Looking for an affordable homeschool matric alternative? Discover how the GED® offers flexible, self-paced testing for South African homeschoolers with no exam deadlines.
A GED homeschool grade 12 equivalent is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives to getting a matric online. It is an internationally recognised high school equivalency credential evaluated by SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) as an NQF Level 4 credential.
*SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) has evaluated the GED® and found the National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) as its closest comparable qualification.
The GED® test series consists of four subject tests:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Science
1. What to Do Before the GED
In the years preceding the GED (Grades 1–10), you have total freedom! You can use any curriculum of your choice. At Footprints, we always recommend an eclectic selection of homeschool resources tailored to your child’s interests and learning style.
When building your child’s primary and early high school foundation, ensure you include coverage of the four core subjects tested on the GED:
- Maths
- Science
- English (Reasoning Through Language Arts)
- Social Studies
Because the GED strongly emphasises good reading comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills rather than rote memorisation, all of our literature-rich Footprints programmes make an excellent choice to prepare your child for future success!
Typically, once students have reached roughly Grade 10 level or age 16, they enrol with an online GED prep provider, such as Go Prep.
2. Why Choose the GED?
- Flexibility & Convenience: There are no fixed deadlines for writing or completing all four exams. You study at your own pace and book test dates whenever it suits your schedule.
- Affordability: It remains one of the most budget-friendly high school exit paths available for homeschoolers in South Africa.
- Low Stress: Write tests one at a time at an official computer testing center (such as Boston City Campus branches) across South Africa when you feel fully prepared.
3. Can You Study Further in South Africa with a GED?
Yes! A GED alone is widely accepted by colleges and private higher education institutions for Higher Certificate (NQF 5) and Diploma (NQF 6) programs.
Many graduates start with an NQF 5 Higher Certificate or Diploma and then progress to full degree programs, while others go on to study through accredited online international universities.
Some institutions accept students with a GED to degree studies via the Senates Discretionary exemption pathway if the student meet their admission criteria.
Private institutions are more GED-friendly than public universities in South Africa.
For a comprehensive list of institutions, degree pathways and field-specific options, visit the Where do GED Graduates Study guide on the Go Prep website, which is also run by Shirley Erwee of Footprints.
- TVET Colleges & Institutes: The GED is widely accepted for certificate and diploma programs. Always confirm specific faculty entrance requirements directly with the institution.
- University with a GED: Applicants aiming for degree studies at South African universities must apply for a certificate of exemption from USAf (Universities South Africa). Always double-check with your chosen university faculty regarding their specific foreign qualification admission policies.
4. Important Details about the GED
Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 17 years old to take the official GED® tests in South Africa.
Identification Requirements: Students need a valid South African ID card, Smart ID or Passport with a photo and a signature to be allowed into the test center on exam day. Non-South African citizens require a valid study permit or refugee status in accordance with Home Affairs regulations.
Study Duration / Flexible Pacing: Most students complete their GED® preparation in anywhere from 4 to 12 months, depending on their existing academic foundation and how much time they dedicate to studying daily.
Accommodations for Special Needs: Accommodation options (such as extra time or audio-assisted tests) are available for students with diagnosed learning difficulties, physical disabilities or ADHD, but must be requested and approved through GED Testing Service prior to booking tests.
GED Ready® Practice Tests: Passing the official GED Ready® mock exams (scoring 145 or higher) is a prerequisite before booking the actual test, as it predicts whether a student is likely to pass.
Language of Instruction & Testing: All four subject exams are written strictly in English, so students should have a reasonable level of English proficiency. Hundreds of Afrikaans-speaking students have done the GED tests and all agree: “Dis haalbaar!”
5. Trusted by Homeschooling Families
Shirley Erwee runs Go Prep and is the co-owner of Footprints. Go Prep™ is an authorised education partner of the GED® Testing Service, offering GED® approved online study material for students preparing for the GED® tests. The online programme provides everything you need to prepare for the tests.
Both Shirley and her Footprints co-author, Wendy Young, have used the GED successfully in their own homes. Four of Shirley’s children and two of Wendy’s four children completed the GED® as their high school exit exam as well as thousands of other South African homeschoolers.
“The GED gave my son freedom to spend time on hobbies and interests he love instead of stuck with 7 subjects he wasn’t really interested in.” ~ Jacoline van der Merwe
“Best thing we ever did was sign our son up for his GED. He completed his final exam last year and it was a lifesaver for us as a family.” ~ Janine Brown
Shirley has published dozens of GED Success Stories, showing the diverse study achievements of South African GED graduates.
6. Four Hassle-free Steps to Complete the GED
- Sign up for online GED tuition to start studying at your own pace.
- Take the GED Ready® practice tests (mock exams) to ensure you are fully prepared.
- Book and take the official tests: Select a convenient date at a certified computer-based test center near you.
- Apply for your diploma and transcript: Request your official electronic or hard-copy credentials once all four subjects are passed.
Get Started Quickly
To learn more about booking procedures, online study options and practical tips tailored for South Africans, contact Go Prep or join the online support group: Go Prep South Africa Facebook Group.