Ministerial Oversight Signals Strong Start to 2026 Academic Year

South Africa's post-school education and training sector, encompassing universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs), and Community Education and Training colleges (CETs), has collectively affirmed its operational readiness for the 2026 academic year. Led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), extensive preparations have ensured that teaching, learning, and student support systems are in place as first-semester classes commence across the country in early February 2026. Minister Buti Manamela and Deputy Ministers Mimmy Gondwe and Nomusa Dube-Ncube have spearheaded a series of oversight visits to key institutions, confirming infrastructure, registration processes, and funding mechanisms are aligned for a seamless transition.

These declarations come amid heightened scrutiny following the 2025 matric results, where 46.4% of learners achieved a bachelor's pass, underscoring the demand for higher education access. The Ministerial War Room, established for real-time monitoring, coordinates between DHET, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and institutions to address emerging issues proactively. This collaborative framework reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities in a system serving over 1.7 million students annually.

Universities Lead with Robust Preparations and Enrollment Drives

Public universities, the cornerstone of South Africa's higher education landscape, have processed hundreds of thousands of applications for limited first-year spaces, projected at around 235,000 for 2026. Institutions like Walter Sisulu University (WSU) concluded registrations on January 31, accommodating 7,401 carefully selected first-year students out of massive applicant pools. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Thandi Mgwebi emphasized that every admission carries national significance, with systems, learning spaces, and support services fully operational.

Stellenbosch University (SU) registered over 17,800 students, boasting 99% occupancy in its 8,400 residence beds and plans to expand private accommodation to 6,000 beds by March. Deputy Minister Gondwe praised SU's student-centered approach during her January 28 visit, highlighting new initiatives like a dedicated Dean of Students portfolio for wellbeing. Similarly, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) launched its academic program on February 2 after smooth online registrations from January 6-30, urging prompt completion to access services.

North-West University (NWU) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) also affirmed readiness, though NMU faced temporary technical glitches in its admissions portal, promptly addressed to avoid disruptions. These examples illustrate a nationwide push toward stability, with executive management across faculties ensuring academic calendars align—typically starting mid-February for inland provinces.

NSFAS Funding Breakthroughs Pave Way for Inclusive Access

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding for over 660,000 students for 2026, including 626,935 provisional first-time applicants and 427,144 returning university students. In a major pre-term disbursement, NSFAS released R4.2 billion—R3.6 billion to universities for allowances and R679 million to TVET colleges for tuition—easing cash flow strains and enabling registrations.

Projections indicate 161,122 first-time university entrants and 106,615 at TVETs receiving support, with ongoing verifications addressing appeals. Despite challenges like historic debt blocking registrations, NSFAS's myNSFAS portal simplifies applications, partnering with SASSA, SARS, and Home Affairs for seamless verification. For the "missing middle"—students from households earning R350,000-R600,000—institutions like SU have established debt working groups to assess cases holistically.

This funding surge, backed by Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) contributing R2 billion for 23,000 bursaries, underscores efforts to bridge financial barriers, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and health sciences.

TVET and CET Colleges Expand Opportunities Amid University Capacity Limits

With public universities at capacity—rejecting over 500,000 qualified applicants—TVET colleges offer 170,000 first-time equivalent student (FTEN) spaces, hosting 527,000 students overall. CET colleges, enrolling 130,000 learners, opened registrations for Amended Senior Certificates and skills programs, with full-year deadlines on February 27.

• TVETs phase out legacy NATED programs for occupational qualifications, aligning curricula with industry needs via Ministerial Task Teams.
• CETs reposition as lifelong learning hubs, offering digital tools, lecturer training, and local economy-linked short courses.
• SETAs intensify learnerships and apprenticeships for non-employed, non-enrolled youth (NEETs).

Initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Skills Desk target renewables and construction, providing modular pathways for rapid workforce entry. Private higher education providers are stepping up, absorbing overflow demand with recognized credentials.

Addressing Enrollment Pressures and Infrastructure Enhancements

South Africa's higher education enrollment gross rate stands at 23.49%, but gateway subject weaknesses—declining pure maths and poor accounting/physical sciences performance—limit bachelor’s access. DHET's Enrolment Planning Targets for 2026-2030 cap growth at sustainable levels, with Unisa at 11.9% share and Stellenbosch at 5.5%.

Infrastructure investments shine through fundraising, like Elangeni TVET College's R1 million boost. Oversight visits to sites like University of Zululand, University of Pretoria, and Vaal University of Technology (VUT) verified labs, residences, and digital readiness. The Central Application Service (CAS), launched for 2026, streamlines access with integrated visibility.

Explore higher education jobs in South Africa to join this dynamic sector expanding infrastructure and faculty roles.

Student Accommodation and Support: Prioritizing Wellbeing

Accommodation remains critical, with SU securing 90 emergency beds and monitoring private options. NSFAS mandates adoption of new centralized systems by institutions and providers, mitigating disputes. Student leaders nationwide prioritize funding, housing, and registration blocks, fostering dialogue during ministerial tours.

Holistic support includes co-curricular programs, mental health resources, and debt relief. For career aspirants, platforms like Rate My Professor offer insights into faculty quality, aiding informed choices.

Challenges and Proactive Solutions in Focus

While readiness prevails, hurdles persist: NSFAS payment delays, rising student debt (up 25% at SU over a decade), quota restrictions (e.g., UFH's science programs), and SRC protests at Walter Sisulu University claiming unpreparedness. Technical glitches at NMU prompted 24-hour ultimatums, resolved swiftly.

• Solutions: War Room interventions, SETA partnerships, fee-free TVET expansions per Heher Commission.
• Governance strengthened via new university councils at Limpopo, Venda, and others.
• Missing middle support via targeted funds and industry bursaries.

Check higher ed career advice for navigating these dynamics as a student or professional.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Sustainable Growth to 2030

DHET's multi-year plans project controlled expansion, prioritizing quality over quantity amid fiscal constraints. Innovations like micro-credentials, AI-aligned programs, and industry co-design promise diversified pathways. As South Africa's economy demands skilled graduates, readiness for 2026 positions the sector for resilience.

Prospective students can explore university jobs and scholarships via AcademicJobs.com. For faculty and admin roles, visit South Africa higher ed opportunities.

Stakeholders anticipate smoother operations post-initial teething issues, with NSFAS mop-ups and infrastructure scaling enhancing equity. This academic year heralds a new era of inclusive, future-proof education.