Having an education is one of the best tools to succeed in life. Education is often offered in a three-tier format in various countries across the world.
Basic education ensures that individuals are equipped with basic skills such as communication, numeracy and literacy. Secondary education refines these skills and develops further skills that give individuals access to a vast array of career prospects and work opportunities. Tertiary education facilitates the development of better-educated citizens and equips them to deal with new challenges and technological advances.
Tertiary education in South Africa:
Post-secondary education is key to employability in South Africa. As a country that has recently emerged from a selective education system, South Africa is still in the process of developing a highly efficient and effective education system. The inequality that resulted in under-development of black people still prevails and is likely to take a long time to reverse.
About 7% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (at least 20% of the total state expenditure) goes towards education. The country’s government strives to provide better quality education for all, so as to stimulate economic growth and empowerment of the nations’ citizens.
Research shows that only 40% of matriculants who enter the labour force after matric will find employment, which is likely to increase to about 78% if a child is a university graduate.
What are the benefits of tertiary education?
- Tertiary education yields monetary benefits and gives individuals financial freedom. This often allows individuals to improve their living standards.
- It provides status in society. Individuals with a tertiary education are often looked up to as pillars of their communities.
- High-level work positions require continuous professional development to facilitate better decision-making skills. Tertiary education equips individuals with the diligence required to keep up with the demands of continuous education.
- It makes it easier to migrate to a different country.
- It’s a major driver of economic growth.