The Rising Cost of Education & The Challenges Facing South Africa’s Tertiary Institutions

Good Day!

As an educator with over 30 years of experience and a mother of one child who has completed their tertiary education and another still in the system, I believe it’s time to have an honest conversation about the current state of tertiary education.?

Whether you have a child entering the next phase of their educational journey or are personally navigating the demanding landscape of higher education, the reality is clear—we are facing serious challenges.?

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing insights and solutions to help navigate this complex environment, revealing some hard truths while also exploring tangible strategies to ensure that both our children and ourselves continue to learn, grow, and thrive.?

My Thoughts as an Educator & Academic?

As an academic and educator, I firmly believe that the only solution to our educational crisis is to refocus our thinking. We must confront the realities of our future—and our children's futures—with a pragmatic approach.?

It’s time to move beyond discussions and engage in meaningful conversations about public-private partnerships that can help reshape the landscape of higher education. More importantly, we must take decisive action to ensure that education remains accessible, sustainable, and effective.?

It’s not too late—yet.?

The Rising Cost of Higher Education ???

University fees in South Africa have increased significantly, placing a growing financial burden on students and their families. In 2024, education fees rose by 6.3%, with tertiary fees specifically increasing by 5.9%. This trend has continued into 2025, with institutions such as:?

• University of Cape Town (UCT)?implementing a 6.5% increase in tuition fees,?

• Stellenbosch University?raising fees by 6.8%, and?

• The South African Reserve Bank?forecasting a 7.7% rise in education costs this year.?

These ongoing fee hikes are making higher education increasingly unaffordable, especially for students from low-income backgrounds.?

With a record?337,158 matriculants?qualifying for university admission this year, there are only?202,000 available spotsat public universities. This means that over?135,000 eligible students?will be left without placement, highlighting the severe capacity constraints in South Africa’s tertiary education system.?

In response, the South African government has announced plans to increase university enrollment to?1.6 million students by 2030. This includes the construction of two new institutions—the?University of Policing and Crime Detection?and the?University of Science and Innovation—both set to begin construction this year.?

However, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will be sufficient to meet the rapidly growing demand for higher education in South Africa.?

Tagline” More Dreams, Fewer Seats: The Harsh Reality of University Admissions?

The NSFAS Crisis: A Funding Gap That’s Widening ???

For many students, financial aid is the only pathway to higher education, yet the?National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)?remains in crisis:?

• R44 million?is owed to private accommodation providers, threatening housing for?80,000 students.?

• Students at?Durban University of Technology?have faced?delays in NSFAS payments, disrupting their ability to register and secure financial stability.?

• The?University of Cape Town?is awaiting nearly?R19 million?in unpaid NSFAS funds for the 2024 academic year, affecting over?160 students.?

The result? Thousands of students left without food, housing, and the financial means to continue their studies.?

Let’s Talk About This?

These are real challenges affecting thousands of students across the country. What are your thoughts? Have you or someone you know been impacted by rising tuition costs, limited university spaces, or NSFAS funding delays??

I’d love to hear your perspective—let’s start the conversation.?

Until next time

Dr. SUSHEILA MOODLEY (Ph.D.)

Head of Institution & Managing Director ?