The Growing Debate Over International Students in South Africa’s Education System
In 2025, South Africa’s education system found itself at the center of a fierce debate after Minister of Basic Education, Guarab, revealed that over 250,000 international students were enrolled in the country’s state schools.

Alongside them were 3,240 international teachers filling positions not classified as critical skills, which has sparked significant concern about the impact on domestic students and educators.

With the system already under strain due to overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, this new revelation is raising difficult questions about the allocation of resources and whether South African students are being sidelined in favor of international interests.

This data was released at a time when many South African parents are struggling to secure spots for their children in schools, especially in urban areas where space is limited.

Guarab acknowledged these pressures, pointing out that while South Africa has a law guaranteeing access to education for all children, the government is working on strategies to prioritize national students.

The goal is to ensure that the system supports all youth, but with a focus on protecting the interests of South African families.

The Issue of International Students and Teachers
Guarab’s report outlined that Gauteng province, South Africa’s economic hub, had the highest number of international students.

Other provinces such as Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal also saw large numbers of international enrollees, typically in metropolitan areas with better employment opportunities.

Students from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho make up a significant portion of this international student population.

South Africa’s laws ensure that every child, regardless of nationality, has the right to basic education, and this includes children from neighboring countries.

However, the presence of international teachers in non-essential roles is raising eyebrows, especially considering the high unemployment rate among qualified South African educators.

In 2025, these international teachers filled roles in areas like mathematics and biology, but many were also placed in general educational roles, where qualified South African talent could easily have filled the gaps.

The presence of international staff is, for some, a sign of globalization and a multicultural society, but it also brings to the forefront the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in balancing the needs of its citizens with international pressures.

The lack of space in schools and classrooms is only exacerbated by the influx of international students, creating a volatile mix of cultural and linguistic challenges that impact students from both local and foreign backgrounds.

Overcrowded Schools and Funding Issues
The data from Guarab highlights the issue of overcrowding in schools across the country.

Many schools are operating at full capacity, with teacher-to-student ratios exceeding 35:1 in some areas, making it increasingly difficult for educators to give individual attention to students.

Additionally, there are reports of linguistic challenges in classrooms, with international students needing extra support to adapt to the curriculum.

Guarab’s briefing comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with urgent questions about the equitable distribution of educational resources.

Many parents argue that the focus should be on providing education to South African children before accommodating international students, especially when so many locals still struggle to secure spots in schools.

In some areas, thousands of South African children were left without places to attend at the start of the 2026 school year, leading to protests from frustrated families.

To address these challenges, Guarab has proposed adjustments to the country’s enrollment policies, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines that prioritize South African youth while continuing to honor the country’s commitment to international students.

This will require more funding, improved infrastructure, and a balanced approach to school admissions to ensure that both domestic and international children can thrive without one group suffering at the expense of the other.

International Students in Frontier Areas and the Role of Schools

The situation is particularly concerning in frontier regions like Limpopo, where many international students are reportedly from undocumented families.

This creates complications in the enrollment process, especially as schools work to meet the requirements of the national education system.

Guarab has acknowledged that while the policy of no student being ignored is vital, it must be balanced with the practical realities of resource limitations and the growing number of international enrollees.

To address the strain on the system, the Department of Basic Education has allocated over 20 billion rand for school building projects in the 2026 fiscal plan.

Additionally, there are plans to improve linguistic training for educators and to partner with international organizations to help address the unique challenges faced by students from different cultural backgrounds.

The Push for Reform and the Importance of Education for All
While the South African government has made strides to address these issues, there are still calls from civil liberties groups to ensure that international students are treated equitably and that no bias is introduced into the system.

These groups argue that education is a fundamental human right for all children, regardless of their country of origin, and that policies limiting international enrollment could inadvertently harm vulnerable populations.

At the same time, teacher unions have called for more hiring and better conditions for South African educators, arguing that the hiring of international teachers in non-essential roles takes away job opportunities from domestic talent.

These unions also express concern about the increased pressure on schools to accommodate students who may require additional linguistic support, as this further drains resources and stretches the capacity of the system.

Moving Toward a More Equitable System
Looking ahead, the focus will need to be on improving the education system’s capacity to manage both domestic and international students effectively.

Strategies to improve teacher recruitment, invest in new infrastructure, and provide additional support for international students will be essential in ensuring that the system remains fair and inclusive.

However, as the number of international students continues to grow, it’s clear that South Africa’s educational system needs to find a sustainable balance between global and national demands.

To that end, the government’s efforts to reform the enrollment process and prioritize domestic students while still honoring the rights of international children will likely be a defining issue in the years to come.

Minister Guarab’s report has sparked an important conversation about the future of education in South Africa.

With over 250,000 international students registered in the country’s state schools, it’s clear that the education system is under significant pressure.

As the government works to find solutions that will support both domestic and international students, it’s essential that they balance the needs of all learners without compromising the quality of education.