What influences Grade 12 learners when making decisions about their future learning and career plans? This substantive report is essential reading for those involved in higher education planning and policy-making at both national and institutional levels. Based on responses to a survey done across all nine provinces in South Africa, research focuses on learners' intentions to enter higher education and their choices around institution and field of study. Understanding this is crucial if the participation rate and field-of-study objectives of the National Plan for Higher Education are to be realised.