Higher education is exactly what it sounds like: learning that takes place at a higher level than at school. Your study in Grade 9 is more detailed and complicated than in Grade 6; similarly, study at university or college is a step up the ladder from Grade 12 or the National Certificate Vocation at level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) .

Higher learning in South Africa therefore starts at NQF level 5 and takes place in South Africa at nursing colleges, agricultural colleges, comprehensive universities, universities of technology and universities. Studies can last anything from six months to six years, or even longer, with students having the opportunity to accumulate a number of qualifications along the way. The learning is mainly academic, but for professional qualifications, there is a career-oriented or vocational slant. Undergraduate or “first level” studies can lead to a degree, diploma or higher certificate. Students who want to specialise further can study for postgraduate advanced diplomas, Honours, Masters’ and Doctoral degrees. Institutions of Higher Learning equip graduates for anything from science, engineering and medicine to law, business, teaching and acting.

A university is an educational institution for students. Universities offer advanced or "higher" learning and investigation in many fields, and award qualifications called degrees, diplomas and certificates. South Africa has three kinds of university:

• Comprehensive universities: These are new institutions that, in most cases, combine a traditional university and a university of technology. They are for students who may want to combine academic and career-oriented studies. They offer both diplomas and degrees and, in most cases, a very wide range of courses.


• Universities of technology: These were formerly known as “technikons”. They offer certificates, diplomas or degrees in technology, do some research and lead students more directly into a career. They are aimed at students with a good idea of the job they want to do, and who are smart and practically-minded, or specifically those who are keen on a career field such as textile technology, which is only offered by universities of technology.


• Universities: These are “traditional” academic universities that offer mainly degrees, have high numbers of postgraduate students and conduct a lot of research. They tend to attract young people who are intensely curious and like learning for its own sake, or are keen to enter a profession like medicine that requires them to attend a traditional university.


• National Institutes of Higher Education: These institutes are located in Mpumalanga (Nelspruit) and the Northern Cape (Kimberley), the only two provinces where there are no universities. The institutes enter into agreements with existing universities to offer courses and programmes to persons resident in these provinces. The institutes fulfill a co-ordinating function in making university education more affordable.

Approximately 30 000 students attend about 100 private higher education institutions, which offer education and training in fields such as information technology, management studies, secretarial studies, public relations and marketing, communications, religion, beauty and skincare, and design. Unlike their public counterparts, private institutions get no money from the government. They are owned by private companies or individuals. Private institutions are required by law to register with the Department of Higher Education and Training and their educational programmes must be accredited by the Council on Higher Education. To achieve this, they have to meet the standards of a body called the Higher Education Quality Committee.

For more information go to www.education.gov.za.