Choosing where to study after matric is one of the most important decisions a young person will make. With thousands of learners completing school each year and limited space at public universities, it is essential for students and parents to carefully evaluate all available options. South Africa’s higher education landscape includes 26 public universities and more than 130 registered private institutions, providing a wide range of opportunities for different needs and career aspirations.
Instead of relying only on traditional selection factors, students are encouraged to think more broadly and align their choices with the demands of the modern world of work. Shireen Chengadu, Chief Academic Officer at Richfield, outlines four important questions every prospective student should ask when deciding where to study.
1. Are your interests influencing your qualification choice?
Your academic path should reflect what you are genuinely passionate about. Research consistently shows that students perform better when their studies align with their personal interests. Begin by identifying the fields or subjects you naturally enjoy. Once you have clarity, look at the Admission Point Score (APS) requirements to determine which programmes you qualify for.
Take time to explore study areas that match your interests and long-term career goals. Reviewing job advertisements and industry requirements can also help you understand whether you need a degree, diploma, or higher certificate for your chosen profession.
2. Is the qualification properly accredited?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors in choosing a tertiary institution. Whether public or private, all qualifications must be accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and recorded by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). They must also be recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Accreditation ensures that your qualification is valued by employers and professional bodies. Students should also avoid dismissing private institutions simply because they do not carry the word “university” in their names. Recent policy changes by the DHET allow for the future reclassification of private higher education institutions as universities, recognising their role in expanding access to quality tertiary education.
3. Should you study through contact or distance learning?
Your personal circumstances should guide your decision between on-campus and distance learning.
For students able to attend classes, contact learning provides a full campus experience that includes academic structure, peer engagement, clubs, societies, entrepreneurship platforms, and opportunities to build social capital that supports long-term career development.
On the other hand, distance learning offers flexibility for those who plan to work after matric or are already employed. It is also ideal for individuals who want to upskill or pursue further studies through part-time or postgraduate programmes. When considering distance learning, choose an institution with a strong track record, consistent academic quality, accessible resources, and ongoing student support.
4. Will the institution prepare you for the world of work?
A qualification alone is no longer enough to secure employment. Students should evaluate whether an institution actively prepares graduates for real-world environments. This includes exposure to industry through work-integrated learning, guest lectures, project-based collaborations, and opportunities to understand the technologies shaping modern businesses.
Look for institutions that design their programmes in collaboration with industry partners and provide additional certifications within the curriculum. Micro-credentials from organisations such as AWS, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Fortinet add significant value and can improve employability without requiring extra study time or additional cost.
It is also important that the curriculum is reviewed regularly to meet evolving market needs and future job opportunities. Equally, students should choose institutions known for ethical leadership, academic integrity, and a strong commitment to student success.
Chengadu concludes, “As new careers emerge and others evolve or disappear, it becomes essential to choose an institution that leads with innovation and fosters creativity. The right institution should help students remain curious, adaptable, and confident enough to navigate change and achieve success.”