South African universities announce 2017 fee increases

In September, higher education and training minister, Blade Nzimade, announced that tuition fee increases for 2017 would be left to the discretion of South African universities, but would be capped at 8%. He stated these increases would not be applicable to students qualifying for funding under the National Financial Aid Schemes (NFSAS), as well as the so-called missing middle. We take a look at South African universities that have come forward with their tuition fee increases for the New Year.

The University of Witwatersrand

The Council of the University of the Witwatersrand has confirmed that the University will be increasing fees for the 2017 academic year by an average of 8% for tuition and residence fees. An 8% increase is also applicable for international student fees. The only exception is for postgraduate programmes run in the Wits School of Governance, where tuition fees will increase by 9.5%. These increases are in line with the recommendations made by the state in September this year.

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University has officially announced an 8% tuition fee increase for the next year along with a 10% hike for on-campus accommodation. The institution stated that in line with the government’s orders, students from families who earn less than R600, 000 a year will be exempt from the increase.

University of South Africa (UNISA)

UNISA will increase its fees by 6% for the 2017 academic year. For undergraduates, there will be differentiated increase ranging from R40 to R80 per module. Honours students will pay R200, up from R65 per module. Postgraduate students who choose to receive materials electronically will receive a further five percent to a 10 percent discount.  UNISA council has also budgeted R99 million financial supports for registered South African students who do not qualify for NSFAS funding.

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

The Tshwane University of Technology has announced a no fee hike for the 2017 academic year. Both students and management have signed a memorandum of agreement that the academic programme would continue peacefully.  “The university and the intuitional SRC yesterday also signed a memorandum of agreement to confirm that no student will pay any fee adjustment next year. They also agree that financially needy and academically deserving students will not be excluded based on historic debt."

2017 Fees that have yet to be announced

The University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town’s fees for 2017 will be determined when the university Council meets on Saturday, 10 December. An announcement will be made after the meeting.

The following top performing universities in South Africa (according to BRICS) have yet to announce fees for 2017:

• University of Pretoria
• University of Johannesburg
• Rhodes University
• University of Kwazulu-Natal
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Free State
• North-West University
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University