By: Lebokgang Nkosi
Tutor at Treasure Academy
GED at Treasure Academy
INTRODUCTION
This article was written to provide more information about GED and the opportunities that follow. It will look at the changes made by USAF and SAQA that might influence a child’s Educational journey. Please note Treasure Academy provides learners with tutoring before, during GED and mock tests to help students prepare for their GED.
What is the General Education Development (GED)
One question we get from parents is whether GED is the same as the National Senior Certificate(NSC) and the answer is NO, they have completely different structures and methods of completion but are of the same Academic Level. GED is a program that is comparable to the American High School standards and many other international areas. Student who choose GED can complete it at their own pace and will enroll in four subjects which are:
● Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), the module’s core objective is to strengthen the learner's reading skill, grammar, and essay writing.
● Mathematical Reasoning, which mainly focuses on Quantitative and Algebraic Maths.
● Social Studies, which focuses on the analysis of Sources and the interpretation of Economic and Geographic Data, and more.
● Science, this subject trains a learner’s ability to comprehend scientific concepts and interpret experimental data.
GED is also divided into four separate tests, this means that a child doing GED will have to write four exams after completion of the program. However, these tests will not be taken in one setting, the parent, child, and curriculum provider can make arrangements on how the tests are to be taken. So you have complete flexibility. Treasure Academy requires your child to be 16 to register for GED, please feel free to contact management to learn more about what needs to happen before GED.
What Happens After GED, Higher Education?
This is what many parents and students want to know. Where does my child go after completing GED, can they apply at University, can they apply at college, what can my child do with their GED qualification? Alright, let's unpack this as precisely as possible.
What does the Universities of South Africa (USAF) say about GED? On the 26th of February 2026 GED Africa rephrased a statement by USAF saying that “Students who obtained the GED in South Africa after 2019 are not eligible to apply directly to USAF for Foreign Conditional Exemption” and most parents panic after hearing such a statement but it does not mean that GED is now rejected and not accepted for further studies. Students can still apply at Private higher institutions and have their exemption requested for them by the institution. Another privilege held by the GED certificate is that learners are not limited to Private institutions in South Africa, Students can also apply to Universities Overseas. There are many Universities that are welcoming to GED.
Below are some of the institutions in South Africa that are currently accepting GED student: After completing their GED or American High School Diploma, learners at Treasure Academy have the opportunity to enrol in a university introductory course, helping them prepare for the next stage of their higher education journey. Click on this link (www.eduvisa.co.za ).
1. SAE Institute: SAE is an institution that trains students in Audio and Animation. They accept students with a GED that has been evaluated by SAQA. The Institute calls for Students who “are fascinated about Animation for film, Visual Gaming and Design, Animation for Apps & Mobile Gaming”. They also specialise in careers in the Music and Audio Industry. Students will enroll in NQF Level 5 (Higher Certificate) courses and move their way up to NQF Level 8 (Honors Degree). Click on this link ( https://www.sae.edu.za/ ) to access their website.
2. IMM Graduate School: IMM is a private distance education institution that specialises in Marketing and Supply Chain qualification. The Institute ranges from Higher Certificate in Marketing to Honors in Marketing Management. Their Supply Chain also ranges from Higher Certificate to Bcom in International Supply Chain Management. Most Importantly, they accept students with GED qualifications. Click on this link https://imm.ac.za/academic-qualifications/marketing-qualifications/ ) to visit their page.
3. STADIO: STADIO is a higher education institute that designs its programmes to meet industry requirements and the changing needs of the world. They take pride in their career development and national growth. STADIO has a range of faculties such as Law, Commerce, Education, Administration & Management, Engineering & Architecture, Information Technology, Fashion, Art and Design. These courses range from NQF Level 5 to NQF Level 8 and they accept students who hold a GED qualification. Click on this link ( https://stadio.ac.za/ ) to visit their website.
There are many other institutions not mentioned above that accept GED applicants, we encourage parents to plan a three steps ahead, to know exactly where their child is going after a GED enrollment. Individual To learn more about the opportunities that come with GED and to actively plan your child’s next step please feel free to contact or visit the Treasure Academy.