The University of Pretoria is acutely aware of the financial challenges facing its students and parents as a result of COVID-19 and is closely monitoring all developments. At this stage, the safety of students and staff is our priority, and we are currently doing everything we can to ensure their safe return. While only a small portion of students were allowed to return under the current lockdown measures, the University will continue to offer its courses online for the first semester. It is possible that this may continue into the 2021 calendar year but it is too early to say and will depend on government’s decision regarding the easing of the lockdown measures. The provision of online classes brings its own challenges, including incurring additional expenses.

The University provides accommodation, some of which are leased, to almost 10 000 students. The University has paid all lease rentals in the case of private accredited accommodation during the lockdown period and is currently negotiating with the relevant service providers regarding possible rental relief.

The University has already announced the extension of the payment of student accounts to end September. If students have been negatively affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic and they feel constrained by the financial burden, we suggest that they contact the University by sending an email to [email protected] to make financial arrangements. We will do everything we can to support you.

As soon as negotiations with service providers have been finalised and the University has clear timeframes regarding the conclusion of the 2020 academic calendar, a decision on fee rebates will be taken.  Any sectoral agreements regarding rebates will be taken into consideration.

Professor Carolina Koornhof 

Executive Director: Finance