In South Africa, the academic year traditionally begins in January and ends in December. This structure has shaped social expectations, causing many people to believe that academic visits should follow the same time. However, for matriculants, who have not yet attended their tertiary study, mid-year enrollment is a golden opportunity and should be considered seriously, an education expert. Additionally, those who intend to enter the university next year should start checking their options soon instead of later.
“Many future students and parents are not aware of the enrollment of mid-year, and therefore unnecessarily waiting to apply to the end of the year. This means that they not only waste valuable time and opportunities, but still should compete with hundreds of thousands of fellow applicants, who will end the school soon,” Alusia Mabunda says, “Alusia Mabunda says,” IIe rosebank college Campus Head.
“With the mid-year approaching, parents and future students are encouraged to take active steps in the preparation for the upcoming July,” she advises.
Mid-year enrollment
Mabunda says that the nomination of mid-year is the following benefits for potential students:
- Decision making is considered, as students are subject to short time shortage while researching available programs and institutions. This extra time often has more thoughtful decisions and enrollment in areas that actually align with their interests and career aspirations.
- Better financial plan in the absence of expenses of the end of the year. The pressure to pay for tuition, registration and housing decreases, allowing parents and students to make budget more effectively. Housing options will also be more economical.
- Opportunities for families with better circumstances. Some families may have seen their personal finance or employment improvement. In such cases, it is unnecessary to wait to enroll throughout the year. Consuming mid-year ensures that the remaining time is adapted, allowing dreams to be felt without more delay.
“If you are probably interested in enrollment for higher education instead of waiting till next year, do research on institutions offering mid-year enrollment for interest qualification. Each institution may vary in terms of completion dates, availability of programs and intake procedures, so it is important to act immediately,” advises Mabunda.
“And the very important thing is to consider mid-year intake as the correct beginning of your educational journey. Mentally and practically align your expectations and understand that your educational calendar will now run from July to June every year. It will help in planning, holidays, finance and internships or work opportunities in the next few years.
“The key is to work quickly, be informed, and to provide maximum advantage of flexibility and opportunity providing mid-air intake.”
Preliminary inquiry
Prospective students who are currently in matriculation should also start their investigation to relieve the pressure of the end-year, calling Mabunda.
“Until you have finished your final exam, until you get your results, the lack of time and increasing competition will increase the pressure. The pressure to make important life decisions can be heavy and, combined with low options, is often forced to make a hasty option about their future.
“After matriculation examinations, some students are immediately needed to see themselves nominated in a university, without any time to find out which qualification is the best fit for which institution. It is tragically regrettable in some students as a result of admission in courses in some students later, or digging their studies quickly.”
Although their focus should now be on performing correctly, as they can perform best during their final exams, taking some time in modification sessions and weekends to check all options, with online research and contacting institutions, will pay dividends later.
“Every small research you have done in the coming months will help you reduce your options, and will clarify the right fit for you, what you want to study in the context of both and where. As soon as you get certainty, make sure you apply without delay.
“By applying early, you will greatly extend your possibilities of accepting the program aligning with your dreams and aspirations, and end your year without pressure and anxiety about your next stages in life.”