Taking a gap year can be a transformative decision—if done right. Whether you’re finishing matric or looking to pivot between studies and work, a gap year in South Africa can help you gain clarity, grow your skills, and prepare for what’s next.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- What is a gap year and who should take one?
- Popular gap year ideas in South Africa
- Accredited programs vs. self-directed paths
- Volunteer, work, and travel opportunities
- How to use your gap year to boost future study or career success
🤔 What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is typically a 12-month break between high school and university, or between degrees, where students take time off from formal education to gain life experience, travel, work, or volunteer.
But it’s not just a holiday. A well-planned gap year can help you:
- Explore career interests
- Learn soft and hard skills
- Improve your CV or university application
- Gain maturity and independence
- Avoid burnout from back-to-back academic pressure
🌍 Top Gap Year Ideas in South Africa (2025 Edition)
Whether you want to stay local or explore internationally, there are dozens of gap year options tailored to South African youth.
1. Volunteer Locally or Abroad
Contribute to meaningful causes while learning about communities and yourself.
- Wildlife conservation (Kruger National Park, Limpopo reserves)
- Community development (Cape Town townships, Eastern Cape villages)
- Teaching and literacy (Rural schools or NGOs like TEACH SA)
- Environmental sustainability projects
Top Organizations:
→ Global Vision International (GVI)
→ Projects Abroad
→ Habitat for Humanity SA
→ LoveLife Youth Ambassadors
2. Learn a New Skill or Trade
Gap years can also be skill-building years. Upskill through:
- Coding bootcamps (WeThinkCode_, HyperionDev)
- Photography or filmmaking courses
- Hospitality or culinary internships
- Language learning (especially Afrikaans, Zulu, or even foreign languages like Spanish or Mandarin)
You can even complete short courses online from:
- Coursera (UCT, Wits and global providers)
- GetSmarter (by 2U)
- Udemy
3. Work and Save Money
Earn income while gaining experience:
- Retail, barista, or hospitality jobs
- Call centre and customer service roles
- Freelancing (graphic design, writing, video editing)
- Internships at startups or NGOs
- Youth employment programs like SAYouth.mobi, Harambee, or YES4Youth
Tip: Your first job doesn’t need to be your dream job—but it should teach you responsibility, time management, and communication skills.
4. Travel South Africa or Abroad
If budget allows, explore different cultures, environments, and cities:
- Backpack the Garden Route
- Work part-time while traveling to Cape Town, Durban, or Joburg
- Join a cultural exchange or au pair program in Europe or the USA
- Do a Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand or Australia
Travel Resources for South Africans:
- Travelstart (domestic deals)
- BUNAC or Au Pair World (international work and travel)
- Student Flights SA
5. Prep for University or Career
Use your gap year to refocus, research, and apply:
- Re-write matric subjects with the goal of improving marks
- Study for entrance tests (like NBTs or SATs)
- Explore different careers through job shadowing
- Visit open days at universities and colleges
- Build your portfolio (great for design, art, architecture students)
📘 Accredited Gap Year Programs in South Africa
Some organizations offer structured, curriculum-based gap year programs focused on leadership, outdoor education, ministry, or life skills.
Top Accredited Programs:
| Program | Focus Area | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond Adventure | Leadership & Adventure Training | 11 months |
| AIM Gap Year | Mission Work & Theology | 1 year |
| The Character Company | Mentorship & Youth Leadership | 1 year |
| Camp America SA | Summer camps in the USA | 3–9 months |
| SA Gap Year | Travel, skills development, volunteering | Flexible |
Most of these programs include accommodation, food, excursions, and certifications.
💼 How a Gap Year Can Benefit Your Future
Still wondering if a gap year is worth it? Here are some long-term benefits:
| Gap Year Outcome | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Improved self-awareness | Helps you choose the right degree/career |
| Practical experience | Makes your CV stand out |
| Increased confidence | Boosts performance in university interviews |
| Time to prepare | Higher readiness for adult responsibilities |
| Global exposure | Creates cultural empathy and open-mindedness |
🧠 Expert Tips to Make the Most of Your Gap Year
- Have a plan—but stay flexible.
- Set personal goals (e.g., learn a skill, save R10,000, volunteer 100 hours).
- Track your growth using a journal or blog.
- Avoid wasting the year by staying active and engaged.
- Build your network. Every experience counts.
🗓 Gap Year Timeline for 2025
| Month | Recommended Focus |
|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Research & apply for gap year programs |
| Mar–Apr | Secure part-time work or internships |
| May–June | Plan travel or volunteer logistics |
| July–Sept | Execute mid-year projects, build skills |
| Oct–Nov | Prepare for 2026 study applications |
| Dec | Reflect, update CV, and finalize university choices |