Confirm 2026 university placements before travelling – Minister Manamela urges matriculants

As Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela congratulated the matric Class of 2025. He urged first-year students to await official confirmation of university placement and accommodation before travelling to tertiary institutions.

Manamela said the 88% record pass rate marked an important milestone for the basic education system and reflected sustained improvements in learner retention, throughput, and equity, including improved performance in many no-fee schools.

He added that South Africa’s universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, private higher education institutions, and skills development institutions stand ready to receive students across a wide range of post-school pathways.

However, students are urged to ensure that they have received formal confirmation of academic placement and accommodation before travelling to any institution. Institutions will only engage students who have been formally accepted and accommodated.

“If you have not applied or if your application was unsuccessful, please do not visit the institution. Institutions are not accepting in-person applications at this stage,” added Manamela.

Insights from the 2025 NSC Results

He noted that the 2025 NSC results reflect both progress and emerging pressures for the post-school system, with more than 760,000 passing and about 345,000 achieving bachelor’s passes.

“South Africa’s public universities can accommodate approximately 230,000 first-time entering students in any given academic year. This gap between eligibility and available places underscores the importance of diversified post-school pathways and realistic planning across the entire Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.”

He also highlighted the continued concern regarding the uptake of key gateway subjects: Mathematics, Accounting, and Physical Science outcomes.

“While participation has improved marginally, only around 34% of learners wrote Mathematics, and pass rates in key gateway subjects remain under pressure. These trends have direct implications for access to competitive university programmes and for the country’s long-term skills pipeline. Strengthening foundational learning and alignment between schooling outcomes and post-school demand remains a priority.”

Guidance for Navigating the PSET System

Students who require guidance in navigating entry into the PSET system are encouraged to make use of the Central Application Service (CAS). In previous years, the Department implemented the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) as a short-term intervention to match unplaced applicants with available spaces.

However from this year, CACH will not be implemented, as part of a broader reform of the PSET application process. CAS has been designed as a more comprehensive, integrated, and long-term solution to improve access, visibility, and coordination across the entire PSET system. Students seeking information, guidance, and support can WhatsApp the CAS Chat number 081 308 4196.

The department also warned prospective students against colleges operating illegally, as such institutions are not registered as required by law and do not offer credible qualifications.

It warned that qualifications offered by private skills development providers must be quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Information on registered and accredited institutions is available on www.dhet.gov.za.

Student Wellness and Emotional Support

The Minister acknowledges that the transition from school to further study or training can be both exciting and emotionally challenging. Through Higher Health, the department provides free, confidential psychosocial and mental health support services to students and prospective students across the higher education system. Students requiring emotional or mental health support are encouraged to contact the 24-hour Higher Health Helpline on 0800 36 36 36 for assistance with stress, anxiety, or crisis-related concerns.

Expanded Funding Opportunities – SETA Bursaries

The Minister further announced expanded funding support through the Sector Education and Training Authorities. More than 15,000 SETA bursaries have been made available to support students who do not qualify for NSFAS funding, particularly those in the “missing middle” and in scarce skills areas critical to economic growth. These bursaries support studies at universities and TVET colleges and cover tuition, learning materials, and other study-related costs, forming part of the government’s broader strategy to widen access to post-school opportunities.

Advice for Students and Parents

• The Department advises students and parents to rely only on official communication channels when engaging with institutions or funding bodies. Learners should regularly check emails, SMS notifications, and institutional portals, and keep copies of application reference numbers and correspondence.
• No individual or organisation can guarantee placement or accommodation in exchange for payment, and such claims should be treated with caution.
• Students who do not immediately receive offers are encouraged to explore alternative pathways, including TVET colleges, Community Education and Training colleges, higher certificates, bridging programmes, and learnerships, rather than abandoning post-school education altogether.
• Accommodation is limited and allocated separately from academic admission, and confirmation should always be secured before making travel arrangements.
• Parents are encouraged to provide emotional support and reassurance during this period. Delays, waiting lists, or initial disappointment do not mean the end of educational opportunities. 

THE MERCURY