CRUNCH TIME: Exam season — SA universities say they’re on track, but students take strain
Hit by weeks of protest disruptions and funding bottlenecks, students across South Africa are tackling high-stakes final examinations under immense pressure. While universities push forward to save the academic calendar, students battle fatigue and anxiety, prompting mental health experts to urge caution against end-of-year burnout.
As South African universities enter the final stretch of their academic year, students face intense pressure during high-stakes final examinations. Though institutions strive to keep the academic calendar on track, students grapple with fatigue and anxiety, prompting mental health experts to caution against end-of-year burnout.
At Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), a recent two-week protest has left campuses closed, yet the university maintains that the academic year remains on schedule. The institution has adjusted faculty recovery plans and is set to conduct reassessments in January, after which it will shut down residences for maintenance ahead of the 2027 cohort.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) reported smooth operations for its 15,920 students, who sat for their exams from November 5 to 23. CPUT and UJ, with approximately 123,000 students writing exams between October 22 and November 13, have also implemented various strategies to ensure examinations proceed securely.
Students, however, face different challenges. CPUT information technology student Zukisani Lale felt the impact of a mid-year strike, which disrupted exam dates. Simamkele Qoyo, a UJ second-year student, expressed feeling unprepared for exams due to his high qualifying marks making him less motivated to study. Both students emphasized the mental strain of the exam period.
Experts warn that unchecked anxiety can impair recall and hinder performance. They recommend establishing a realistic study timetable with breaks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking help before exams rather than at the eleventh hour.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
