South Africa has world-class higher education institutions. The country has 24 public higher education institutions that offer a variety of curricula and research opportunities to both domestic and international students. South Africa’s higher education system was restructured in 2003 to enhance access to higher education. As a result, South Africa now has three types of public higher education institutions: traditional universities, technological universities, and comprehensive universities.
- South Africa is home to 11 classical universities that offer theoretically oriented degrees, six comprehensive universities that offer a mix of academic and vocational degrees and certifications, and six universities of technology that place an emphasis on vocational education.
- Higher education, technical and vocational education and training, and adult basic education and training are all within the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education and Training (ABET).