Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

University Students

latest news & developments
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme received a record 893 487 applications for the 2026 academic year
ACADEMIC YEAR 2026

NSFAS receives nearly 900 000 applications, with women making up 66%

The student financial aid scheme said its appeals process would be open until 14 January

  • Nkateko Joseph Mabasa
3 min read
(Twitter: News 24)
CORONAVIRUS

Five KZN campuses closed after prospective students ‘invade’

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) on Wednesday closed its five KwaZulu-Natal campuses until further notice after scores of prospective students descended on its main…

  • Bongekile Macupe
3 min read
The number of enrolments at universities increased by 40% in 12 years and, on average, white students performed better than black, coloured and Indian first-time undergraduates. (John McCann/M&G)
EDUCATION GAP

More black students at university, but still starting at a disadvantage

The headcount of black students at all universities stood at 84.8% in 2017 compared with 14.3% of white students. In 2005 black students comprised 74.5% of the university…

  • Bongekile Macupe
2 min read
In November 2012 Chumlong Lemtongthai was sentenced to 40 years behind bars after he confessed to ordering as many as 50 rhinos for hunting, and actively participating in the illegal killing of at least 26. (Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters)
MOKUBUNG NKOMO 1

Study reveals a home away from home

The research is a rare look into international students’ experiences at a local university

  • Mokubung Nkomo 1
3 min read
Hours after falling into a pit latrine, Michael Komape’s mother still desperately hoping he could be rescued alive, had to sit, looking at the little hand, waiting for social services to come. (Elijar Mushiana/Gallo Images/Sowetan)
DISABLED PEOPLE

Universities’ inclusion of disabled students is limited

Universities must move beyond measuring inclusion based only on the number of students with disabilities they have enrolled each year.

  • Oliver Mutanga
3 min read
BLADE NZIMANDE

Poor students owe government billions

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has to date recovered just over a quarter of the R12-billion it has loaned to poor student.

  • Staff Reporter
3 min read
HOMOSEXUALITY

Higher education’s sexuality stumbling blocks

Positive images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual students in university brochures and on websites influence students’ choice of institution.

  • Diane Spencer
2 min read