Education in South Africa
South Africa is home to a world-class tertiary education system
Education is very important in South Africa, and many basic jobs require at least a matric (high school) certificate. About 20% of government expenditure is on education, and there is constant criticism aimed at improving the academic performance of young people. South Africa currently boasts a literacy rate of 86%.
South Africa possesses a world-class tertiary education system, and South African graduates are employed all over the world in various professional fields. There are more than ten universities in South Africa, collectively offering courses in every academic discipline. A favourable exchange rate makes a tertiary education in South Africa an attractive option to immigrants.
As for the schooling system, the state-run schools have come under criticism in recent times, although it should be added that not all schools can be painted with the same brush. There are well run, properly maintained state schools, and there are also high-class private schools. In general, schools in the rural areas tend to be more informal, and do not produce as many university candidates as schools in the urban areas.
There has been a recent restructuring of tertiary education in South Africa, with several tertiary institutions merging or having their departments parcelled out to other institutions. This process was completed in January 2005. The tertiary education system, at present, includes colleges, technicons (with the emphasis on practical and technical training) and universities. South African universities are at the forefront of education in Africa as a whole, with many students from other African countries studying in South Africa.
Below is a list of the state universities in South Africa, together with the year in which they were established.
University of Cape Town 1829 Cape Town
University of Stellenbosch 1866 Stellenbosch, Bellville
University of the Witwatersrand 1896 Johannesburg
Rhodes University 1904 Grahamstown
University of the Free State 1904 Bloemfontein
University of Pretoria 1908 Pretoria, Johannesburg
University of Fort Hare 1916 East London
University of the Western Cape 1959 Cape Town
University of KwaZulu-Natal 2004 Durban, Pietermaritzburg
University of Limpopo 2005 Polokwane, Ga-Rankuwa
North-West University 2004 Mafikeng, Potchefstroom
For your immigration to South Africa, should you require schooling for your children, we do have recommendations and can easily find the best school for your family in terms of suitability and proximity. Just complete our eligibility assessment and Immigration South Africa will get back to you.
The same applies for your own learning and education, whether it be at a university or a different educational institution. Immigrating to South Africa may broaden your educational horizons.
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