South Africa’s public universities are entering 2026 with the same problem: not enough seats for everyone who qualifies. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training says the system has space for about 235,000 first-year students, while more than 245,000 candidates achieved bachelor-level passes in the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams.

A Capacity Wall for New Students

Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie told a media briefing that the gap between qualifying learners and available places keeps widening. He said the number of candidates passing matric is now higher than the opportunities available at public universities, leaving thousands waiting for final admission outcomes.

NSFAS Timelines Could Decide the Start of Term

The committee also linked a smooth start to the year with how quickly funding processes move. Letsie pointed to limited government subsidies and funding pressure around the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). To avoid early-year disruption, Parliament urged universities to submit student registration data urgently so NSFAS can make upfront payments on time.

Private Options, but Watch for Scams

With public campuses still the first choice for most applicants, Parliament encouraged students and families to consider accredited private higher education institutions too. At the same time, the committee warned about unregistered providers posing as legitimate colleges. Letsie said some are “bogus” or “fly-by-night” operators and urged people to stay vigilant and report them.

Governance Instability Adds More Risk

Beyond admissions, the committee raised concerns about leadership and governance at several institutions. It highlighted Mangosuthu University of Technology, where the vice-chancellor and two deputy vice-chancellors were suspended in late 2025, and said it was worried about how this could affect the start of the academic year. Parliament said it has not yet received a formal briefing on the suspensions.

The committee also reiterated long-standing concerns about the University of Fort Hare. It said it has recommended that the Minister of Higher Education and Training consider appointing an independent assessor, adding that the continued stay of the current council is “irregular”.

Parliament Plans Campus Checks in Late January

To test readiness, the committee plans oversight visits to universities and TVET colleges in Limpopo from 26 to 30 January, followed by another round in the Eastern Cape from 1 to 7 February. Letsie said Parliament’s job is to make sure institutions are stable, governed and ready to receive students.