Your Gateway to International Education & US Athletic Scholarships
Earn your American High School Diploma in South Africa through Penn Foster, one of America's most established distance education institutions. Study at our Gordon's Bay campus or 100% online from anywhere. With triple accreditation and acceptance at South African universities through matriculation exemption, this qualification opens doors globally.
Join South African students earning internationally recognised qualifications from Gordon's Bay
An internationally recognised secondary school qualification that opens doors to universities worldwide
The American High School Diploma (AHSD) through Penn Foster is a complete secondary education programme that follows U.S. educational standards. It's equivalent to completing Grade 12 in South Africa (NQF Level 4) but offers a more flexible, internationally-focused curriculum. Study at our Gordon's Bay campus with teacher support, or complete it 100% online from anywhere.
Two ways to earn your American High School Diploma — choose the path that suits your lifestyle
Study at our campus in Gordon's Bay with qualified teachers, structured timetables, and face-to-face support. Perfect for students who thrive with daily routine and classroom interaction.
Study from home at your own pace. Perfect for self-motivated learners, working adults, athletes, or families outside Gordon's Bay.
The same process whether you choose Physical School or Home School
We evaluate your current academic level using MobyMax diagnostic tests. This determines your starting point and identifies any gaps.
Complete 21 credits at your own pace. Choose Physical School (Gordon's Bay) or Home School (100% online) — same qualification either way.
Receive your official American High School Diploma and transcript from Penn Foster. Apply to universities worldwide.
Continue with AP subjects and SAT exams for competitive university courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law.
Planning to study Medicine, Engineering, or Law at a South African university? You'll need additional qualifications beyond the AHSD diploma.
Measures reading, writing, and maths skills. Required for USAf matriculation exemption.
College-level courses. An alternative to SAT for matriculation exemption.
The AHSD serves diverse students with different goals. Find your path below.
Students seeking an alternative to CAPS curriculum, whether struggling at traditional school or wanting a more flexible, self-paced approach to high school.
Athletes pursuing US college sports scholarships. The AHSD is NCAA eligible, opening doors to American university athletics that matric cannot provide.
Adults who never completed high school or want to improve their qualifications. There's no upper age limit — complete at your own pace around work and family.
Homeschooling families wanting a structured, accredited curriculum. MobyMax + AHSD provides a complete education pathway from foundation through graduation.
Students who failed matric or dropped out. The AHSD offers a fresh start with a globally recognised qualification — no stigma, just results.
Families moving internationally or students who travel frequently. The 100% online format means you can study from anywhere in the world.
Book a free assessment. We'll evaluate your current level, discuss your goals, and recommend whether AHSD, GED, or another pathway is best for your situation.
Book Free Assessment →Your AHSD opens doors to universities in South Africa and worldwide. Here's how it works.
Access SA universities through USAf matriculation exemption. Requirements vary by qualification level:
Your AHSD is widely accepted globally, often more readily than matric:
The AHSD is NCAA eligible — matric is not. This matters if your child has sporting talent:
Important: Every university has specific requirements. We help you understand exactly what you need for your target institution and programme.
Answers to the most common questions about earning your AHSD through Ambition International School.
The minimum age to start the AHSD programme is 13 years old. There is no upper age limit, making it suitable for teenagers, adults returning to education, or anyone seeking a second chance at a high school qualification.
Students must demonstrate Grade 9 readiness before starting AHSD. We use MobyMax diagnostic testing to identify your current level. If gaps exist, we provide foundation learning first — typically 3-6 months for older students — to ensure you're fully prepared for success.
The AHSD is self-paced, typically taking 6-24 months depending on your schedule and commitment. You need to complete 21 credits. Students studying full-time at our Gordon's Bay campus often finish faster, while those studying online around work or other commitments may take longer.
Yes, but depending on the course you want to study you may need to meet one or both of these requirements:
With either pathway, USAf (Universities South Africa) can issue a matriculation exemption certificate. For diplomas and higher certificates, the AHSD is usually accepted directly.
Yes. The Penn Foster AHSD holds triple accreditation (DEAC, MSA-CSS, Cognia) and is recognised by universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, and many other countries. It's also NCAA eligible for students pursuing US college athletic scholarships.
The 21-credit curriculum covers:
All coursework is delivered digitally through Penn Foster's online learning platform, with teacher support available at our Gordon's Bay campus.
Yes. If you've completed coursework at another accredited school, those credits may transfer to your AHSD. This can significantly reduce your completion time. We assess transcripts during enrolment to determine which credits apply.
AHSD is a full high school diploma (21 credits over 6-24 months), starting from age 13, with direct pathways to SA universities via SAT or AP exams.
GED is an equivalency certificate (4 subject tests), available only from age 17, recognised as NQF Level 4 but typically requires a bridging Higher Certificate before SA university degree studies.
Best choice? AHSD for students under 17 or those wanting direct university pathways. GED for adults wanting the fastest route to a qualification.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
WhatsApp Us →Book a free assessment today. We'll evaluate your current level, discuss your goals, and create a personalised pathway to graduation.