South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has officially gazetted a groundbreaking policy that recognizes private institutions as legitimate universities. This move introduces three new classifications: Higher Education Colleges, University Colleges, and Universities — aligning South Africa’s system with global standards.
The policy aims to:
- Expand access to quality tertiary education
- Encourage innovation and competition
- Provide more options for students across the country
This recognition marks a major shift in how private institutions are viewed and regulated, potentially unlocking new funding models and academic partnerships.