The matric class of 2024 achieved a pass rate of 87.3%, with almost half of learners achieving bachelor's passes. Achieving a Bachelor's Pass allows learners to pursue Bachelor's Degree programmes at universities in South Africa.
With a record number of learners achieving Bachelors Passes, stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the capacity of South Africa’s 26 public universities to accommodate qualifying learners.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) says the lack of capacity at universities demonstrates perpetuating structural exclusion.
In 2024 alone, over 337 158 learners achieved bachelor's passes, yet our universities admit immeasurably far below that number. This disparity is an indictment of the struggle for Free and Quality Education for all.
SAUS is calling for increased investment in the higher education sector with emphasis being placed on infrastructure development as well as an expansion of blended learning models.
Investment in the expansion of the higher education sector is not merely a logistical necessity but a moral imperative. Infrastructure development must be prioritised to increase capacity, and blended learning models should be robustly implemented to further broaden access.
Calls For NSFAS Applications To Reopen
The student union has further called for the reopening of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applications.
While we acknowledge that the initial application period was adequately publicized, we believe that it might not necessarily catered sufficiently to all prospective students, particularly those from poor and working-class backgrounds.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
2025 NSFAS applications closed in December 2024 with the scheme indicating that applications will not reopen. NSFAS re-opened applications for TVET Colleges, but not universities.