‘University admission at 14’: Exceptional African Teen Graduates with Bachelor’s Degree at 17, Sets Record

At just 17 years old, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli has made history by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, marking an exceptional academic achievement at an age when most are only starting university.

A brilliant young African student, Mongiwa Hazel Ntuli, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, at just 17 years old — an age when most students are only beginning their university journey.

Her remarkable accomplishment has made her one of the youngest graduates in the university’s history and a source of inspiration for young people across Africa.

Early Genius and Accelerated Education

Mongiwa’s brilliance was evident from an early age. Her teachers quickly recognized her academic potential and allowed her to progress rapidly through both primary and high school.

At only 14 years old, she completed her matriculation at Kenilworth High School, earning seven distinctions, which secured her admission to the University of Pretoria to study Actuarial Science — one of the world’s most demanding and mathematically rigorous courses.

“I wanted to challenge myself,” Mongiwa explained. “Actuarial Science seemed like the perfect doorway to do that, and the University of Pretoria provided the best environment to learn and grow.”

A Historic Graduation

In 2025, Mongiwa graduated with distinction at just 17 years old, setting a record that quickly spread across social media and academic circles. Her journey inspired many young Africans to believe that age or background should never limit their potential.

However, the path was not without challenges. Being much younger than her classmates often made her feel out of place.

“Many students treated me like the little sister they never had,” she said. “There were a lot of expectations, and sometimes it was hard to live up to them.”

Despite these challenges, Mongiwa credited her mentors, lecturers, and her house mother, Zamile, for keeping her grounded and motivated.
“They constantly encouraged me to step out of my shell,” she said. “Graduating means I am stronger than I thought. It also means I can be a beacon of hope for people back home.”

A Family’s Dream Fulfilled

For Mongiwa’s family, her achievement is nothing short of life-changing. As the first university graduate in her family, she sees her success as a victory for generations to come.

“My parents finally have their much-deserved bragging rights,” she said proudly. “It has relieved a lot of pressure our family has carried for so long.”

What’s Next for Mongiwa

Now pursuing an Honours degree in Actuarial Science, Mongiwa aims to become a qualified actuary and explore opportunities in the business and financial sectors. She also plans to pursue an MBA, combining her technical expertise with business strategy to drive impactful change across Africa.

To young girls aspiring to study STEM fields, Mongiwa offers this heartfelt advice:

“If an opportunity is presented to you, take it with both hands and reach for the stars. Be teachable, stay humble, and learn how to fail forward. You don’t know everything—so be ready to receive all the knowledge and wisdom you can.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION