13 April 2023
Liam van Rooyen recently completed a four-year BSc in Health Sciences MAGNA CUM LAUDE at the University of the People, an accredited, online, American university.
“Magna cum laude” refers to a university degree achieved with great distinction.
In Liam’s first year, he was on the Dean’s list. He achieved an average of 95% for the year. The Dean’s List is published annually by most universities to recognise excellence in academic achievement for those students enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme.
“His parents are beyond proud.” His mother wrote: “Coming from having done his GED, he just owned his studies. We never once had to keep tabs that assignments are in on time and that his studies were being taken seriously, he was on top of it all at all times.”
Liam attended a private school until grade 7, then switched to a Waldorf school before completing a few Cambridge ICGSE exams. At age 17, he switched to the GED and graduated easily. In a video interview he commented that there were “no hiccups” in the process of applying to the University of the People with a GED alone. He also added that moving from the online GED prep course to studying online with the University of the People “was seamless”.
For a long time he wasn’t sure where he’d end up in the world but, referring to the GED, he said that the opportunity it has afforded him to study was “worth its weight in gold.”
Now that he has completed his degree, Liam is working at a Cryo Lab in South Africa.
Update 16 August 2025:
Liam continues to soar in his academic achievement, demonstrating the calibre of student that he is!
Liam has completed an MBA – Summa Cum Laude (98.2%), which he achieved concurrently to his
Stryker, MAKO Orthopaedic Robotics Specialist, qualification.
BSc Health Sciences – Magna Cum Laude
MBA – Summa Cum Laude
Magna cum laude meaning “with great praise”, typically awarded to graduates in the top 5%, 10%, or 15% of their class, depending on the institution.
Summa cum laude meaning “with highest praise”, is typically awarded to graduates in the top 1%, 2%, or 5% of their class, depending on the institution.
GED Success Story: From GED Graduate to Orthopaedic Robotics Specialist
Today, Liam works for Stryker, using world-class robotic technology to assist surgeons — a career that combines his academic excellence and passion for healthcare innovation.
Liam has a powerful message to share with all GED students. In this short video interview, he shares his story, from being a scholar diagnosed and medicated because of learning challenges, a GED student feeling overwhelmed and unsure of his career direction to exceptional success.
His story is a powerful reminder that the GED is more than just an alternative to school — it can be the gateway to top-level university study and a personally rewarding and purpose-filled career.
Is the University of the People legit?
“The University of Cape Town’s Vice-chancellor, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, serves on the President’s Council of the University of the People, together with Presidents and Vice Chancellors coming from the best universities in the world. ‘I am very proud of the quality of UoPeople and its achievements to date. The university is building a great model that can solve Africa’s higher education crisis, lack of seats and, in many cases, lack of quality,’ said Phakeng.
The University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognised by the US Department of Education. The DEAC is also recognised by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Is the University of the People recognised in South Africa?
On social media, the question was asked whether the University of the People is recognised in South Africa.
In South Africa, it is recognised as a legitimate foreign university and SAQA (the South African Qualifications Authority) has recognised the degrees that students have earned at the University of the People.
Founded on the belief that higher education is a human right, University of the People is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited online university. The university is dedicated to providing access to higher education globally to help qualified high school graduates overcome the financial, geographic, political and personal constraints keeping them from university studies. In 2021, University of the People’s total enrolment grew by 107% making it the fastest-growing online university in the world.
“UoPeople’s flexibility and affordability is ideal for middle-class with household incomes between R120,000-600,000 per annum. While traditional on-campus bachelor’s degrees can cost approximately R150,000, a bachelor’s degree from UoPeople will cost roughly R69,000 – reducing the total cost by more than 50%.” (Source: University of the People increases its Focus on South Africa – published in 2021)
Click here for more information about options and pathways to study at university with a GED.
Liam’s GED success magna cum laude is just one of a growing number of GED Success Stories. We’d love to help you become one of them!
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