South Africa has a major problem in higher education: there are far more students than there are university spaces. Every year, thousands of matriculants who qualify to study are turned away simply because universities cannot take more students.
This isn’t just a South African issue. Globally, more than 264 million students are enrolled in higher education, yet the enrolment rate is only 43%.
So the question is:
- How can South Africa widen access to higher education and create more study spaces for students?
One effective solution is working more closely with private higher education providers. These institutions are accredited, regulated, and able to help meet the growing demand for quality, industry-aligned qualifications.
In this article, we explore South Africa’s access crisis, how other countries solved similar problems, and why private providers are key to building a stronger, more flexible higher-education system.
The growing access crisis in South Africa
Every year, headlines show the same problem: thousands of capable students are denied entry into universities.
In provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, tens of thousands of applicants compete for only a few thousand places. At UKZN alone, more than 120,000 students apply for only 9,000 spaces. Many other institutions face the same issue.
Another challenge is funding. The amount needed to support all new applicants exceeds the available budget. Because of this:
- Backlogs grow
- Youth unemployment increases
- Many students give up on further education
Most importantly, the country loses potential talent that could help grow the economy.
A global look: How other countries expanded access
Around the world, many countries face similar challenges in access to higher education. Their solution? Partnering with private universities and colleges.
United Kingdom
Policy changes in 2011 allowed private institutions to serve mature and disadvantaged students. These students had completion rates of over 80%, which were even higher than those at some public universities.
Brazil
After updating its regulations, Brazil expanded higher-education access through large-scale private institutions offering flexible and industry-aligned learning.
World Bank
The World Bank recommends that the public and private sectors work together. This is especially important in emerging economies like South Africa.
The message is simple: governments cannot meet student demand alone.
Why private providers are essential for South Africa
Private higher education providers in South Africa are fully regulated by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). This means they meet strict standards for:
- Quality
- Accreditation
- Fairness
- Industry alignment
Because they are flexible and efficient, they help:
- Increase student capacity
- Reduce pressure on public universities
- Offer more alternative HE pathways
- Provide flexible study options like blended and online learning
To widen access, South Africa needs a new model where public and private institutions work together.
A key solution: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
A PPP allows the government to buy student places at accredited private institutions. This system:
- Helps more students access higher education
- Reduces infrastructure costs
- Grows the system faster and more sustainably
From the World Bank’s PPP model, Option 3 — where the government buys student places — is the most suitable for South Africa.
How to address the crisis in South Africa
To solve the access problem, South Africa needs a Social Contract between:
- Government
- Private higher education providers
- Civil society
Working together will help the country:
- Increase higher-education spaces
- Protect quality
- Offer more choices for students
- Ensure no eligible applicant is left behind
Private institutions already have strong systems, industry-aligned qualifications, strategic management skills, marketing capabilities, and the infrastructure needed to support more learners.
FAQ
Is private higher education more expensive than public universities?
Not always. Private institutions often seem more expensive, but they operate differently:
- They do not rely on government subsidies
- They offer flexible and blended learning
- Many do not require residence costs
- They use scalable systems to keep fees competitive
In many cases, the total cost of study is similar — especially when looking at online or part-time options.
Are there financial aid or bursary options available for private college students?
Yes. Government and private institutions could collaborate through public-private partnerships, where the state subsidises student places at accredited private institutions — similar to voucher or charter systems used globally.
This model is directly supported by World Bank recommendations. While this model is not yet fully implemented in South Africa, many private colleges already offer:
- Internal bursaries or scholarships
- Payment plans and flexible monthly tuition options
- Corporate bursary partnerships
- Study loans via private banks or financial institutions
Government-funded subsidies for qualifying students to study at private institutions could significantly improve affordability and access across the country.
Do private providers offer qualifications beyond certificates and diplomas (e.g., degrees)?
Yes, accredited private higher education institutions in South Africa operate under the Council on Higher Education (CHE), which ensures quality assurance, accreditation standards, and fairness for students. This means private institutions can and do offer:
- Certificates
- Higher certificates
- Diplomas
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Honours degrees
- Postgraduate programmes (depending on the institution)
The private sector already possesses the necessary infrastructure, capability, and mission focus to deliver high-quality higher education programmes — including degree-level qualifications.
Conclusion: The time for bold action is now
Higher education is one of the strongest tools for social and economic development. But South Africa cannot rely on public universities alone.
To widen access to higher education and support more students, the country must embrace collaboration between public and private institutions. Private providers already offer:
- Flexible study options
- Industry-aligned qualifications
- Quality private education
- Alternative pathways
- Strong alumni networks
- Modern learning experiences
If you are considering your study options and want a trusted, accredited institution that puts students first, explore REGENT’s Undergraduate Programmes.
REGENT offers flexible, affordable programme offers designed to help students succeed in today’s fast-changing business environment — from Cape Town to the rest of South Africa.
