According to statistics published by StatsSA, about 45% of young people between the ages of 15 and 34 are unemployed.
One of the ways recent matriculants can make sure that they do not become part of these bleak statistics is to enroll for some kind of a tertiary education.
But, as the 2025 academic year starts, the country’s public universities received applications that were more than 30 times higher than they could accommodate.
At Unigrad College fees can be paid in monthly instalments and the college has also partnered with Student Hero and Capitec to assist with financial support specifically tailored for the needs of students.
Topping the list was the University of Johannesburg, with 693 990 applications (all choices), which translates to a headcount of 358 992 applicants for approximately 10 900 undergraduate spaces. This is 33 times more than the available spaces.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal received over 290 600 individual applications for approximately 8 600 first-year places for the 2025 academic year.
This situation resulted in many prospective students considering private tertiary institutions for further studies. Studying at a local institution where students do not have to pay exorbitant fees for accommodation can also bring the dream of a tertiary qualification closer.
Studying at a local institution where students do not have to pay exorbitant fees for accommodation can also bring the dream of a tertiary qualification closer.
Unigrad, an accredited private tertiary institution situated in Ferreira Street in Mbombela, offers courses for students who prefer to study full-time, as well as for those who prefer to work during the day and study part-time after hours.
The institution offers qualifications in the following fields of study: business management, accounting, graphic design, human-resource management, engineering studies, office management, farming management and sound engineering.
Courses are presented by lecturers who are appointed for their qualifications, experience, and commitment to excellence, ensuring that students get the best level of training available.
The campus facilities comprise comfortable air-conditioned lecture rooms and computer studios, free internet access for students to complete projects, a dedicated workshop for technical courses, a fully equipped art and drawing room for media courses, and a fully equipped sound studio.
For those who have to find some means of employment to support themselves, a perfect solution could be studying part-time where classes are offered in the evenings or over weekends.
Class sizes are limited to an average of 20 students and students are offered a network of support services to facilitate their academic performance.
If you would prefer to study part-time, Unigrad College has a comprehensive selection of part-time courses, ranging from short learning programmes for students who wish to upgrade their skills quickly, to full qualifications at diploma level.
For those who have to find some means of employment to support themselves, a perfect solution could be studying part-time where classes are offered in the evenings or over weekends.
Full-time class timetables are similar to those at university. Students attend class during the week, Monday to Friday. Where possible, classes start in the morning and run into the early afternoon. The rest of the day is open for students to do research, work on projects or find part-time employment.
Class sizes are limited to an average of 20 students and students are offered a network of support services to facilitate their academic performance.
The harsh reality, however, is that not everyone can afford a tertiary education.
But not all is lost. At Unigrad College fees can be paid in monthly instalments and the college has also partnered with Student Hero and Capitec to assist with financial support specifically tailored for the needs of students.
Enrolments for 2025 are now open. For more information, visit www.unigradcollege.co.za, send an email to info@unigradcollege.co.za or call 013 755 3503.
