Data presented in parliament confirmed media reports that the demand for university placement far exceeds placement availability. Data from various institutions revealed Universitiessuch as North-West University (NWU), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), and the University of South Africa (Unisa ) received the highest number of applications for the 2025 academic year.
NWU received 380,000 applications, WSU received 380,533, and UNISA topped the list with 370,256 applications. However, actual enrolment figures for first-time entering students (FTEN) were far lower, with 12,937 at NWU, 7,400 at WSU, and 45,000 at Unisa securing placements.
Universities received almost 5 million applications from prospective students. However, these universities could only accommodate little over 200 000 first-year students.
The institution reported that 739 264 of their students are returning for the 2025 academic year. This means that 91.7% of the year's universities’ overall enrollment targets (1 152 418) have already been met.
The latest figures indicate that 95% of the targeted 952,720 undergraduate students have already been enrolled. At the postgraduate level, 77% of the projected 194 409 students have secured placements.
Despite high demand, limited spaces mean many applicants are unable to secure places at their preferred institutions. This continues to raise concerns over access to higher education in South Africa.
Universities and the Department of Higher Education and Training are working to expand infrastructure and online learning opportunities to accommodate more students in the future.
Prospective students are encouraged to explore multiple options including enrolling at Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) colleges, to secure further education opportunities.
