As the 2025 academic year progresses into its second month, an alarming number of South African students find themselves cut off from the educational opportunities they earnestly sought.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) recently revealed during a Portfolio Committee briefing that while universities across the nation received record applications, many prospective students remain in limbo, questioning their academic futures.
More than 4 million applications flooded in for university placements, but only 201,925 students were officially enrolled. Notably, ten universities emerged as frontrunners in application volume, with Walter Sisulu University at the top with an overwhelming 380,533 applications, closely followed by North-West University with 380,000 and Unisa with 370,256.
Despite the gain in applications, many institutions face stark limitations due to space constraints. While DHET indicated that 91.7% of university enrolment targets have been achieved, totalling 1,152,418, over 380,000 students still await a spot in classrooms.
According to The Citizen, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have opened their doors wider. According to the report, ample spaces are still available in various programmes. Over 26,000 slots are open for the report 191: BS programme, with an additional 17,000 in Occupational programmes. The National Certificate: Vocational remains the most sought-after across the country, with significant enrolment numbers reported in Gauteng and the Free State.
This year, Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges experienced smooth operations, starting their registrations in January 2025 with no students turned away. A significant 73,490 individuals have enrolled in the Adult Education and Training (AET) level 4 programme, showcasing a keen interest in adult education among the South African populace.
Despite the positive developments within TVET and CET institutions, the situation in universities remains troubling. As the academic year unfolds, many students face the anxiety of being left behind in a system that should nurture their potential. The implications of this crisis extend beyond just an academic year; they resonate throughout the societal fabric, hindering the dreams and aspirations of a generation poised to make a significant impact.
