January 22, 2025

Celebrating the success of the matric class of 2024

The Association for South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) proudly congratulates the matric class of 2024 on achieving a remarkable 87.3% pass rate, the highest ever recorded. This accomplishment includes an impressive 47.8% Bachelor’s pass rate, opening pathways for 337 158 matriculants to pursue Bachelor studies. As they begin an exciting new chapter, SAPHE invites them to consider the diverse opportunities within South Africa’s private higher education sector.


Exploring private higher education

Why choose private higher education? Private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offer a range of compelling advantages:

  • Responsive and relevant: PHEIs are renowned for their responsiveness to market demands, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge most employers seek.
  • Flexible learning options: Whether students prefer part-time, full-time, contact, online, or blended learning formats, PHEIs provide flexible options to accommodate individual circumstances.
  • Tailored education: From large multidisciplinary institutions to niche providers specialising in fields like business, IT, creative design, and more, PHEIs cater to a wide range of interests and career goals.
  • Affordability: Contrary to popular belief, PHEIs offer many cost-sensitive programme options, making quality education accessible to a broader student base.
  • Personalised learning: Smaller class sizes at many PHEIs foster a more personal and engaged learning environment, facilitating a smoother transition from school to tertiary education.



Quality Assurance and Accreditation

All PHEIs registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offering programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) adhere to rigorous quality standards comparable to those of public universities. These qualifications are nationally recognised and valued.


Nancy-Anne Anderson, CEO of SAPHE, emphasises that SAPHE members are all registered with the DHET and deliver education that meets national standards. Students and parents can find a list of SAPHE member institutions on the SAPHE website, while a comprehensive directory of registered PHEIs is available on the DHET website.


Strengthening South Africa’s Higher Education Sector

Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, Chairperson of the SAPHE Board, highlights the vital role PHEIs play in bolstering South Africa’s higher education landscape. “Together with public universities, PHEIs contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that drives the country’s socio-economic progress,” she explains.


Apply now for 2025

The private higher education sector continues to welcome applications for the 2025 academic year. Many PHEIs still have spaces available across various disciplines, providing an excellent opportunity for students eager to begin their studies without delay.

Revisiting the value of assessment

July 22, 2025
The Faranani session on 17 July examined assessment from various perspectives. With just two carefully crafted questions, David Maclean, facilitator and founder of Learning Advisory, created a space for lively conversation and engagement on the real purpose and value of assessment. The first question, What would assessment look like if it served learning rather than sorting?, prompted reflection on the difference between ‘assessment for learning’ and ‘assessment of learning’. Participants explored the role of continuous assessment as a compass that guides learning, rather than a tool for ranking or gatekeeping. The second question, How do we truly know when learning has occurred at the deepest level?, encouraged participants to share personal experiences and teaching practices that reveal meaningful learning beyond surface-level achievement. The session reframed assessment by focusing on its potential to enhance learning and support development, moving beyond its traditional role as a final evaluation tool.  Embodying the spirit of a wisdom circle, the Faranani session offered space for collective reflection, shared insights, and mutual learning.

SAPHE launches research CoP

July 17, 2025
SAPHE’s first Research Community of Practice (CoP) meeting took place on Monday, 30 June, marking an important step toward strengthening research capacity and collaboration within private higher education. As research is a core pillar of higher education, SAPHE members welcomed the opportunity to engage on research-related matters. The first session focused on supporting those who have made submissions for the upcoming SAPHE Conference. A highlight of the session was a presentation on the use of AI in research. From sparking ideas to helping with literature reviews and writing, AI was framed as a powerful research tool, similar to a calculator for a mathematician or a camera for a photographer. But, the message was clear: AI can assist, but the researcher remains the author!  True to the spirit of a Community of Practice, this new SAPHE initiative creates a collaborative space for sharing, questioning, and growing together. We look forward to many more engagements as this CoP evolves.

Strengthening QA through collaboration

By Sibusiso Ngidi • June 17, 2025
The imaginative and metaphorical title of our recent Quality Assurance Community of Practice (QA CoP) meeting, Shared spellbook: Unlocking the magic of collective wisdom, beautifully captured the spirit of the event and the collaborative energy among QA professionals from SAPHE member institutions. Leading the conversation, Dr Franzél du Plooy-Cilliers invited participants to reflect on the unique value that emerges when ideas, knowledge, and experiences are shared. Collaboration in QA doesn’t just foster innovation—it challenges complacency, inspires ongoing improvement, and raises the quality bar across institutions. The ripple effects are powerful: Not only do individual PHEIs benefit from stronger practices, but the entire higher education sector is elevated through shared commitment to quality-assured education. During the session, participants discussed common challenges, such as limited staff engagement in QA processes and the need for integrated workflows that support shared values and a common understanding. Looking ahead, key themes were identified for future QA CoP engagements. Plans are already underway for the next meeting on 14 August, where the community will continue "writing the shared spellbook" - sharing insights and best practices to improve quality. Together, the CoP is shaping a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation—one "spell" at a time.