UL Open Week helps learners choose careers

Learners from various high schools in the province have from Monday visited the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Open Week to learn more about career options, funding schemes and other financial support available for tertiary study. The programme is expected to run until tomorrow (Friday)
On the opening day ten schools were represented and UL acting Publication Officer Johannes Selepe emphasised that they were expecting to educate about 13 000 learners from 113 schools before the end of the programme. He said this was an annual occasion they use to guide learners about different careers. He commented that most learners don’t apply on time at institutions of higher learning and this minimises their chances of being accepted. Selepe indicated that the gathering was for Grade 11 and 12 learners and added that the university also invited officials from various colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges also to give a breakdown of types of products available because not all learners qualify to further their studies at a university.
“We also give learners application forms to complete and apply for admission on time to avoid disappointment. We want them to choose the right careers. We advertised the function in local newspapers and also sent invites to schools because the aim was to reach as many learners as possible,” explained Selepe.
Professionals from different faculties shared their knowledge and valuable information with anyone interested in studying that specific course. One of the attendees, Constance Maponya who is a Grade 12 learner at Mountain View High School said the gathering is necessary as it gives learners a chance to learn about various career paths. Constance wishes to study Agricultural Science upon completion of her matric.
She urged learners from other schools to consider attending such gatherings to learn as much as they can about different courses for them to be able to choose careers wisely. She added that she was delighted to have had such an opportunity.
Kulani Mthombeni from the university’s financial aid section explained that there were a number of financial aid schemes willing to extend a helping hand. He encouraged learners to apply to as many as possible. Mthombeni pointed out Merit Awards and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as some of best students’ financial aid schemes that learners should consider. He added that with Merit Awards, a Grade 12 learner must get an average score of 70% to qualify.
“The bursary covers tuition fees and a learner can be funded by both NSFAS and Merit Award. We also have Merit Awards for senior students which require a student to attain an average score of 70 to 75% for the bursary to fund their registration fee while those who attain 76 to 100% are awarded a bursary to cover their tuition fees as well,” he said.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za