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South Africa Education
Studying in South Africa as an International Student?
South Africa is a rainbow nation, an African economic powerhouse
with the most
progressive democracy in the world. It boasts high quality and globally competitive education, obtainable at
a very low fees due to the low exchange rate. It also has major research centres focusing on
indigenous and advanced technologies.
South Africa is easy and it's fun. Transport, financial and communication
(including internet) services are well established, and just about everything
that can be bought in advanced economies is easily obtainable. The nightlife
is great and opportunities for
sport, travel and adventure abound.
Straddling the developed and developing worlds, South Africa features the ups
and downs of both. A sophisticated infrastructure, diverse economy and strong institutions
brush shoulders with some poverty. There is an abundance of wildlife in many national parks
(Kruger Park) are a rich cultural melting pot of African, European, Asian and
Coloured (mixed race) influences.
South Africa has a large higher education system comprising 21 universities,
l5 Technikons (Universities of Technology), 50 Teachers Training Colleges and
scores of Agricultural and Nursing Colleges.
There's also a growing private Tertiary sector, whose institutions range from
Colleges to Universities. The country's research output generated by 12 500
full time academics and a similar number of research working for research
councils, institutes and companies, is the biggest in Africa - thus competing with
the best in many developed countries.
South Africa is a fascinating place to study. Developing country challenges
and the evolving juxtaposition of traditional and modem provide a strong
higher education sector with many research opportunities.
Scientists and social researchers in South Africa are presented with an
extraordinary range of opportunities to design, test and refine solutions
to pressing social, technological and developmental problems.
For this reason, academic life in the country is far removed from the "ivory
tower" and South African academics are deeply involved with the society around them.
Many universities and Technikons have excellent facilities and research
departments and their academics are well qualified.
Students participate in exciting, undergraduate programs; quality research and development projects
across a range of fields, and research outcomes can impact directly on the
local and national scene, and have regional and global significance.
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