At least 90% of university students – including those studying medicine – want to work abroad when they’re qualified, seeking greener pastures.
This is according to the 2022/23 Student Confidence Index conducted by the Professional Provident Society (PPS) for professionals, which focused on the major concerns of students about life after graduation and what that would mean for their career prospects.
BusinessTech reports that the survey involved more than 2 400 participants, which included undergraduates and postgraduates studying at a public or private university towards a profession-specific degree such as medicine, psychology, engineering (civil, chemical, securing and network), law, accounting and business management.
Of the participants, the survey found 78% rated crime and corruption as the topmost worrying factors about living in South Africa, with 65% citing unemployment, 66% the failing infrastructure, and 52% the cost of living/poverty and the economy.
This led to 90% of students, especially among younger black students, wanting to live and work overseas – compared with 39% recorded last year, noted the report. Most of the respondents cited a lack of local opportunities and the hope that the overseas market would allow them to gain experience in their profession.
When it comes to job prospects and the likelihood of finding employment within three to six months after finishing their degree, 53% of students felt unsure. This is slightly lower than the 2021/22 results, which showed 55% were uncertain.
Out of those who lacked confidence, 88% believed the reason was the high rate of young people without jobs, and 57% thought they were at a disadvantage because they didn’t have good connections and, at times, couldn’t access the resources needed for job applications and interviews.
The results of this report are unsurprising as many experts have warned of South Africa’s skills crisis as the country loses many of the skilled professionals it produces.
Institute for Security Studies founder Dr Jakkie Cilliers told Newzroom Afrika “the situation is terrible”.
“If we want to grow the economy, then we must attract and retain skilled people.”
Despite South Africa’s skills crisis, the PPS index also noted that 67% would consider returning from abroad to contribute to the economy, with their love for South Africa and their families after working abroad being key drivers that would motivate them to return home.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Profmed Stress Index details the mental state of South Africa’s professionals
High stress prompts nearly half of younger SA doctors to consider quitting — Philips survey
Medical groups slam Critical Skills List’s focus on importing skills
More investment in health workforce critical for future of SA – World Bank