In the worldwide, South Africa is still considered to be a country with a low level of education in the world. The basis of this system is that a person's social responsibilities and political opportunities are defined by that person's ethnic identity. Due to a lack of financial support smaller schools in rural areas have to close and a lack of sufficiently educated and motivated teachers as well as a lack of facilities places a huge strain on the system. From the age of seven years up to the age of 15, education is made compulsory for children. The standard of education depends on the severity of the disability and the resources of the school. Popular international schools in South Africa include schools such as: Education is compulsory from the age of seven (grade 1) to the age of 15 (grade 9). Levels of education in South Africa, by age and year of schooling: 2013. The state school system is behind the times, carrying the legacy of apartheid. 2000. © 2021, Scholaro, Inc. All Rights The structure of the South Africa education system Kindergarten is grade 0 in South Africa. The system is divided into 3 strata, namely general education and training, further education and training, and higher education and training. In 2015, only 70.7% of students passed the Matric test, with only half of students getting more than 50%. Learn more about schools in South Africa, including the South African education system, school fees, local and international schools, and how to register your child. It’s important to do your research before making a decision about schooling for your child; quality and cost of education vary dramatically between areas and schools. Laws (4 years), Bachelor of Architecture (5 years) and the Bachelor of Veterinary Education is one of the most important features in the success and growth of a country. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Education receives the greatest share of government spending (5% GDP), with 21% of non-interest allocations set … They often have smaller class sizes, more extracurricular activities, and, in some cases, learning systems mirroring national curricula abroad. The first being the General Education and Training (GET) phase, second band is the Further Education and Training (FET), while the third and last band is the HET band, Higher Education and Traini… Nine South African universities feature in the top 700 of the QS World University Rankings for 2016. International students need to find out whether their qualifications from their home country will be recognized at a South African university before applying directly to their establishment of choice. Finally, private schools in South Africa have a very good reputation. A first impression of the country revealed inequalities in the educational system limiting the economic potential of the country, despite the efforts of South Africans to achieve reconciliation. South Africa spends an above-average share of its wealth on the public funding of Some expats moving to the country have these costs covered by their employer. Ethiopia brings us to number 5 with a 0.622 EDI – barely nudging out Eritrea by 0.001 – and an ALR of 39%; the 5th lowest in the world. By implication, every child is expected to get an education from Grade one to Grade nine. The problem primarily lies in the state rather than private schools. From grades 10 to 12, education is optional and is sometimes taught in specialist technical, community or private colleges, where they take a school-leaving exam known as the Matric. With international schools boasting better grades and facilities and much smaller class sizes, they are very popular. International schools usually follow an August to June school year. NOTE: Education levels are defined according to the 1997 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED97). The Government of South Africa considers education its highest domestic priority and the single greatest long-term challenge facing the country. However, many lower-income families have these fees paid by the government. The oldest university in South Africa is the University of Cape Town established in 1829 and depicted here. The NSC grants access to higher education. reconstruction of Higher education system, 30 May 2002, Pretoria, South Africa. Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education Training, American International School of Johannesburg, Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg, Higher education enrolment in South Africa. The South African education system, characterized by crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and relatively poor educational outcomes, is perpetuating inequality and as a result failing too many of its children, with the poor hardest hit according to a new report published by Amnesty International today. Reserved. South Africa. What is the education system in South Africa? Education in South Africa is continuing to take strain as the government attempts to achieve equal opportunities for all. In April, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Global Information Technology Report 2015, which ranked South Africa last in the quality … South Africa is currently trying its best to provide free or subsidised education to all children of South Africa. Provincial authorities operate these schools, so the quality of education varies significantly between areas. There are over 400 public special needs schools in South Africa. Africa has the highest rates of educational exclusion in the world. Ages represent the typical age at the beginning of the school year. South Africa’s education system performs worse than poorer nations such as Zimbabwe, Kenya and Swaziland. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. This includes getting an up-to-date immunization card and birth certificate. Beck U. However, the level of education in Africa is generally not high. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Awarded since 2008. Science (6 years). Kindergarten is grade 0 in South Africa. South Africa Educational System—overview. Over one-fifth of children between … This is at odds with most local and private South African schools, where school years run from January to December. Staff employed by these institutions numbered 127 969, with 46 579 of those academic staff. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Finally, you’ll need to register your child at the school in person, showing both your study visa and your child’s passport. Below, you can find an outline of the South African education system – including primary, secondary, higher and university education in South Africa. Most schools offer lessons in either English or Afrikaans; others offer classes in another South African language. South Africa’s education system has re-developed its focus toward helping graduates achieve a global, multicultural competitiveness – in some ways, a natural result of South Africa’s diverse population. Your choices will not impact your visit. Indeed, in early 2016, South Africa’s Minister of Education Angie Motshekga commented that the country’s schools were in a state of crisis; less than half of students who enroll in grade 1 in 2002 pass the school-leaving exam 11 years later. In the poorest areas of South Africa, parents are exempt from paying school fees. It is no surprise to find South Africa near the top of this list, SA is prominent as one of … Vocational training is administered by sector education and training authorities arranged across functional lines. Educational standards tend to be higher in the bigger cities. If your child has been in South Africa for less than five years, it’s possible to choose another language or subject instead. Have a cookie South Africa’s education systems has three different bands. Training itself is provided mainly by commercial colleges functioning partly under government subsidies. There is also an introduction to the South African educational philosophy. According to the General Household Survey 2017, nationally, 32,3% of individuals aged five years and older attended an educational institution. The majority of the 1,600 private schools in South Africa are located in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Ethiopia (0.622 EDI) – Worst education system in Africa. Homeschooling in South Africa is relatively popular with expats. At state schools, holidays usually last for two to three weeks between each term and four or five weeks in December when the school year ends. The South African government implemented an education system called Christian National Education (CNE). Alternatively, there are plenty of language schools in South Africa to help with learning a local language. Polytechnics train technicians is a wide variety of disciplines while universities award traditional bachelors, masters and doctorates degrees. Public schools in South Africa rely on government funding. This guide to education in South Africa will help you enroll your child into the education system. Some schools will conduct interviews and you may need to pay a registration fee when you apply. systems in South Africa and Zimbabwe are outliers in this regard, in that the period from primary to the end of senior secondary school comprises 13 years of schooling. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. The process is compulsory through to grade 9, and spans 12 grades in total. It pays to investigate your options and submit your child’s application as early as possible, however. Aside from international schools, there are three main types of schools in South Africa: public schools, governing body-funded schools, and private schools. A recent Amnesty International report on education in South Africa paints a picture of a basic education system that is still failing learners from poorer communities.. Tertiary education and training is provided through a large number of private and state-managed institutions under the overall control of the ministry of higher education and training. In a 2015 OECD study on education, South Africa finished second from bottom, in 75th place. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. Education in South Africa is governed by two national departments, namely the department of Basic Education (DBE), which is responsible for primary and secondary schools, and the department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which is responsible for tertiary education and vocational training. It’s also worth checking if school fees cover any school dinners or school uniforms (which are compulsory). In fact, South Africa spends more on education, some 6% of GDP, than any other African country. There are significant disparities in South Africa's education system. Educational system of south africa 1. With this in mind, the cost of studying can be relatively high, as universities set their own admission fees. Regardless of this fact, our government continues to build more schools. Education in South Africa is continuing to take strain as the government attempts to achieve equal opportunities for all. The education system of South Africa works in a way that grants every child access to basic learning. system before the age 25in South Africa . The South Africa Act of 1909 left the control of primary and secondary education with the provinces, while reserving higher education to the union government. There are significant disparities in South Africa’s education system. The subject offerings among the nations for the entire schooling period are diverse. As with state schools, private and international schools in South Africa should be accredited by the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education Training (Umlazi). Education in South Africa is governed by two national departments, namely the department of Basic Education (DBE), which is responsible for primary and secondary schools, and the department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which is responsible for tertiary education and vocational training. The Education System in South Africa Figure A-16. In the year 2000 approximately more than 52 million children and youth (50.5 percent of them female) were enrolled in 29,386 primary and secondary schools in South Africa. According to UNICEF, South Africa spends more on education as a share of GDP than any other African nation, providing free and compulsory primary education to all children aged 7 to 15, regardless of race. Sending your child to a good state school will cost anywhere from R8,000 to R20,000 per year. Primary schools are generally divided into junior preparatory schools (grades 0-3) and senior preparatory schools (grades 4-7) before children attend high school (otherwise known as … While some universities have scholarships that are open to students from around the world, preference is usually given to native students. The cosmopolitan perspective: Sociology of the second age of modernity . Your use of this service is subject to our. With the exception of some international schools, South African schools follow a January to November school year. However, with a lack of government financing, some schools lack qualified teachers and specialist equipment. It is set out on the lower slopes of the Table Mountain Massif as the architect interpreted the style of the Greek Pantheon. These schools receive partial funding from governing bodies and parents, resulting in higher educational standards and better facilities. You may change your settings at any time. South Africa has about 30,000 schools, with 26,000 of them receiving public funding. Primary schools are generally divided into junior preparatory schools (grades 0-3) and senior preparatory schools (grades 4-7) before children attend high school (otherwise known as college) from grades 8-12. Once finishing high school, students receive the National Senior Certificate, with matriculation endorsements defining their specific qualifications.These endorsements are the minimum requirement to get into a South African university. The system is divided into 3 strata, namely general education and training, further education and training, and higher education and training. You apply directly to schools in South Africa. Once you’ve had your application accepted, you’ll need to send the confirmation as part of your application for your child’s study visa, which should cover the full duration of their time at school. Most parents in South Africa must pay for their child’s schooling. As previously discussed, in the final year of high school (grade 12), students sit the matric exam, with passes given for 50-59% (normal pass), 60-89% (merit), and 90% or above (distinction) for each subject studied. South Africa's education system is facing major challenges. The average cost for an international student at the University of Cape Town in 2016 was R75,000 for an undergraduate degree and R47,500 for a master’s degree. These fees are significantly cheaper than private schools, where fees are usually between R30,000 and R70,000, with additional costs for boarding. Education has recently come under the spotlight in South Africa; primary and secondary schools failed to show improvements and exacerbated the high unemployment rate. Local schools suffer from what Motshekga describes as ‘teachers who were not trained for the future.’. A shortage of scholarships and bursaries is one of the downsides of going to university in South Africa as an international student. This clearly shows that our education system does not reflect the money we’ve put into the system. To sit the Matric exam in Grade 12, students must know both English and Afrikaans. National Senior Certificate (NSC) Exams taken upon completion of grade 12. With some of the lowest educational statistics in the world, the system in Ethiopia looks bleak for the country’s schoolchildren. To homeschool your child, you must apply to the governing body in your area and agree to follow the curriculum, maintain records of their coursework, and for them to attend the school to sit their exams. The process is compulsory through to grade 9, and spans 12 grades in total. The aim of the DBE is to develop, maintain and support a South African school education system for the 21st century. Approximately 87,5% of South African individuals above the age of five years who attended educational institutions, attended school, while a further 4,5% attended tertiary institutions.By comparison, only 2,1% of individuals attended Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. This inequality could not be more prevalent than in our education system. The Bill of Rights in South Africa’s constitution states that it is compulsory for all the children of South Africa to attend school and receive an education. Education System in South Africa. COMMENT South Africa is a land of hope, opportunity and most glaringly, a land of stark inequality. About 69% of 2024- year-olds were not in education in 2018 (OECD average: 55%) and South Africa had the highest share of NEETs aged20-24 (48.6%) among OECD and partner countries. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Many senior preparatory schools act as feeder schools for high schools/colleges. Many schools teach traditional foreign languages as an option and, depending on their location, local languages such as Zulu and Afrikaans. Prior to 2009, the National Department of Education was responsible for higher education as well as elementary and secondary education. Leafy suburbs like Sandton boast world-class institutions with top-of-art facilities, whilst neighbouring Alexandra township schools are often victims of violence, poor infrastructure and a lack of […] At private schools, it works slightly differently, with holidays usually lasting a month between each term and around five weeks at the end of the academic year. Beneath this lies a plethora of independent adult schools some of which maintain high standards. Of the public schools, the best are the Model C schools from the Apartheid years. In 2015, Human Rights Watch released a report criticizing the lack of schooling opportunities for children with disabilities in South Africa. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) deals with all schools from Grade R to Grade 12, including adult literacy programmes. South Africa is an education-oriented country, and it is also the country with the highest quality of education on the African continent. Therefore much has to be taken into consideration when forming a successful educational system. 5. Johannesburg, one of the largest cities in South Africa, emanates a working city atmosphere, nurtured by commerce and opportunities. South Africa’s Bill of Rights All South Africans have the right to a basic education, including adult basic education and further education. The first 6 years are spent in primary school where literacy and numeracy are established. The responsibility for education in South Africa is shared by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). South Africa has developed a progressive education system – at least in theory. The education system runs all the way from grade 0 (otherwise known as reception) to grade 12. Pupils must study at least two languages. You can read more about homeschooling on the Department of Education website. Bachelor of Nursing Science (4 years), Bachelor of Expats moving to South Africa have a range of schooling options, from public schools to private ones. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. Most international schools teach lessons in English, with the exception of German and French schools, which teach bilingually. See South Africa’s universities; According to figures from the Council of Higher Education, 892 936 students (726 882 undergraduates and 138 610 postgraduates) were enrolled in South Africa’s public higher-education institutions in 2010. To register your child at a South African school, you’ll first need to prepare a few things. A wide divide in quality standards between previously “white” and previously “independent homeland” institutions continues to pervade society. Degrees in South Africa are awarded in a standard style with undergraduate, master’s, and PhD qualifications, albeit without a uniform grading system (1st, 2:1 etc). South Africa’s education system is split into three levels: elementary, secondary and tertiary. State schools use a four-term system while most private schools have three terms. International schools can be expensive; costs at boarding schools rise to well over R100,000 per year. Many international schools have good reputations and are popular with expats. 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