telling YOU to watch out for is the Careers24 section, where you can ask questions and see them answered by the Rocking Future Roadshow team in the national press. The first one appears on January 30th, 2010.