South African matriculants, even ones that failed, can study and work in Britain, a travel agency said on Wednesday.

"There is good news for 18 to 45 year-olds as they are now eligible for a United Kingdom study visa, enabling them to study in the UK, while working at the same time," STA Travel managing director Liezl Gericke said in a statement.

"Even applicants who have not passed matric can apply for this visa providing they enrol in foundation level study programmes."

Gericke said the visa required applicants study for a minimum of 15 hours per week. They are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week and can work as much as they like during their vacation time.

She said students in the UK could receive up to four months vacation, allowing them to earn significant amounts of foreign currency to either continue studying or to travel.

"Many of our graduates like the idea of studying in the UK as they know that an international qualification will add value to their CV, enhancing future employment prospects."

Once graduates have finished their course they may also qualify for the International Graduate Scheme where they can work in the UK for up to two years.

South Africans also needed sufficient funds to pay their full academic course for the first year.

The course chosen also needed to be in line with prior academic studies and they would need to fulfil the British High Commission's maintenance requirement for the study visa.

They would further need to prove they had access to approximately #7200 (about R87 800) to cover associated costs in the UK.

This needed to be in the applicant's account for a minimum of 28 days prior to their application for a study visa, but did not necessarily need to be taken into the UK with them, said Gericke.