Higher Education

More young people must consider enrolling in vocational training programmes at public colleges in South Africa to achieve the goals set out in the National Development Plan. The higher education department will also look to ensure individuals have relevant opportunities after completing their training.

South Africa is set to benefit from the establishment of two new universities. This, along with several infrastructure projects at existing institutions will support the more than 2 million students in the post school education sector.

Students who fall within the missing middle category should take note that the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme will soon open funding applications for the 2024 academic year. It is important for students to be enrolled in approved courses in order to be eligible for funding.

After violent protests led to the indefinite suspension of the academic year, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology has finally revealed how and when academic activities will proceed.

Private tertiary education provider, STADIO, awarded its first two doctorate qualifications on Monday, 8 May 2023 to Emetia Meria Swart, who was conferred with a Doctor of Management degree, and Kennedy Kaumba Mabuku, who was conferred with a Doctor of Policing degree.

Thousands of students enrolled in academic programmes at universities enjoy access to a wealth of resources provided by the institution. There is a process to follow before students can access these resources if they are enrolled at a popular institution in KwaZulu-Natal.

The higher education department wants more than 2 million students enrolled in programmes at Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges by 2023. With more than 300 campuses around the country, a wide range of programmes and promising job opportunities, the department believes their enrollment target is possible.

Every year, more individuals want to pursue Higher Education. However, securing funding to cover tuition fees can be a very stressful and challenging process, especially for students who form part of the ‘missing middle”.

Over the years, the tertiary education sector has faced many challenges ensuring access and affordability of higher education for all students. Government has put additional measures in place that aim to increase student intake within the sector.

Student protests have disrupted operations at several universities around the country in recent weeks. The Minister of Higher Education condemned some of these protests after they turned violent. 

Concerns have been raised regarding action the Department of Higher Education has yet to take, surrounding the chaos erupting within the system of Higher Education.

More than 30,000 students registered in academic programmes at the University of Witwatersrand in 2023. However, many students are unable to register after being financially excluded by the university.

While Eskom announced that the severity of loadshedding will be reduced during the week, rolling power cuts will remain for the foreseeable future. South Africans can experience more than 10 hours without electricity in 24 hours.

The higher education department is investing billions of rands into improving infrastructure at colleges around South Africa. The aim of this is to improve accessibility and ensure graduates are prepared to thrive in the world of work.

While there are 26 public universities located across the country, student unions are calling on the government to establish more universities. This is because current institutions can’t accommodate all the prospective students who applied for placement.

The issue of student debt has once again raised great concern, following an announcement made by higher education Minister Blade Nzimande. A student union has called on the private sector to intervene.

Students enrolled in academic programmes at South Africa’s 26 public universities are gearing up for the new academic year. However, when many of them register, they will find out that the cost of tuition and accommodation at their universities is set to increase.

As South Africa’s struggle with the electricity crisis continues, the Department of Higher Education and Training is looking for solutions to lessen the impact on students enrolled in tertiary institutions. 

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has announced that while solutions are being developed and implemented to combat various challenges within the higher education sector, student debt is one challenge that is particularly concerning.

A number of universities have commenced with their registrations for the 2023 academic year. Fortunately, some of them will be allowing late applications for their students. This strategy will benefit prospective students who will be entering universities for the first time.