Manamela warns 850 000 matriculants face limited spaces

HIGHER Education Minister Buti Manamedla says South Africa's post-school education system will only be able to accommodate around half of the 850 000 matriculants expected to sit for their final examinations this year.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Manamela was addressing the media yesterday at the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, Tshedimoso House in Pretoria. He gave an update on the state of readiness of universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges ahead of the 2026 academic year, and the opening of applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“The reality is that about 850 000 young people will be sitting for exams. If all of them pass, the system can only absorb half,’ said Manamela.

“Between now and the next three months, we will be looking for solutions for the rest. Some will look for jobs, take a gap year or consider other options, but we must plan for those young people. That's a big question we must answer soon.”

The department has projected around 235 000 first-year spaces at public universities, 170 000 at TVET colleges, and 120 000 at CET (Community Education and Training) colleges - a combined total of 525 000 available spaces for new students in 2026.

Manamela said the system cannot accommodate every qualifying learner.

“That is why we stress that learners must apply on time, explore multiple options, and understand that TVET colleges, CET colleges, and SETAs are equally important pathways into employment, training, and further study.”