Despite the 2022 matric class still awaiting their results, universities across the country have already started with the enrolment and registration of students for the 2023 academic year.
The late release of matric results has prompted many concerns with regards to the Higher Education department’s readiness and how it would impact matriculants’ ability to gain admission at universities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Minister Nzimande assured both current and prospective students that the announcement and the release of matric results will not affect the state of readiness for higher education for the 2023 academic year.
The department also noted that university registration periods across the country for the new year has commenced from 16 January 2023 and is expected to close on the 20 February 2023.
“However, there will be several universities that will allow late registrations,” continued Nzimande.
This will give students who missed the initial registration period additional time to register at certain institutions.
Prospective students have been advised to continue to liaise with the universities of their choices through their respective communication channels.
Nzimande says that although most Technical, Vocational and Training Colleges (TVET) had commenced with their teaching and learning, some colleges were still accepting students in areas where the enrolment targets were not met.
“Community Colleges opened, on the 11th of January 2023 for inland provinces and opened today, the 18th January 2023 for coastal provinces.”
Furthermore, as part of the DHET normal process to work with the sector to prepare for the academic year’s registration process, consultation meetings are currently being held with various stakeholders including; the Universities South Africa, (Usaf), the South Africa College Principals Organisation (SACPO), the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and South African Technical and Vocation Student Association (SATVESA to discuss measures.
In an effort to offer additional support to prospective students, the department has activated the services of the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) to assist individuals to access university, college, and skills development opportunities.
The department noted that the system will open on 24 January 2023 and will close on 31 March 2023, students have been encouraged to stay alert for future opportunities.
Nzimande says that additional details on the departments state of readiness will be announced before the end of January during his annual media briefing, following the final engagements with all relevant stakeholders within the post school education and training sector.
