By: Xolani Khumalo
The Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela says that the pressure on the High Education system has been growing steadily, each year with more young people passing matric with bachelors’ entry.
Manamela has briefed the media a short while ago on the state of readiness of universities and colleges for the 2026 academic year as well as the opening of applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme NSFAS.
He says places at universities, TVET colleges and community colleges remain limited.
“For 2026 we project about 2 035 first year university spaces, at TVET college 10070 first year spaces and at community colleges about 10020 community colleges. There is a large number, but it cannot absorb any qualifying learner. This is why we stress that learners must apply on time, must explore multiple options and must recognise that sector education and training authorities, TVET colleges and community colleges are equally important pathways into work, into skills and into further studies,” Says Manamela.
