Grades 8–12 · CAPS curriculum
Online high school for Grades 8 to 12
Start strong, finish stronger. Online CAPS learning for Grades 8–12, powered by UCT.
- Weekly work plan on the Online Campus
- Live streams with Learning Facilitators
- Weekly check-ins with Support Advisors
Grades 8–12
Full CAPS curriculum
NSC
Examined by SACAI, accredited by Umalusi
R2,985
A month, over 12 instalments
English
Language of instruction
Grades 8–12
Choose your child’s grade
Each phase follows the CAPS curriculum, with a weekly work plan and live support. Pick a grade to see subjects, fees and what a typical week looks like.
Senior PhaseGrades 8 and 9
Solid foundations, renewed confidence.
9 subjects · from R2,985 per month
FET PhaseGrades 10 and 11
Seven subjects, one clear path.
7 subjects · from R2,985 per month
MatricGrade 12
Focused NSC preparation to stay ahead.
7 subjects · from R2,985 per month
This is how we do it
Structure that keeps learners on track, with support at every step
Intuitive online learning platform
Our Online Campus is at the centre of it all. Every day, your child logs in and sees their weekly work plan: a live, interactive view of everything they need to complete in a week, for every subject.
Learning pathways
Every subject is designed as a course with a defined learning pathway. Learners work through each week’s module in a series of 45-minute lessons, using a research-backed approach: “I do, we do, you do”.
“I do, we do, you do”
Under “I do”, a subject expert demonstrates. Under “we do”, learners practise. Under “you do”, they put their learning to the test, all towards a weekly deadline for each subject.
Dynamic academic support
Where learners fail their weekly assessments or get stuck, they have weekly live streams with Learning Facilitators and a dedicated academic discussion forum. It’s a very structured approach, with all the flexibility in between.
Caring Support Advisors
The best part? You’re not alone. Every learner deserves a champion, and that’s where our Support Advisors come in. They keep learners accountable through weekly group check-ins and a priority system based on at-risk behaviours.
Gamification and Rewards Programme
We reward good learning habits. Logging in to the Online Campus, opening course materials and attempting assignments all earn points, which learners redeem in a bespoke storefront. Just wait for drop days!
For guardians
ConnectED guardian app and portal
Success comes from the learner, guardian and school working together. The guardian portal is mission control for your child’s learning, and the ConnectED app sends a push notification when something needs your attention.
Fee structure 2026
Get your matric. Get ahead. Stay ahead.
Clear fees with no surprises. Pay monthly over 12 instalments, or pay upfront for the year.
Pay upfront (R30,447) and save R5,373 against 12 instalments (R35,820).
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement (once-off)Non-refundable | R599 | Non-refundable |
| Tuition, paid upfrontSave 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 | R30,447 a year | Save 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 |
| Tuition, 12 instalments12 monthly instalments | R2,985 per month | 12 monthly instalments |
| Extra subject (optional)We advise a maximum of two | R430 per month · R5,160 a year | We advise a maximum of two |
All fees are subject to an annual increase.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement (once-off)Non-refundable | R599 | Non-refundable |
| Tuition, paid upfrontSave 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 | R30,447 a year | Save 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 |
| Tuition, 12 instalments12 monthly instalments | R2,985 per month | 12 monthly instalments |
| SACAI registrationCompulsory external examination body fee | R250 a year | Compulsory external examination body fee |
| Extra subject (optional)We advise a maximum of two | R430 per month · R5,160 a year | We advise a maximum of two |
All fees are subject to an annual increase.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Placement (once-off)Non-refundable | R599 | Non-refundable |
| Tuition, paid upfrontSave 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 | R30,447 a year | Save 15%. Payable by 12 December 2026 |
| Tuition, 12 instalments12 monthly instalments | R2,985 per month | 12 monthly instalments |
| SACAI candidate registrationPay once, by 1 March | R451.95 | Pay once, by 1 March |
| Exam registration, per subjectLanguages, practical subjects, IT and CAT cost more | R989 to R1,215.55 each | Languages, practical subjects, IT and CAT cost more |
| Exam placement, per subjectLanguages, practical subjects, IT and CAT cost more | R499.10 to R599.15 each | Languages, practical subjects, IT and CAT cost more |
| Certificate courierNSC certificate delivery | R700 | NSC certificate delivery |
| Estimated total exam costDepends on subject load | About R12,000 | Depends on subject load |
| Extra subject (optional)We advise a maximum of two | R430 per month · R5,160 a year | We advise a maximum of two |
All fees are subject to an annual increase.
SACAI sets Grade 12 exam charges each year, so these amounts may change.
Results and stories
Hear it from the families who made the switch
Watch Tamara’s storyTamara’s story “I would tell parents who are apprehensive about an online high school that it changed my daughter’s life for the better.”
Guardian interview · video
Watch Trisha’s storyTrisha’s story “UCT Online High School is ⅓ the price of our previous school.”
Guardian interview · video
Watch Malikah’s storyMalikah’s story “I’ve personally engaged with some of the work, the quality is phenomenal.”
Guardian interview · video- matric pass rate in 2025
- 85%
- distinctions in 2025
- 601
- overall average by our top 2025 learner
- 90%
About this programme
UCT Online High School offers the CAPS curriculum online for Grades 8 to 12, leading to the National Senior Certificate. Learners follow a weekly work plan on the Online Campus, with live streams from Learning Facilitators and check-ins with Support Advisors. Tuition is from R2,985 per month, and Grade 12 learners write SACAI final exams at approved centres.
FAQs
Questions guardians ask about online high school
When and how do I pay tuition fees and which payment options are available?
We offer several payment options that guardians are able to select for their convenience. Please refer to our fees handbook for detailed information about this.
Will universities accept my child’s NSC?
Yes. Learners earn the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the matric qualification recognised by universities and colleges across South Africa. It is examined by SACAI and quality-assured by Umalusi. Each institution still sets its own entry requirements, so check the pass level and subjects your child’s chosen course needs.
How social will the experience be for me/my child?
Good question! Learners* will have the opportunity to build community and make friends from all over the country through their Support Coach Check-in sessions, which will happen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 15 minutes, not to mention our school assemblies and Virtual Clubs
*This is not applicable to Adult Matric learners
As a guardian, what is expected of me with regards to educating my child? How is this different from a traditional homeschooling parent?
Parents are integral in the educational journey of their children, whether it be in a brick-and-mortar school, online school or homeschooling context. Parental guidance, interest, support and motivation is critical to ensuring that a child develops holistically.
There is, however, a big difference between homeschooling and UCT Online High School. In the homeschooling context, the parent is expected to be the curriculum and content creator, as well as the teacher and assessor. Whereas in an online school environment, learners are provided with all the learning materials they require and a learning path to guide their progression. They have access to Learning Facilitators, and Support Coaches who will monitor their progress and help them achieve their academic goals.
All that’s left for you to do is keep encouraging them.
Who will be responsible for registering my child as a homeschooler with the Department of Education?
For learners based in South Africa who are entering Grade 8 or Grade 9 (younger than 15 years), the responsibility will lie with the parents/guardians to apply to the head of their Provincial Education Department to register their child/children for home education or to apply for an exemption from compulsory education. This is not necessary if the learner is over the age of 15.
In order to get this process going, parents may click here to gain more insight into the government homeschooling registration requirements and may visit the website of your Provincial Education Department to gain more insight into exemption applications.
While this is something parents will be required to do, we’ll be here to guide you!
What exam will learners write in Grade 12 (matric)?
Learners who are enrolled with UCT Online High School will write the external exams for their subjects as set by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).
Where does UCT Online High School operate?
As an online school, we accept international learners from all over the globe, provided that they are not on our sanctioned list (see T&Cs), agree to adhere to the school academic calendar and are able to operate in South African Standard Time (SAST).
If you would like more details about how to join our online school from your country of residence kindly contact our Admissions Team at admissions@uctohs.valentureonline.com
Can’t find your answer? Browse all FAQs or contact our admissions team.
Accreditation
- Examination body
- South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), accredited by the Umalusi Council
- Qualification awarded
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- School accreditation number
- 89901