Dear Students and Staff,

Yesterday, a small group of students disrupted a few classes on the University’s main campus in Hatfield. This is unacceptable, and we are taking steps against those in breach of our institution’s policies and who have made themselves guilty of misconduct. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our priority.

It seems the disruptions flowed from an attempt by a few members of the UP Student Representative Council (SRC) to hold a “mass” meeting regarding the increase in the first payment of tuition fees, which was recently announced.

The increase of the first payment of tuition fees from next year followed lengthy and detailed discussions with all stakeholders last year, including the SRC. This is the first increase since 2016 and still means that the first payment will be lower than at most other universities.

The student leadership indicated that it understands the need for a first payment increase, although it would have liked it to be lower. Please see the response regarding the SRC’s concerns attached.

The University held off increasing fees earlier because of the financial hardship of students and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the financial situation of the university has meant that an increase can regrettably no longer be put off.

The increase will not affect all students. Those students who are funded by the NSFAS and those who are funded by external sponsors will not be required to make the increased first payment.  Furthermore, students who cannot make the first payment should approach the NSFAS or the university itself for financial assistance.

The first payment, due at registration, is part of the total annual fee and is NOT in addition to it.

Next year, the first payment of tuition fees for undergraduate students will increase from R5 000 to R7 500 and for post-graduate students from R7 500 to R10 000.

The second payment of 50% of the total fee is payable on 30 April and the rest by 31 July. There is a 2.5% discount on all payments made before 30 April.

International undergraduate students will be required to pay R40 000 as a first payment, while international postgraduate students will be required to pay 50% of the total 2023 fee.

While an increase of this nature is never easy, all other available alternatives were carefully considered, and we were left with no other option. Not only is this in the interest of the University’s financial sustainability, but it is also part of our continuing efforts to ensure we provide all our students with a quality education.

We have several financial support measures in place to assist students who experience financial difficulties and will do everything we can to help them. The success of our students remains paramount.

Kind regards,

Prof Tawana Kupe

Vice-Chancellor and Principal