What is the graduation rate in South Africa?

South Africa's graduation rates vary significantly by education level, with recent reports showing around 88% for matric (Grade 12) (2025 results) but much lower tertiary rates, averaging around 17-25% for undergraduates, though higher at some universities like Stellenbosch (54%) or Rhodes (42%). A major challenge remains a high school dropout rate, with roughly 40% of Grade 1 entrants not finishing matric, leading to lower overall attainment despite improving pass percentages.

What is the high school graduation rate in South Africa?

Between the years 2015 to 2022, the percentage rate of individuals aged 20 years and older in South Africa who have attained 12th grade has generally been increasing from 28.3 percent to 34.6 percent.

What is the pass rate in South Africa?

Government congratulates the Class of 2025 on achieving an exceptional National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate of 88 %, marking the highest pass rate in the country. Notably, KwaZulu-Natal topped the rankings with a pass rate of 90.6%, with all other provinces performing at over 80%.

What percentage of South Africa has a degree?

In 2023, about 6.0% of South Africans aged 25–64 years had a diploma as their HLEA, while 7.3% of this age group had a degree as their HLEA.

Which country has no 1 in education?

Top 20 Best Education Systems in the World

1. The United States. Ranking: 1. School Life Expectancy: 16.5 years. ...
2. United Kingdom. Ranking: 2. School Life Expectancy: 17.1 years. ...
3. Germany. Ranking: 3. School Life Expectancy: 17.1 years. ...
4. Canada. Ranking: 4. ...
5. France. Ranking: 5. ...
6. Switzerland. Ranking: 6. ...
7. Japan. Ranking: 7. ...
8. Australia. Ranking: 8.

Higher Education | Concerns over rate of University graduates

Is South Africa's education system good?

South Africa has one of the most unequal school systems in the world. Children in the top 200 schools achieve more distinctions in mathematics than children in the next 6,600 schools combined. The gap in test scores between the top 20% of schools and the other 80% is wider than any other country in the world.

What is the dropout rate in South Africa?

Every child deserves a fair chance to complete their education. Yet, in South Africa, around 40% of learners who start Grade 1 will drop out before completing matric. This staggering reality has long-term consequences—not just for individuals but for the country's economic and social development.

Which gender is more educated in South Africa?

South African women more educated than men, but more likely to be unemployed and looking for work. About nine out of 10 South African women (89%) and men (88%) have attended secondary school, and more women than men have gone on to post-secondary education (41% vs. 31%) (Figure 1).

Is grade 11 difficult in South Africa?

Work towards your matric qualification by completing Grade 11 online. Grade 11 is often considered the most challenging high school year. Not only is the volume of work immense, but many learners consider applying to tertiary institutions which rely largely on good Grade 11 results, and this adds to the pressure.

What level is 80% in South Africa?

Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement). Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement). Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial achievement). Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement).

What is Grade 12 called in South Africa?

South Africa has only one Grade 12 or 'matric' qualification, namely the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

What is the graduation rate for America?

In school year 2021–22, the U.S. average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students was 87 percent, 7 percentage points higher than a decade earlier.

What is the richest school in SA?

Leading the pack is Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, which has cemented its position as the country's most expensive school.

Which career is most wanted in South Africa?

Software developer returned to the top of the list of the most demanding jobs in South Africa in October for the first time in three and a half years. Between 2018 and March 2022, Software Developer was the most in-demand job role in South Africa every month.

What is the no. 1 toughest degree in the world?

Medical is usually regarded as the hardest major because of the vast scope of its curriculum, lengthy time frame, and significant stakes in life-or-death decisions. It requires a rigorous education in the classroom, as well as practical training as well as emotional resilience.

What's the coldest it gets in South Africa?

The coldest place in South Africa

This humble sheep-farming region in the Stormberg Mountains holds the dubious honour of having recorded the lowest official temperature in South Africa – a bitterly cold -20.1°C, back in August 2013.

What is the biggest problem in South African schools?

Key Challenges

• Inequality and Access. Many schools in rural and impoverished areas lack basic infrastructure, such as clean water, electricity, and sanitation. ...
• Quality of Education. ...
• Dropout Rates. ...
• Infrastructure and Resources.

What is the US dropout rate?

The overall status dropout rate decreased from 7.0 percent in 2012 to 5.3 percent in 2022.

What country is #1 in education?

There's no single "No. 1" country, as rankings vary by focus (e.g., higher ed, PISA scores), but the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany consistently rank top for overall education and research by sources like U.S. News & World Report, while countries like Finland, Singapore, and Japan often lead in student performance (PISA) and specific areas like STEM, highlighting different strengths in education systems globally. 

What is the #1 cause of death in Africa?

The leading causes of death in Africa are shifting but remain dominated by infectious diseases like lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and HIV/AIDS, especially in younger populations, while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases and stroke are rapidly increasing, becoming major killers. While infectious diseases are historically dominant, NCDs now account for a significant and growing share of deaths, with Neonatal conditions also prominent. 

Is South Africa a good country?

South Africa has just been ranked the fourth-best country in the world in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, and the world is taking notice.