University Hunger Games: Solutions to SA’s public tertiary education capacity

The jubilation experienced by the 337,000 bachelors pass matriculants on 14 January 2025 has dulled somewhat in the last two weeks as those applying to public universities await their fate.

The fact is that there are only 202,000 spots available at these institutions, and geographical location plays a major role in access.

Sought-after universities like the University of the Witwatersrand can only accommodate 6,000 first-year students, while the University of Cape Town can only take in 4,500.

This shortage leaves over 100,000 students scrambling for alternatives, highlighting an urgent need for expanded access to higher education.

The fight for admission, then completion

The issue is twofold: not only are there not enough spaces for qualified students, but even those who secure a place at a public university often struggle to complete their studies.

According to Dr Riaan Steenberg, Director of Operations at the NetEd Group which includes Eduvos, only about 20% of those admitted to public university will eventually finish their degree.

“The real problem isn’t just access,” Steenberg emphasises. “It’s the 80% of students who start but don’t finish.”

This low completion rate has significant economic consequences.

Many students drop out due to financial constraints, academic struggles, or inadequate support systems, leaving them without qualifications yet burdened with student debt – according to Steenberg the outstanding debt owed for university tuition in the country tallies R20 billion.

Lost in Limbo: Where do the unplaced go?

For students who don’t secure a university spot, the path forward can be uncertain. Without alternatives, many end up waiting another year to reapply, incurring the opportunity cost of a loss of potential income and work experience. Others enter low-paying jobs without qualifications, limiting their career prospects.

“Education is the starting point of your career. It will be one of your biggest investments … it will enable you to change your outcome in life,” says Steenberg.

Private institutions like Eduvos play a crucial role in providing options for the unplaced.

Eduvos alone receives nearly 50,000 applications, and expects to enrol between 16,000 and 19,000 first-years this year.

“We have multiple intakes throughout the year, so students who don’t get in immediately don’t have to wait an entire year to start their studies.”

Offering different options for study apart from full-time – like part-time, online and hybrid – also improves access by providing students options that suit their lifestyle. Hybrid models at higher education level also prepare students for the world of work, where full-time office-based jobs are no longer the norm.

Degrees that deliver

Imagine having run the gauntlet and getting a spot at a higher education system, only to struggle to complete your studies, or not being able to find a suitable employment placement once you are done?

The statistics are frightening: A Labour Market Intelligence publication points out that graduate unemployment has doubled over the last 16 years.

Steenberg believes that higher education systems should do more to make sure that graduates are ready for employment once they’ve finished their studies. Eduvos is structured to align education with career success, he says.

“We focus on career-driven education with programmes in technology, business, data science, and AI. They aren’t just about theory; they include internships, project-based learning, and industry partnerships.

Around 69% of Eduvos graduates secure employment before completing their studies. Within a year after graduation, the percentage is 92%.

Eduvos is also exploring a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme later in the year, to ensure that no experience is wasted.

“We are very excited about this initiative and will be able to communicate more in due course, but for as little as R10,000, some students will be able to complete their degrees, far less than starting over.”

Unaffordable: The funding challenge

Data from Old Mutual highlights the high cost of a university degree.

According to its estimates, if your child is currently 10 years old, you could be looking at a future cost of around R580,000 for their tertiary education.

Steenberg says there is a misconception that all private universities are more expensive than the public options.

Eduvos, for example, offer flexible payment plans, discounts for upfront payments, extended repayment options, and access to unsecured lending options for students without financial backing. It also allows students to make monthly payments, instead of having to get a loan for upfront payment.

Beyond the lecture hall: There is hope

Public universities cannot meet the country’s growing demand for higher education. The Department of Higher Education and Training is busy wrapping up feasibility studies for only two new public higher education institutions to be constructed in the near future (the University of Policing and Crime Detection and the University of Science and Innovation), with billions needed to fund these projects.

It is clear that collaboration between the public and private sector is needed for a successful long-term solution, Steenberg emphasises. This will provide more opportunities for students and help meet the rising demand without overwhelming public resources.

For students who didn’t get into their dream university, the message is clear: there are other options.

“Don’t panic,” Steenberg advises. “Don’t feel like you are out of options. There are multiple ways to get you started and you can still have the careers and dreams of your choice.”

Brought to you by Eduvos.

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