Tackling Capacity Challenges in South Africa’s Public Tertiary Education: A University Hunger Games Approach

The excitement felt by the 337,000 bachelors who passed their matric examinations on 14 January 2025 has somewhat faded over the last two weeks as public university applicants await their outcomes.

Currently, there are only 202,000 available slots in these institutions, with geographical location significantly impacting access.

Highly sought-after universities like the University of the Witwatersrand can accommodate only 6,000 first-year students, while the University of Cape Town has a limit of 4,500.

This shortfall leaves over 100,000 students looking for alternatives, underscoring an urgent need for greater access to higher education.

The struggle for admission and completion

The challenge is twofold: there aren’t enough spaces for qualified students, and even those who do gain admission to public universities often face difficulties in completing their studies.

Dr. Riaan Steenberg, Director of Operations at the NetEd Group, which includes Eduvos, indicates that only about 20% of students admitted to public universities will ultimately earn their degrees.

“The real issue isn’t solely access,” Steenberg asserts. “It’s the 80% of students who begin their courses but fail to finish.”

This low completion rate carries significant economic repercussions.

Many students drop out due to financial hardships, academic challenges, or insufficient support systems, leaving them without qualifications yet encumbered by student debt. According to Steenberg, the total outstanding debt for university tuition in the country amounts to R20 billion.

Stuck in limbo: What happens to the unplaced?

For those who cannot secure a spot at a university, the future can be uncertain. Lacking alternatives, many are forced to wait another year to reapply, sacrificing potential income and work experience. Others take low-paying jobs without qualifications, which restricts their career advancement.

“Education is the foundation of your career. It’s one of your most significant investments … it can change your life’s trajectory,” Steenberg articulates.

Private institutions like Eduvos are vital in providing options for these unplaced students.

Eduvos alone receives nearly 50,000 applications and anticipates enrolling between 16,000 and 19,000 first-year students this year.

“We have multiple intakes throughout the year, so students who don’t gain admission immediately won’t have to wait a whole year to begin their studies.”

By offering various study formats beyond full-time—such as part-time, online, and hybrid options—access is improved, catering to students’ diverse lifestyles. Hybrid models in higher education also prepare students for an evolving job market, where traditional office roles are no longer the standard.

Degrees that matter

Imagine navigating the challenges and securing a place in higher education, only to struggle with completing your studies or finding suitable employment afterward?

The statistics are alarming: A Labour Market Intelligence publication reveals that graduate unemployment has doubled in the past 16 years.

Steenberg opines that higher education systems need to prioritize ensuring graduates are prepared for the workforce upon completing their studies. Eduvos is designed to synchronize education with career success, he asserts.

“We emphasize career-oriented education with programs in technology, business, data science, and AI. These programs are not solely theoretical; they incorporate internships, project-based learning, and partnerships with industry.

Around 69% of Eduvos graduates obtain employment before finishing their studies. Within a year of graduation, this percentage rises to 92%.

Eduvos is also set to explore a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program later this year, aimed at ensuring that no experience is overlooked.

“We are very enthusiastic about this initiative, and we’ll provide more details soon, but for as little as R10,000, some students could complete their degrees, which is significantly less than starting anew.”

Unaffordable: The funding conundrum

Data from Old Mutual underscores the steep costs associated with obtaining a university degree.

If your child is currently 10 years old, estimates suggest that their future tertiary education could cost around R580,000.

Steenberg notes a common misconception that all private universities are pricier than public ones.

For instance, Eduvos offers flexible payment plans, upfront payment discounts, extended repayment options, and unsecured lending routes for students lacking financial support. It also allows students to make monthly payments rather than requiring a loan for upfront costs.

Beyond the lecture hall: There is hope

Public universities are unable to meet the increasing demand for higher education in the country. The Department of Higher Education and Training is currently finalizing feasibility studies for the construction of only two new public higher education institutions in the near future (the University of Policing and Crime Detection and the University of Science and Innovation), with billions needed for funding these initiatives.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for developing a successful long-term solution, emphasizes Steenberg. This partnership will facilitate greater opportunities for students and address the rising demand without overburdening public resources.

For students who did not gain admission to their preferred university, the message is clear: other options are available.

“Don’t panic,” Steenberg advises. “Don’t feel as though your options are exhausted. There are numerous pathways available to get started, and you can still achieve the career and dreams you aspire to.”

Brought to you by Eduvos.

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