Private sector bursary fund proposed to expand access to higher education

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe has announced plans to explore a private-sector-funded bursary scheme aimed at expanding access to higher education in South Africa.

The announcement follows the completion of the first phase of sector-wide engagements between the Department of Higher Education and Training and private higher education institutions, which took place from 8 June 2026.

Gondwe described the discussions as constructive and encouraging, highlighting the increasingly important role private institutions play in addressing capacity challenges within the country's higher education system.

The department said that private higher education institutions currently enrol approximately 313,000 students, accounting for nearly 30% of total higher education enrolments, while public universities accommodate around 1.1 million students.

One of the key outcomes of the engagements was an agreement to explore the establishment of a private bursary fund that would be administered and managed by private higher education institutions, with guidance from the department.

The proposed initiative seeks to provide financial assistance to students wishing to enrol at private institutions, thereby broadening access to quality tertiary education.

“Given the tightening fiscal environment in the public sector, we now have to think outside the box and consider collaborating more closely with the private sector to support students and build meaningful public-private partnerships,” said Gondwe.

She said such partnerships would focus on skills development, training for employability, and reducing pressure on public resources while improving educational opportunities.

The engagements also identified several priority areas for future collaboration between government and the private sector. These include investment in infrastructure, the establishment of universities of specialisation, creating a business-friendly environment to encourage responsible investment in higher education, and fostering innovation in curricula aligned with labour market needs and the digital economy.

The discussions further emphasised the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to improve skills development, infrastructure, and graduate employability.

Institutions and organisations that participated in the engagements included ADvTECH Group, Regent Business School, STADIO, Eduvos, The Da Vinci Institute, Boston City Campus, as well as representative bodies SAPHE, APPETD and SABSA.

Gondwe, who oversees private higher education institutions, reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration within the post-school education and training sector to support student success and national development.