A global survey revealed that students want universities to skill them in entrepreneurship.
These findings were revealed by Monash South Africa at a media briefing in Rosebank.
Laureate International Universities and Monash South Africa presented a worldwide index of student attitudes on higher education.
According to the global index of student’s attitude compiled by Laureate International Universities and Zogby Analytics, SA youth are echoing their global peers, with 97 per cent voicing a need for universities to equip them in taking on educated entrepreneurial and leadership roles in society.
Monash South Africa (MSA) conducted the survey at the Ruimsig Campus.
Esther Benjamin, CEO of MSA and Africa Operations Laureate International Universities, said the survey is part of an ongoing dialogue with students to address their needs. “As a private educator, we play a critical role in grooming the future leaders and workforce of growing economies. For this reason, being agile and responsive to market needs is a priority,” she said.
The survey included responses from 23 000 Laureate students and about 4 000 non-Laureate students across 22 countries.
According to the survey, 76 per cent of South African students saw innovation as a central aspect of the university curriculum. More than 75 per cent of students believe that their course of study will give them the career skills necessary to succeed. Students are looking to be equipped for the workplace through career-orientated education, paid apprenticeships and employer-run courses. “In an increasingly competitive job market, students not only want their educators to provide them with skills, but with a reliable bridge into employment,” said Benjamin.
Benjamin said that 93 per cent of students agree that universities need to work directly with employers to ensure they teach them the skills they need to be successful.
The survey also highlighted that about 85 per cent of all students enjoy applying their skills to social and environmental causes, and 88 per cent of South African students want to empower those less fortunate, while 85 per cent were concerned with protecting the environment.
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