Bursaries, Scholarships & Finance
Real student support is more than just funding
Nokuthula Siqebengu 24 Mar 2026
Beyond enrolment: 5 steps to quality higher education in SA
For many young South Africans, a university degree is the ultimate tool to escape poverty, but 30-40% of qualifying students are unable to access higher education each year. Expanding entry is only part of the solution.
Image source: pch.vector from Magnific.com
Peter Kriel, executive of operations at Advtech and The IIE’s Academic Centre of Excellence, stresses that access and quality must go hand in hand: “True access means creating opportunities for students to enter higher education, thrive within it, and graduate with the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers.”
He says there are five practical ways for South African higher education institutions to expand access while supporting student success:
1. Develop multiple entry pathways
Traditional admission routes exclude many talented students whose school backgrounds may not fully reflect their potential. Institutions can widen participation by offering foundation programmes including higher certificates, extended curriculum streams, bridging courses, and alternative admission pathways.
These flexible entry points acknowledge that academic readiness is not equally available across all communities. By providing targeted academic preparation, institutions can identify and nurture talent that might otherwise be left behind, without lowering standards.
“Widening participation is not about lowering academic standards, but rather about creating appropriate pathways that enable students to reach those standards,” says Kriel.
2. Strengthen transition support programmes
The jump from school to higher education is often daunting. Students face new academic demands, greater independence, and the need for advanced analytical skills. Strong orientation programmes, first-year experience initiatives, and structured academic skills workshops help ease this transition.
Proactive support in the critical first year significantly improves retention and builds the foundation for long-term success, notes Kriel.
3. Invest in academic development initiatives
Ongoing support is essential. Tutoring services, writing centres, peer-assisted learning programmes, and dedicated academic development resources help students bridge knowledge gaps and build confidence. These initiatives are particularly valuable for students navigating higher education for the first time in their families, turning potential struggles into opportunities for growth.
4. Use data to identify at-risk students early
Institutions should harness student success analytics to spot challenges before they become crises. Early warning systems allow for timely interventions - whether through additional tutoring, counselling, or personalised support.
“Proactive data-driven approaches dramatically improve completion rates and ensure that expanded access translates into actual graduate outcomes,” says Kriel.
5. Create inclusive and adaptive learning environments
Students succeed best when they feel they belong. Inclusive campuses that respect diversity, foster connection, and value different backgrounds help students engage fully with their studies. AI and adaptive technologies further enhance this by enabling personalised learning pathways - adjusting content, pace, and support in real time to match each student’s unique needs, learning style and progress.
Feeling respected and supported by lecturers and peers, ensures increased persistence and chances for success.
Broader impact and shared responsibility
When students complete their qualifications, the benefits multiply, says Kriel.
“Graduates access better employment, develop critical thinking and professional skills, and often become role models who inspire the next generation. This creates a powerful ripple effect: stronger families, more skilled communities, and broader economic growth.”
Students also have a key role to play.
Actively using available support services, building good study habits, managing time effectively, engaging with lecturers, and staying curious can make a significant difference, he advises.
At the same time, institutions must recognise that many students enter higher education while dealing with financial pressure, family responsibilities, or personal challenges. Support systems therefore need to be visible, accessible, and proactive - reaching students before they have to ask for help.
“Expanding access to quality higher education is one of South Africa’s greatest opportunities for meaningful change. This means not simply increasing enrolment numbers, but an active strategy to unlock human potential, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.”