We're open. After months of research, writing, checking and re-checking, ThinkEducation.co.za is officially live, and we couldn't be happier to finally share it with you!
If you've ever sat at the kitchen table with a matric results slip, a pile of open browser tabs and absolutely no idea where to start, this site is for you. It's also for the parent trying to help, the 30-something wondering if it's too late to switch careers (it isn't), and anyone who's tired of guessing.
Why we built it
Working out what to study in South Africa shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt. But right now the information is scattered across dozens of websites, half-remembered advice and WhatsApp forwards that may or may not be true.
We wanted one place that does three simple things well:
- Helps you figure out what you might want to do
- Shows you where you can study it
- Points you in the right direction on how to pay for it
And we wanted it to be honest. If we haven't been able to confirm something, we'd rather leave it out than guess.
What you'll find on the site
Careers (and we're adding more all the time)
This is the heart of ThinkEducation. Each career page tells you what the job is actually like day to day, including the not-so-glamorous bits. You'll see which school subjects matter, what matric pass you need, what you'll have to study, and whether you need to register with a professional body before you can work.
We also tackle the question so many learners ask too late: can I do this with Maths Literacy?
Every career profile is researched and then independently fact-checked before it goes live. That takes time, so we're publishing careers as they pass, not all at once. Check back often. The list is growing every week, across health, trades, beauty, business and more.
Institutions
Looking for somewhere to study? Our directory lists universities, TVET colleges and private colleges, with the basics you actually need: where the campuses are, what kinds of qualifications they offer, and how to get in touch.
We're starting with all provinces, including Distance Learning and doing them properly before we move on. The other provinces are coming, and we'll shout about it when they land.
Work at an institution? You can claim your listing for free and keep it up to date yourself.
Upcoming events
Open days, info sessions and career expos are some of the best ways to get a real feel for a place before you commit. Our Events section keeps them in one spot, so you don't miss the one that matters.
Funding
"How am I going to pay for this?" is often the biggest question of all. Our Fund section is where we'll help you make sense of your options, starting with the basics of NSFAS and how it really works (there's a catch that trips a lot of people up).
Articles
Plain-language education and career guides on choosing, applying, funding and life after school. No jargon, no fluff.
A few things we promise
- It's free. All of it. You don't need an account to use the site.
- It's built for your phone. We've kept pages light because we know data isn't cheap and signal isn't always great.
- Featured means paid. If an institution appears as "Featured", that's advertising, and we'll always label it clearly. It doesn't mean it's better.
- We're not a college. We don't enrol anyone, we can't apply for you, and we can't get you in. Anyone who offers to do that for a fee isn't to be trusted.
This is just the beginning
Launch day is day one, not the finish line. Here's some of what's on our list:
- Many more career profiles, added every week
- More provinces in the institution directory
- More events as the new application season kicks off
- More guides on funding, applications and choosing the right fit
Help us make it better
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Please tell us. It genuinely helps, and we'll fix it ASAP.
Now go have a look around. Start with Careers if you're not sure what you want to do, or jump into Institutions if you already know.
Welcome to ThinkEducation. We're glad you're here.