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The number of applications for undergraduate university degrees this year vastly exceeded the available university spaces, with reports indicating that some institutions had applications more than 30 times higher than their capacity. This means that hundreds of thousands of prospective South African students are now left at a crossroads with regards to further study.
Fortunately, many of these students will still be able to access private higher education. However, before registering, they must carefully scrutinise all their options and the ability of the private higher education institution to provide them with a superior academic journey, while not neglecting the student/campus experience, an education expert says.
Dr Linda Meyer, Managing Director of The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College and Oxbridge Academy, flagship divisions of ADvTECH, says that while the country is fortunate that the private education sector is able to increase access to higher education, prospective students need to do their homework before committing their valuable time and money.
“You need to be checking for industry-aligned qualifications, innovative teaching, and an unwavering focus on employability on the part of the institution,” she says.
She advises students to investigate the following when comparing institutions:
1. Industry-aligned qualifications
Whether you are interested in a higher certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification, you must ensure that they have been developed in collaboration with industry experts. This will ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge that will set you apart and ensure that you have the skills employers value most, instead of just academic knowledge which may be outdated and not in line with what is required in the workplaces of today.
2. Practical learning for real-world readiness
Ask the institution’s student advisor how they are ensuring that theory meets practice, and that education goes beyond lectures and textbooks. Every programme should be using practical learning, case studies, projects, and simulations that mirror real-world challenges. Do their programmes incorporate practical learning through case studies and projects? If the institution can satisfy you that this is the case, you can be sure that you will problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that prepare you to excel in real-world scenarios.
3. A thriving alumni network
One impossible to fake measure of the quality and track record of an institution is its alumni network. Ask the institution for more information about their alumni network, and the success of its past students in South Africa and beyond. Becoming part of an institution with a solid alumni network means that you will also be able to join a network of achievers who inspire and uplift one another.
4. Employability support
As a student and alumnus, will your institution be providing support beyond academics, with career services and alumni programmes that prepare you for work readiness and career success? Excellent institutions must be able to provide proof that they go above and beyond to support their students in the job search process.
5. International recognition
It is vital for an institution to demonstrate that their qualifications are nationally and internationally benchmarked and accredited, to ensure you are able to build your future locally or abroad, and that no opportunities will be closed to you because a qualification doesn’t have the necessary recognition.
7. The campus and student experience
If you are going to be studying in person, on campus, you must visit the campus to get a feel for the environment. Look out for well-equipped, interactive learning spaces, on-campus career centres, and modern facilities designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
Beyond academics, look at the amenities and aesthetics of the institution. Will it be pleasant to attend, do they offer student-driven events, do you have the option to join various clubs and societies? Whether you are studying on campus or online, you need to be confident that you will be part of an inclusive, active, and inspiring network that enhances your college experience and helps you build lifelong friendships and professional connections.
“Public universities and private higher education institutions are subject to exactly the same oversight and quality control by the authorities, so you know that your higher education experience on the academic side will at the very least be comparable,” says Dr Meyer.
“The key to ensuring that you get the very best in terms of academic excellence, as well as a holistically fulfilling student experience, is to investigate all your options and make sure that your institution ticks all the boxes above.”