Higher Education
Fortunately, many of these students will still be able to access private higher education. However, before registering, they must carefully scrutinise all their options – particularly an institution’ s ability to deliver a robust academic journey without compromising the student or campus experience.
Dr Linda Meyer, Managing Director of The Independent Institute of Education( IIE), whose flagship institutions include Rosebank College( South Africa), Oxbridge Academy( South Africa) and Rosebank International University College( Ghana) and are all part of ADvTECH – says that while the private sector is expanding access to higher education, prospective students need to do their homework before committing their time and money.
“ You need to be checking for industry-aligned qualifications, innovative teaching, and an unwavering focus on employability on the part of the institution,” she says.
She advises students to investigate the following when comparing institutions of higher education:
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Industry-aligned qualifications:
Whether you are interested in a higher certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate qualification, you must check that qualifications on offer have been developed in collaboration with industry experts. This will ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge that will set you apart and that you have the skills employers value most, instead of just academic knowledge that might be outdated by the time you graduate and out of sync with what is required in today’ s workplace.
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International recognition:
It is vital for an institution of higher education to demonstrate that their qualifications are nationally and internationally benchmarked and accredited, to ensure you are able to build your future locally or abroad, and that no opportunities will be closed to you because a qualification doesn’ t have the necessary recognition.
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Practical learning for real-world readiness:
Ask the institution’ s student advisor how they are ensuring that theory meets practice, and that the education they offer goes beyond lectures and textbooks. Every programme should use practical learning, case studies, projects, and simulations that mirror real-world challenges. If the answer satisfies you that this is indeed the case, you can be sure that you’ ll be acquiring problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that will prepare you to excel in real-world scenarios.
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The campus and student experience:
If you are going to be attending in-person classes on campus, visit the campus beforehand to get the“ feel” of the environment. Look out for wellequipped, interactive learning spaces, on-campus career centres, and modern facilities designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
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A thriving alumni network:
One impossible-to-fake measure of the quality and track record of an institution is its alumni network. Ask the institution for more information about their alumni network and the success of its past students in South Africa and beyond. Becoming part of an institution of higher education with a solid alumni network means that you will also be able to join a cohort of achievers who inspire and uplift one another.
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Employability support:
As a future student and alumnus, will your institution be providing support beyond academics – including career services and alumni programmes that prepare you for work readiness and career success? Excellent institutions of higher education must be able to provide proof that they go above and beyond to support their students in the job search and placement process.
Beyond academics, look at the amenities and aesthetics of the institution. Will it be pleasant to attend? Do they offer studentdriven events? Do you have the option to join various clubs and societies? Whether you are studying on campus or online, you need to be confident that you will be part of an inclusive, active, and inspiring network that enhances your college experience and helps you build lifelong friendships and professional connections.
“ Public and private institutions of higher education, including universities, are all subject to exactly the same oversight and quality control by the authorities, so you can be confident that your higher education experience, particularly your academic experience, will be comparable,” Dr Meyer explains.
“ The key to ensuring that you get the best academic quality and student experience is to investigate all your options and make sure that your higher education institution of choice ticks all the boxes.” www. futuresa. co. za 57