The matric class of 2024 achieved a pass rate of 87.3%, with nearly half of learners attaining Bachelor's Passes. While this is a significant achievement, it has raised concerns about the capacity of South African universities to accommodate the growing number of qualified students.
"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," stated the South African Union of Students (SAUS).
SAUS argues that the lack of university capacity perpetuates systemic exclusion. The union calls for increased investment in higher education, focusing on infrastructure development and the 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 prioritized to increase capacity, and blended learning models should be robustly implemented to further broaden access
Call for NSFAS Application Reopening
SAUS has also 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 crucial financial assistance to students, covering tuition, registration fees, and living expenses. However, the 2025 NSFAS application period for universities has closed, despite SAUS's calls for a reopening.
