The Department of Higher Education and Training is targeting more than 520 000 enrolments at technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and funding for over 700 000 students through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in the current financial year.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said the targets form part of government’s efforts to expand access to post-school education and training, workplace-based learning and artisan development.
Addressing Grade 12 learners during an annual mass prayer in uMgungundlovu District, Pietermaritzburg, Dube-Ncube said the post-school education and training system is backed by a budget of R443 billion over the medium term.
“This year, we are targeting more than 1.15 million students at our public universities; 91 800 workplace-based learning opportunities, so that you learn on the job, not only in the classroom; and 22 000 artisan certifications,” Daube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube also encouraged learners to explore international scholarship programme offered through partnerships with countries including China, Germany and Hungary to offer fully funded study opportunities to South African students.
“Through the Chinese Government Scholarship, administered with the China Scholarship Council, and the Funda Germany programme at Constructor University in Bremen, young South Africans are studying abroad with their tuition, travel and living costs covered, and coming home with skills the country needs.
“Visit internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za and keep checking it. These opportunities are real, they are funded, and they are meant for learners like you, particularly learners from no-fee schools and rural communities,” the Deputy Minister said.
She further encouraged matriculants to apply for NSFAS funding for 2027 and submit applications to more than one post-school institution, including universities and TVET colleges, so that they have options when results come out.
“Research careers with facts. Ask which jobs are growing, what they pay and what you need to study. Talk to the institutions represented here today.
“Learn something digital. Use free online courses, your phone, and your library to build basic digital and coding skills while you wait for results,” Dube-Ncube said.
KwaZulu-Natal was the country’s top-performing province in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, achieving a pass rate of 90.6% and producing 89 161 bachelor passes, up from 84 470 in the previous year.
Dube-Ncube challenged the Class of 2026 to build on that performance as they prepare for their final examinations.
She encouraged learners to draw strength from their families, educators and communities while taking responsibility for their academic performance and future choices. – SAnews.gov.za
