A growing number of South Africans are considering study abroad for a chance to emigrate
More and more South Africans are considering studying abroad. (Image: Supplied/BrandMapp)
- More and more South Africans are considering studying abroad, but more so as a ticket to leave the country.
- In a previous report, about a third of South Africans said they planned to emigrate in the next five years.
- Traditional education pathways remain the first choice, with 40% of South Africans saying they prefer UNISA and 37% vying for traditional universities.
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More and more South Africans are strongly considering studying abroad, with some wanting to fulfill an ambition; permanently leave South Africa, according to a new report.
At least 1.2 million South Africans are considering studying abroad, according to the report, which comes from a BrandMapp survey.
While typical education pathways remain the best option for most South Africans, 12% of respondents said they were considering or planning to study abroad.
“Unsurprisingly, UNISA, the pioneer of South African distance education, is a preferred option for 40% of these adults who wish to continue their studies. This is almost matched by 37% who turn to our universities and traditional colleges,” said Brandon de Kock, director of storytelling at BrandMapp.
12% of educated adults are interested in pursuing their studies abroad. (Source: BrandMapp)
A critical consideration about study abroad might be that many might use it as an opportunity to leave South Africa permanently, De Kock said.
“But what is staggering is that this percentage skyrockets to 48% of those under 25. There is no doubt that for these young people, studying abroad feels like the key to a door behind which lies a future earner of dollars or euros or yen, rather than rands in exchange for their soon to be highly skilled workforce,” said De Kock.
The report coincides with previous data from BrandMapp which showed almost a third of South Africans would like to emigrate in the next five years.
Seeking residency in other countries with better economic prospects is becoming increasingly attractive, especially for young South Africans facing stagnant growth, rising costs of living and endemic corruption.
While 1.24 million South Africans considering study abroad is a significant number, it’s no surprise, said Heidi Sulcas, editor-in-chief of University Speaking, South Africa’s guide to study abroad. the stranger.
About 12,000 South Africans are already studying abroad, according to the International Education Association of South Africa.
“I’ve seen a tremendous increase in interest over the past year in international education news,” Sulcas said.
“When I mentor learners who have come to me looking for international opportunities, the conversation starts around ‘what am I going to be when I finish my degree?’ but quickly drifts towards “becoming someone and not something” during their pursuit of higher education. The opportunity of international experience can have a marked effect on a learner if they seize the opportunity of the privilege of grow in the international context,” Sulcas said.
The survey showed that 70% of participants have some sort of higher education and said that 70% of those with higher education qualifications want to continue their studies.
70% of adults have a higher education diploma. (Source: BrandMapp)
More than 70% of graduates wish to continue their studies. (Source: BrandMapp)
The survey interviewed over 33,000 middle-class South Africans with household incomes of R10,000 and above per month. The survey represents 30% of the country’s population and 100% of the tax base.