Matriculants who wish to further their studies but have not been offered a place at an institution of their choice are being offered help by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The department has created the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) service to assist students who wish to study at one of many universities or colleges around SA.
According to the department, this service, which will be in operation between January and end of February, was developed to assist learners who qualify for higher education studies, have applied for a space at an institution, but have not been offered a place. It is also accessible to those learners who did not apply before the tertiary admission closing date last year.
Spokesperson for the Department of Higher Education and Training, Khaye Nkwanyana says: "The aim of this system is to match applicants' exam results and study preferences with tertiary institutions that need to be filled, but the department cannot guarantee that students will be offered a place."
In order to apply, the department says students should to send an SMS with their name, ID and contact number to 49200; they will receive a call from a department contact centre agent who will register all requested details on the CACH database, indicating the learners' chosen field of study. They will also be requested to scan or fax their matric statement and then agree that their details may be passed on to registered providers of higher and further education.
"The department will then take the Grade 12 statement and the pupil's personal information, verify it and then automatically transfer it to higher institutions such as universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges that are still looking for students. Should applicants meet the requirements, institutions will contact students to offer them available places," explains Nkwanyana.
According to the department, the CACH system, which was first established in 2013, now also provides general career information services to assist anyone interested in pursuing further education and training opportunities or other skills development opportunities in the Post School Education and Training System. Learners will also be offered free career advice and be guided through possible alternative options at TVET colleges, artisan training and other skills development opportunities.
"It is probable that most of the places available at Universities through CACH will require good performance in subjects such as maths, physical sciences and life sciences.
"An offer of an available place does not automatically guarantee funding and students should start looking for funding as early as possible," advises Nkwanyana.
For further information or new applicant registration follow this link or contact the toll-free call centre on 0800 356 635.
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