No fee increase in 2017 for poor and 'missing middle' UP students

The University of Pretoria (UP) recognises the financial sacrifices many South African families make in order to send students to university and is committed to closing the funding gap for poor students.

After consultation, the decisions made by the UP Council regarding fees for 2017 are as follows:

• For all UP students who have NSFAS funding, and all UP students whose annual family income is less than R600 000 a year, there will be no fee increase (0%) for next year, including for accommodation in University residences.

• For students whose annual family income is less than R600 000, and students qualifying for NSFAS funding, who were registered in 2016 and who meet the academic progression requirements, there will be no initial fee upon registration.

• Students who are able to submit proof of an approved bursary or loan sponsorship will also not pay an initial fee on registration.

• For students whose annual family income is above the R 600 000 threshold, tuition and accommodation fees will increase by 8%, in line with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande's, recommendations, and only these students will be required to pay the initial tuition fee upon registration.

• All students in need of financial assistance are advised to refer to: http://www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding or email: [email protected].