South Africa - Education South-Africa-Education
Market Overview
The number of South African students studying in the United States increased by 6.8% between 2017 and 2018, to 2040 students, placing South Africa 5th in the continent in terms of students studying in the U.S. With 17% of the total South African population aged between 17- 24 there is a huge potential to increase this number, especially when considering that most students who attend an English medium high school can reliably be granted a waiver from TOEFL examinations which can be an obstacle in other countries.The South African education system is divided as follows: Pre-high school (# of years): 07 (Grade R to Grade 6) High school (# of years): 06 Lower secondary (also known as the “senior phase”) lasts through grade 9 and is mandatory. Students typically begin lower secondary at age 12 or 13. The curriculum for lower secondary school includes the home language, an additional language, mathematics, natural science, social science, technology, economic and management sciences, life orientation, and arts and culture. Students receive 27.5 hours of classroom instruction per week. Upper secondary, also known as further education and training (FET), lasts through grade 12, and is not compulsory. Entry into this phase requires an official record of completion of grade nine.
Just as in the intermediate and senior phases, this phase comprises 27.5 classroom hours per week. The Academic year calendar runs from mid-January to early-December.
Traditionally the recommended times for U.S. educational institutions to visit are: are May, July (Private Schools), August (Public Schools), and September.
Market Trends
The top five receiving states for South African students are New York, California, Massachusetts, Texas and Pennsylvania.
| Students in the U.S. by Academic Level | Number | % | % Change 2017- 2018 |
| Undergraduate | 1156 | 57% | +10.6% |
| Graduate | 550 | 27% | +6% |
| Non - Degree | 95 | 5% | +13.1% |
| Optional Practical Training | 239 | 11% | -9.1% |
| Students in U.S. by U.S. Institution Type | % |
| Undergraduates in 4 - year institutions | 87% |
| Undergraduates in 2 - year institutions | 13% |
| Public Institute vs Private Institute | 50%- 50% |
Web Resources
Universities South Africa (www.universitiessa.ac.za)Council on Higher Education (www.che.ac.za)
South African Qualifications Authority (www.saqa.org.za)
Umalusi (www.umalusi.org.za)
Independent Examinations Board [IEB] (www.ieb.co.za)
Independent Schools Association of South Africa [ISASA] (www.isasa.org)
National Qualifications Framework (www.nqf.org.za)
South African Department of Education (www.education.gov.za)
The International Education Association of South Africa [IEASA] (www.ieasa.studysa.co.za)
The United States - South Africa Higher Education Network (www.ussahighereducationnetwork.org)
For More Information, the U.S. Commercial Service, South Africa, can be contacted via email:
Sanjay.Harryparshad@trade.gov, Phone: +27 (0)31 305 7600 X3150, or visit our Website at http://export.gov/southafrica/index.asp
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.