DESPITE completing and celebrating the results after their big final examination last week, the Class of 2014 have another hurdle to overcome- finding acceptance at a tertiary institution.
Local tertiary institutions have had an influx of applications, a number far greater than they can accommodate leaving students desperate and nervous about their future.
Lesiba Seshoka, spokesperson for the University of KwaZulu-Natal said UKZN had received more than 90 000 applications for the 8 400 available spaces in the undergraduate academic programmes.
“Admission is therefore highly competitive. On-line registration commenced on 6 January 2015 and students are encouraged to register online. On campus registration will take place from the 2 to 7 February 2015. Lectures will commence on 9 February 2015,” she added.
Meanwhile the Durban University of Technology faces the same dilemma. Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Registrar at DUT said the Durban University has approximately 7200 spaces available for first year students in 2015.
“DUT has received 81518 applications for first year study, which is more than the previous year’s (2013/14) applications,” she said.
Despite the huge gap between what they can accept and the number of students looking for places for tertiary study, Meyiwa reminded the public that DUT does not accept walk-ins for registration as the University has made student pre-selections. “We will only consider accepting late applications if space allows us to do so,” she said.
This has come as a shock to the thousands of bright eyed matriculants who received their Bachelor's Pass with high expectations of receiving reputable tertiary education.
Overport matriculant Nabila Hoomer, rushed to DUT after receiving negative feedback from UKZN. “Its been very stressful, just last week we were excited about our matric results and now its a worry about where we are going to be accepted to study,” she said. The youngster had her heart set on studying Audiology but since she was unsuccessful, she is hoping to get into Dental Technology or Human Resources.
VOX
Sihle Mthuli (17) : “I'm disappointed, was really hoping to get in at DUT to study Financial Management, unfortunately they said I don't meet the requirements with my Bachelor's Pass, but I won't give up, will have to try a bridging course.”
Latoya Nkuna and Lizwe Mkhulisi student volunteer orientation helpers : “Its nice to help the students because you can see how eager they are to come learn here. Early in the morning they are here in numbers before the gates open determined to study here.they are clueless some of them expect to see the lecturers and principal!”
Mkhosi Lovukuza (18): “I'm very nervous because I've got all my forms ready but I couldn't make it for the Journalism interview. I'm just hoping for the best that I do get a place.”
Samkelisiwe Jula (19) : “I'm not sure if I've been accepted yet but I have all my documents in order so hoping for the registration process to go smoothly.”
Zama Jula (18) : “I'm still stressing about what to study, it is nerve wracking! Initially I chose Nursing but now I'm not so sure!”
Clement Shozi (21) : “I'm just waiting and wishing for the best so they accept me to study to become a Dental Assistant.” and Mthobisi Mnikathi (19) : “The registration has been good so far, I've finished all my forms so holding thumbs, they are very helpful. All I want to do is study Drama at DUT.”
