Johannesburg's university enrolment crisis: what the numbers reveal

A troubling trend has emerged in Johannesburg's higher education sector, with enrolment figures at major universities declining by an average of 12% over the past two academic years, according to analysis of institutional data obtained by The Daily Johannesburg.

The University of the Witwatersrand, which operates its primary Braamfontein campus across multiple facilities including the iconic Great Hall, reported 39,847 students in 2024, down from 42,156 in 2022. Meanwhile, the University of Johannesburg, with campuses sprawling across Auckland Park, Bunting Road, and Doornfontein, saw its headcount drop from 51,340 to 45,892 students in the same period—a decline of nearly 10.5%.

The data paints a picture of institutional strain compounded by external pressures. According to the South African Institute of Race Relations, approximately 8,400 South African university graduates emigrated in 2024, with Johannesburg accounting for roughly 34% of those departures. "We're losing both students and graduates," says one education analyst tracking the trend.

Fee increases tell another part of the story. Average annual tuition at Johannesburg's major universities has climbed from R96,500 in 2022 to R127,800 in 2026—a 32% jump that outpaces inflation. For students in Soweto, Alexandra, and other outlying townships dependent on Johannesburg's central universities, such increases prove prohibitive. Transport costs alone—averaging R1,200 monthly for commuters from Stretford, Orange Farm, or Tembisa—compound the financial burden.

Online learning has siphoned enrolments as well. Between-campus data shows that distance learning programmes grew by 26% in 2025, suggesting students are opting for flexibility over traditional classroom experience. International student numbers have also stagnated, down from 12,300 in 2022 to 11,840 in 2026, bucking global trends toward international higher education.

Faculty attrition compounds the challenge. Johannesburg universities collectively lost 847 academic staff members between 2024 and 2026, according to payroll records analysed by this publication. The University of the Witwatersrand alone saw 134 permanent academic positions unfilled by mid-2026.

The numbers underscore a sector in transition. With government funding constrained and private alternatives proliferating, Johannesburg's universities face an inflection point. Whether the city's institutions can reverse these trends through innovation, affordability measures, or strategic partnerships remains a critical question as the 2027 academic year approaches.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.