The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) developed the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system in South Africa to expand education for those who have completed primary and secondary schooling, adults who did not complete their schooling and adults who never attended school. The DHET sees the PSET as an important part of national economic growth and one of its goals is to provide qualifications that improve the chances of employment and securing better wages. The current PSET system includes technical and vocation training institutions, community education as well as science, engineering and technology (SET) universities and colleges. 

The science, engineering and technology (SET) fields are in highest demand in the labor market. Universities under the PSET system have responded to this demand and have had the highest enrollments in SET fields. However, there still concern over the quality of education in PSET institutions and whether or not they can deliver skilled graduates. But the fact remains that having a higher level of education remains key to securing employment in South Africa.