1 December 2025

Quality Over Cost in Higher Education Reform

By KLA

Quality of education has emerged as the primary concern for South African students and parents when choosing tertiary institutions, surpassing affordability concerns, according to survey data from KLA, using YourView Panel. The research reveals that 66% of respondents prioritise educational quality over affordability (44%) and graduate employability (43%) when making higher education decisions.

The results provide insights into how South Africans view the higher education sector at a time when reforming tertiary education is central to the country's goal of creating a more inclusive and future-ready society. As technology reshapes industries and job markets evolve rapidly, the findings highlight both optimism and challenges in the sector.

Despite ongoing debates about education costs and access, trust in educational institutions remains strong across all sectors. Private higher-education institutions scored 4.4 out of 5 in confidence ratings, closely followed by public universities at 4.3 and TVET colleges at 4.2. These differences suggest that each sector serves a distinct and valued purpose in South Africa's education ecosystem.

When asked which institutions they would consider, 75% of respondents mentioned public universities, maintaining their position as the dominant choice. However, private higher education institutions (42%) and TVET colleges (34%) are steadily gaining recognition, particularly among working adults and students seeking flexible learning options.

The research reveals distinct strengths across education sectors. Public universities lead on affordability (73%) and funding options (81%), reinforcing their accessibility mandate. Private institutions match public universities on quality (74%) and excel in flexibility (66%), appealing to learners seeking innovation and smaller class environments. TVET colleges demonstrate their crucial role in South Africa's skills pipeline by excelling in job-market preparation (66%) and work-experience opportunities (67%).

The data highlights the disconnect between education and employment. When asked who should ensure alignment between learning and the job market, 56% of respondents selected government, 43% cited public institutions, and 33% mentioned private institutions. Only 24% identified employers as responsible, revealing a critical gap between academic training and workplace dynamics that could hamper graduate employability.

The power of perception emerged as a key theme, with 95% of respondents agreeing that media coverage influences how they view higher-education institutions. Younger audiences particularly rely on online visibility, reviews, and social proof when forming opinions, suggesting that institutional communication and transparency are as important as academic offerings.

The survey captured diverse perspectives across generations and regions. Respondents included current tertiary students (42%), parents or guardians of current tertiary students (22%), parents or guardians of prospective students (21%), and prospective students (15%). With 81% identifying as Black South Africans and 45% aged 25-35, the findings reflect the views of a young yet maturing audience motivated by career advancement and stability.

Regional disparities remain a pressing concern. While most respondents live in Gauteng (29%), KwaZulu-Natal (21%), Eastern Cape (13%), and Western Cape (10%) – provinces with the highest concentration of tertiary institutions – the ongoing challenge lies in extending equal access to provinces such as Free State, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape, where opportunities remain limited.

Beyond quality, affordability, and employability, the research found that institutional reputation influences 42% of decisions, while flexible or online learning options matter to 27%, particularly among working adults and students outside major cities. These insights underscore that South Africans now view higher education as a strategic investment directly linked to employability and lifelong capability building.

The findings suggest that effective higher education reform must go beyond policy changes to include transforming how institutions communicate their value. Rather than viewing public universities, private institutions, and TVET colleges as competitors, the research points to positioning them as complementary components of a connected system that supports both academic advancement and practical training.

The data reveals that students and parents increasingly behave like informed consumers, comparing offerings, evaluating online credibility, and expecting flexibility without compromising quality. Institutions that demonstrate measurable outcomes – including graduate success rates, updated curricula, and tangible pathways to work – are more likely to maintain trust and attract enrolments.

About the Research

The survey was conducted by KLA through the YourView Panel from 2-3 June 2025, surveying 462 South African adults aged 18+ with internet access. Quotas were placed on province and gender with a natural fall-out of representativity of student vs. parents. For more information, visit www.kla.co.za