With the focus during August being on the role of women in South African society, it’s important to work towards changing the mindset of young women from impoverished communities.Many teenage girls have no vision of themselves playing leading roles in our society and economy, yet there is no valid reason for this being the case.

Now is the time for matric learners to seriously think about their future and put their applications in at their preferred university, based on June Grade 12 results. If they wait until they receive their matric certificate, they may be too late to apply to study at university next year.

If you’ve decided to get financing from a South African bank, you’ll need to fit certain requirements before you can take out a study loan.

There are many world-renowned universities in South Africa from which you can get an education. But, also expect to pay between R10 000 and R20 000 for each year of undergraduate study – and if you’re pursuing a specialised degree, such as medicine or engineering, it may cost you more.