What is the total cost of getting a GED in South Africa?

Test fees: GED Ready practice tests: R600, Official GED tests: approximately R6,500. Total testing: approximately R7,100. Preparation costs: R495-R995/month for 3-6 months. Total investment: R10,000-R15,000 including all preparation and tests.

GED South Africa: Grade 12 Equivalent Certificate

🏫 Study at our Gordon's Bay Campus OR 🏠 100% Online from Anywhere

Get your internationally recognised high school equivalency credential.
Complete in 6-12 months with proper preparation through MobyMax.

17+

Minimum Age to Write Exams

6-12

Months to Complete

Subject Tests

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GED® Requirements & Process in South Africa

NEW 2024 REQUIREMENT: You MUST pass GED Ready® practice test before booking official tests

Check Eligibility

• Age 18+: No restrictions

• Age 17: Ready to write exams

• Under 17: Can study, but can't write exams

• Must have basic English proficiency

• No prior grades required

Prepare with MobyMax

• Fill foundation gaps first

• Complete Grade 1-8 curriculum

• 3-6 months preparation typical, depending on student age and gaps

• Progress tracking included

• WhatsApp support included

Pass GED Ready® Tests

• MANDATORY since Jan 2024

• R150 per subject practice test

• Must score 145+ to proceed

• Take at home on computer

• Valid for 60 days only

Book Official Tests

• Create account at GED.com

• $85 USD per subject ($340 total)

• Book within 60 days of Ready test

• 40+ test centres in SA

• Boston City Campus locations

Take Official Tests

• 4 subjects total (7.5 hours)

• Can take separately

• Need 145+ per subject to pass

• 3 retakes allowed per year

• 60-day wait after 3rd fail

Receive Diploma 🎉

• Electronic diploma emailed

• Download immediately

• Blue Ribbon verified

• Hard copy available (courier)

• SAQA evaluation available

GED Preparation Made Simple

We use MobyMax to identify and fill every learning gap from Grade 1-8, ensuring you're fully prepared before attempting GED. Most students complete foundation work in 3-6 months, depending on age and gaps, then pass GED within the year.

✓ WhatsApp Support

✓ Weekly Progress Reports

✓ From R495/month

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Is GED® Right for You?

Understanding when GED is the right choice can save years of frustration. Here's an honest assessment to help you decide.

✓ GED IS SUITABLE WHEN:

✓ You're 16+ and need quick completion
6-12 months vs 3+ years for other options
✓ You want to work or emigrate
Internationally recognised for employment
✓ You plan to study overseas or online
97% of US universities accept GED
✓ You're comfortable with English-only testing
No Afrikaans requirement unlike NSC
✓ You're self-motivated and disciplined
Self-paced study requires commitment
✓ You're okay with private SA colleges
Boston, Varsity College accept GED
✓ You're 23+ (mature age exemption)
May qualify for SA university admission
✓ You have entrepreneurial goals
Quick credential to start business ventures

✗ GED IS NOT SUITABLE WHEN:

✗ You want direct SA university admission
USAf stopped GED exemptions in 2020
✗ You're under 16 years old
Age restriction for writing exams cannot be waived
✗ You want to study medicine/law in SA
Strict matric requirements for these fields
✗ You have severe foundation gaps
Need Grade 8+ level to attempt GED
✗ You struggle with English comprehension
Tests only available in English
✗ You need financial aid (NSFAS)
Not eligible with foreign qualifications
✗ You prefer traditional classroom learning
GED is primarily self-study
✗ You're not ready for $340 test fees
Plus preparation costs

⚠️ Consider AHSD Instead If:

You're under 17 (can start AHSD at 13)
You want direct SA university admission (with SAT/AP scores)
You have 2-3 years to complete studies
You prefer broader curriculum options
You want recognition equal to matric with exemption

Still Unsure? We'll Help You Decide

Take our free assessment to determine if GED or AHSD is better for your specific situation and goals.

WhatsApp Us for Guidance →

⚠️ The University Truth You Need to Know

Since 2020, USAf (Universities South Africa) NO LONGER grants exemptions for GED.
This means no direct admission to SA public universities.

OPTION 1: AVAILABLE NOW

Private SA Universities

Some private institutions accept GED directly:

Boston City Campus
Stadio
Varsity College
AIE

Note: Higher fees than public universities

OPTION 2: +1 YEAR

Higher Certificate Path

Complete a 1-year Higher Certificate (NQF 5), then apply for degree:

Available at most colleges
120+ credits required
Can transfer 50% credits to degree
Opens public university doors

Time: GED + 1 year bridge = 2 years total

OPTION 3: GLOBAL

International Universities

97% of US universities accept GED directly:

University of the People (online)
Arizona State (online)
Southern New Hampshire
Many UK & Australian options

Benefit: Often more affordable online

OPTION 4: AGE 23+

Mature Age Exemption

If you're 23+, universities may consider:

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Work experience evaluation
Senate discretionary admission
Case-by-case assessment

Requirements: Portfolio of evidence & motivation

Still Worth It? Absolutely!

GED opens doors globally and provides a solid foundation for your future. We'll guide you through all your options.

💬 Get University Guidance

GED South Africa - Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting your GED certificate in South Africa

What exactly is the GED and how is it different from matric? ▼

The GED (General Educational Development) is an American high school equivalency test. SAQA evaluates it as NQF Level 4, same as matric, but it's considered matric WITHOUT exemption. This means you cannot go directly to SA public universities. GED tests 4 subjects in one-time exams, while matric requires 3 years of continuous assessment plus final exams in 7 subjects.

What are the new 2024 GED requirements? ▼

Since January 15, 2024: You MUST pass the GED Ready® practice test with a score of 145+ before you can book the official test. This costs R150 per subject (R600 total for all 4). You must book your official test within 60 days of passing the practice test. We recommend taking the official test within 2 weeks while content is fresh.

What is the total cost of getting a GED? ▼

Test fees:
• GED Ready practice tests: R150 × 4 = R600
• Official GED tests: $85 USD × 4 = $340 USD (≈R6,500)
• Total testing: ≈R7,100

Preparation costs:
• ExceptionalResults MobyMax: R495-R995/month (3-6 months typical)
• Total investment: R10,000-R15,000 including all preparation and tests

Can I go to university with a GED in South Africa? ▼

Not directly to public universities. Since 2020, USAf no longer grants exemptions for GED. Your options are:

• Private universities (Boston, Stadio, Varsity College)
• Complete a 1-year Higher Certificate first, then apply for degree
• International/online universities (97% of US universities accept GED)
• If 23+, apply for mature age exemption (case-by-case)

How long does it take to complete the GED? ▼

Typically 6-12 months total:

• 3-6 months: MobyMax foundation work (filling Grade 1-8 gaps)
• 2-3 months: GED-specific preparation
• 1-2 months: Taking the 4 tests

Students with strong foundations can complete faster. Those with significant gaps may need longer. The actual tests take 7.5 hours total but can be spread over several weeks.

What happens if I fail a GED test? ▼

• First & second retake: No waiting period, retake immediately
• Third retake: Must wait 60 days
• Cost: $85 USD per retake
• No new GED Ready required if you already passed it
• Maximum 3 attempts per subject per year

Our MobyMax preparation significantly reduces failure risk by ensuring you're fully ready before attempting.

Why do I need MobyMax before attempting GED? ▼

GED assumes you have Grade 8-level foundations. Most SA students have gaps from as early as Grade 3-4. MobyMax identifies and fills EVERY gap from Grade 1-8, ensuring you have the foundation needed. Without fixing these gaps first, GED becomes nearly impossible. Students who skip foundation work typically fail multiple times, costing more in retakes than proper preparation would have cost.

Where do I write the GED tests in South Africa? ▼

GED tests are written at Boston City Campus test centres across South Africa. There are 40+ locations including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth, and smaller cities. Tests are computer-based and scheduled individually. You can take different subjects at different centres if needed. Online testing is NOT available for South African residents.

Choose Your Learning Environment

Two ways to prepare for your GED — choose the path that suits your lifestyle

📚 Important: All GED students start with MobyMax foundation work to fill learning gaps from Grades 1-8. Only then can you successfully tackle GED content.

Your GED Journey — 3 Simple Steps

The same process whether you choose Home Learning or Campus

Foundation First

Start with MobyMax to fill gaps from Grades 1-8. This is essential — most SA students have gaps from Grade 3-4.

GED Preparation

Progress to GED content when your foundation is solid. Take GED Ready® practice tests to confirm you're ready.

Pass GED 🎉

Take your 4 official GED tests at Boston City Campus when ready. Receive your Grade 12 equivalent certificate!

Questions about which option suits you best?

We'll help you choose the right path based on your situation

💬 Chat with an Education Advisor

Ready to Start Your GED Journey?

Don't let another year pass without your Grade 12 equivalent.
Start with proper foundation work today.

With Us You Get:

✓

MobyMax Foundation Programme Fill every gap from Grade 1-8 first

✓

GED Preparation Guidance Know exactly when you're ready

✓

WhatsApp Support Never feel stuck or alone

✓

Weekly Progress Reports Track your journey to success

✓

University Path Advice Navigate post-GED options clearly

✓

From Only R495/month Affordable monthly payments

Book FREE Assessment →💬 WhatsApp Us Now

No credit card required • Cancel anytime • Start immediately

⚠️ Remember: Without proper foundation work, most students fail GED multiple times. Each retake costs $85 USD. Invest in preparation first — it's cheaper than failing.

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95%

Pass Rate