SA universities rely on foreign academics while local scholars remain stuck

South Africa’s universities are increasingly turning to foreign academics to fill key teaching and research roles, while many qualified South African scholars remain unemployed, underemployed, or stuck in junior positions for years.

The trend, evident across major institutions, is raising alarm among local academics and education experts who warn that the country is failing to support and retain its intellectual talent.

A recent report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that one in five South African academics have considered leaving the country in the past five years, with many citing better working conditions and salaries abroad.

This brain drain is leaving gaps in the academic system that universities are filling with foreign lecturers and professors.

According to Universities South Africa (USAf), foreign nationals now make up more than 12% of academic staff at public universities, with higher concentrations in science, engineering, and health faculties.

While foreign academics bring valuable skills and experience, critics argue that their increasing presence reflects a deeper failure to support local scholars.

Dr Nthabiseng Molefe, a postdoctoral researcher in Gauteng, says despite earning a PhD and publishing in international journals, she has been unable to secure a permanent academic post. “I’ve been in temporary contracts for over five years,” she said. “

''Meanwhile, I see senior posts advertised and filled by people from outside the country. There’s no transparency, no support for us.” Many young South African academics say they face rigid promotion systems, limited research funding, and a lack of mentorship.

These barriers, they argue, prevent talented locals from advancing into senior roles. At the same time, some universities defend their hiring decisions, saying the departure of skilled local academics has created a staffing crisis.

“We are not turning away South Africans,” said a senior official at a KwaZulu-Natal university. “We simply don’t have enough experienced people applying for these roles. Many have gone overseas or moved into the private sector.”

Data from a 2017 study shows that as much as 40% of South African PhD graduates were working outside the country, particularly in the UK, the US, and Australia. This outflow of talent, combined with the high cost of postgraduate studies and limited job opportunities, has left many young researchers disillusioned.

Graduate unemployment also remains a concern. According to Statistics South Africa, 11.3% of graduates were unemployed in 2024. While lower than the national rate, it points to a worrying trend in a country investing heavily in higher education. Education experts say urgent reforms are needed.

These include investing more in academic careers, creating clear pathways for promotion, and offering incentives to retain skilled local academics.“It’s not about rejecting foreign scholars,” said education analyst Thabo Matlala.

“But we need to make sure that our own highly trained people aren’t left behind. We can’t afford to keep losing our best minds.”

As South Africa tries to build a competitive knowledge economy, questions are growing louder: why are local academics struggling to find their place at home, and what must be done to change that?