January 19, 2026

Private Higher Education: Flexible, accredited, and ready for the Matric Class of 2025

South Africa celebrates a historic milestone as the Matric Class of 2025 achieves a record 88% pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. SAPHE (South African Private Higher Education Association) congratulates all matriculants on this remarkable achievement, which opens doors to a wide range of higher education opportunities.


Approximately 46% of matriculants achieved Bachelor passes, making around 345,000 students eligible to pursue degree studies. While public universities remain a key option offering 235,000 first-year spaces, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offer an equally robust and accredited pathway for students ready to continue their studies.


Flexible Intakes and Learning Options


A major advantage of PHEIs is their multiple intakes throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies at different times of the year. This flexibility ensures that learners can maintain momentum and enrol for higher education qualifications as soon as they are ready.


PHEIs also offer flexible learning modes - full-time, part-time, online, or blended - designed to accommodate diverse student needs. Smaller class sizes promote personalised attention, helping students make a smooth transition from school to tertiary education. Curricula are regularly updated to align with industry demands, equipping graduates with the skills employers actively seek.


Quality, accreditation, and recognition


All SAPHE member institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offer programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). These qualifications are nationally recognised, ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education as public universities. Registered PHEIs provide full academic legitimacy, and a list of SAPHE members is available on the SAPHE website.


Private higher education institutions continue to welcome applications for the 2026 academic year, providing matriculants with immediate access to accredited programmes. PHEIs are a credible, flexible, and high-quality option to consider for students ready to take the next step in their education.

SAPHE Conference 2026: Exploring the future of higher education

October 12, 2026
With the SAPHE Conference fast approaching, SAPHE looks forward to welcoming delegates on 11-12 November 2026 at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg. Held under the theme Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, the Conference will feature engaging, interactive sessions and opportunities for discussion and exchange. Two distinguished keynote speakers, Prof Ahmed Bawa and Prof Stephanie Burton , will share their perspectives on the nature and purpose of higher education and its role in a rapidly changing world. 

SAPHE pays tribute to Mr Sam Isaacs

October 8, 2026
SAPHE extends its sincere condolences on the passing of Mr Samuel Benjamin Arend Isaacs. Mr Isaacs played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s post-1994 education and training landscape. His contribution to the development of the NQF and to the recognition and advancement of learning has had a lasting impact across the education sector.  SAPHE acknowledges his remarkable contribution to South Africa’s education and training community and extends our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at SAQA.

Quality Assurance: Shared Challenges, Shared Learning

August 18, 2026
SAPHE's latest Quality Assurance Community of Practice (QA CoP)