As homeschooling continues to grow in South Africa, more families are exploring alternatives to the traditional matric route. Two increasingly popular options for homeschool graduates are:
- The GED
- The American High School Diploma in partnership with Diversio in SA, issued by the umbrella school, Home Life Academy (HLA).
While both credentials offer homeschoolers a path to tertiary education or employment, they are quite different in structure, recognition, and long-term implications.
The choice of which one to choose should be determined by each individual child, their abilities, motivation and any career aspirations they may already have.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is the best fit for your family.
What is the GED?
The GED is a set of four standardised tests that measure high school-level knowledge in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Science
- Social Studies
It is often referred to as an equivalency credential to the American high school diploma and is accepted in several countries, including South Africa—with some caveats.
What is the American High School Diploma issued by Home Life Academy?
Home Life Academy is a US-based private school that acts as an umbrella institution for homeschoolers worldwide. South African students enrolled with HLA complete coursework aligned with US high school standards (Grades 9–12), and upon meeting graduation requirements, are issued an official American High School Diploma. Our article, Footprints and AHSD explains in greater detail how to achieve this credential as a South African homeschooler, by meeting subject choices and credit requirements.
Key Differences
| Feature | GED | American High School Diploma through HLA |
| Age requirement | 16-17+ in South Africa | Any age (typically 14–18) |
| Format | Four standardised tests, academic freedom before that | 4 years of coursework, credit counting |
| Duration | Can be completed in months, students must be age 17 to take the exams | Takes 2–4 years |
| Recognition in SA | Requires SAQA Certificate of Evaluation for further study | Requires SAQA Certificate of Evaluation for further study |
| Recognition abroad | Widely accepted in the US and internationally | Fully recognised as a high school diploma in the US and abroad |
| Learning style | Self-paced test prep | Customisable curriculum, project-based or textbook learning. |
| Documentation | Certificate of GED completion | Full academic transcript + diploma |
| University access in SA | Limited—requires private colleges or further study | Limited— unless supplemented. Students with over 87%, who take the SAT or two AP tests may apply for conditional exemption from USAf |
| University access abroad | Accepted at many US community colleges and overseas universities in combination with the SAT | Accepted at most US universities, including selective ones |
| Academic depth | Focus on test readiness for a limited time | Broader academic development over time |
Pros and Cons
GED: Quick, Accessible, But Narrower
Pros:
- Academic or curriculum freedom until about age 16
- Fast-track: Students can finish in a matter of months.
- Affordable: Fewer resources and time make it cost-effective.
- Flexible: Good for late starters or students who struggled with traditional schooling.
- International test centres: Over 40 test centres available in South Africa. Over 160 worldwide.
- No deadlines: Select your own exam dates when ready for each subject
Cons:
- Age-limited: Exams not available to students under 17.
- Limited university access in SA: Requires a Certificate of Evaluation from SAQA, but it is not accepted by public universities. GED graduates study at private tertiary institutions to achieve diplomas and degrees. Where do GED Graduates Study?
- Perception: Sometimes seen as a “second chance” credential
- Academic breadth: Less comprehensive; lacks projects in the final year of homeschool
American Diploma via HLA: Customisable, Broad, But Longer
Pros:
- Full high school education: Offers academic transcripts that reflect years of learning.
- Customisable: Families choose courses aligned to interests and strengths.
- More widely respected: Viewed as a full secondary education in the US.
- Better for university admissions: Especially if combined with SAT/ACT scores. Conditional exemption requirements with AHSD
Cons:
- Time-intensive: Requires years of consistent work and meeting credit requirements
- More parental involvement: Record-keeping and planning fall to the parent or learner.
- Still needs SAQA evaluation and conditional exemption from USAf: Like the GED, it doesn’t automatically guarantee SA university entry.
- Costs more: Tuition fees and learning materials can add up.
Which One Should You Choose?
Whichever option you choose, this is not the measure of your child or their home education journey. Both are so much richer than scores or credits recorded on a school-exit certificate. These documents are simply the requirements for the next step of your child’s journey and to serve a milestone that this part of their education has ended. Which one will best serve your child?
Choose the GED if:
Your child is close to or over 17 and needs a quicker path to further study or work.
Your child thrives with independent, self-paced study and test-focused preparation.
You’re aiming for private tertiary education or online or overseas university study post-matric.
Choose AHSD if:
Your child is just beginning high school-level work.
You’re considering tertiary study or a more traditional transcript.
You want to meet the criteria for conditional exemption to study at a public university in SA.
Grab the FREE GED vs AHSD Fact Sheet
Use this printable GED vs AHSD Fact Sheet to compare and contrast the options. It includes details and cost comparisons to help you select the right option for your child.
Conclusion: Two Paths, One Goal
Both the GED and the American High School Diploma through Home Life Academy offer South African homeschoolers freedom and flexibility beyond the traditional CAPS-based matric. However, they serve different needs and suit different students.
- The GED is ideal for older teens who want to wrap up their schooling efficiently and head into further study at private institutions, work, or vocational training.
- The HLA diploma is better for families who value a comprehensive education journey, are open to record-keeping and may be considering overseas options or study at public universities in SA.
Whichever route you take, it’s essential to plan ahead, consider your child’s personality and future goals, and remain informed about tertiary admissions policies in South Africa and abroad. Ignore the opinions of other people. Do what is best for YOUR child.
Still Not Sure?
If you need help deciding which would be best for your child, book a homeschool consultation with an experienced and objective advisor, Wendy Young, who can help you evaluate the pros and cons for your child’s personality, goals and your family’s circumstances.
More info:
University with a GED
Where do GED Graduates Study?
University entrance with AHSD
Watch short clips in our YouTube series on the most popular High School Options for South African homeschoolers.