As financial pressures mount on higher education institutions across South Africa, donor funding remains an essential pillar of sustainability at the University of Pretoria (UP), helping to ensure the University can continue to provide world-class education, while supporting students in need.

Josiah Mavundla, Senior Manager for Advancement and Databases at UP’s Department of Institutional Advancement, explained that the University cannot solely rely on government subsidies and student tuition fees, which are insufficient to cover operational costs.

“Donor funding is essential for bridging the gap,” he said. This income stream, referred to as a ‘third-income stream’, not only supports UP’s overall financial sustainability but also enables targeted assistance for students, particularly those in the ‘missing middle’. These are students who do not qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding but also cannot afford university fees.

Mavundla said that 50% of current UP students receive some form of financial assistance, ranging from full bursaries to partial scholarships. About 5% of the total bursaries raised are managed by the University directly – a significant contribution made possible by external donors and partners.

“Philanthropic support is vital for helping us address the financial needs of students while also funding strategic University projects,” he said.

Meeting students’ needs

One of the challenges in delivering financial aid effectively is ensuring that students are aware of available funding opportunities and feel encouraged to apply.

“Sometimes students don’t apply due to stigma or a lack of awareness,” Gugu Ihenacho, UP’s Senior Manager for Financial Aid, explained. “We often encounter situations where funding is available but we struggle to match donors with eligible students due to application gaps.”

This gap is particularly concerning in the case of ‘missing middle’ students, who often find themselves excluded from funding opportunities despite being unable to afford tuition.

“The most important thing is for students to apply for financial aid,” Ihenacho stressed. “It allows us to identify those in need and match them with funding opportunities that meet their criteria.”

She also noted the importance of applying in time and carefully completing applications, as donor funding often has specific requirements. “Some funding requires means testing or additional documentation, and without that we can’t present students to donors for consideration.”

Students can apply through the UP student portal, and more information is available on the Financial Aid page.

Beyond financial aid

While donor contributions often focus on essentials such as tuition, accommodation and living expenses, Mavundla further highlighted the importance of providing wraparound support to students. This includes mental health services, academic mentoring and psychosocial assistance – resources that can make or break a student’s academic journey.

“Funding is not just about covering fees; students also need mental health support and academic guidance to succeed,” Mavundla explained. “Without these, many struggle to complete their studies, even with financial aid.”

He added that several donors already make provision for these services, and the University is encouraging more donors to follow suit.

“These initiatives help students navigate campus life and achieve academic success while also addressing challenges that may arise outside the classroom. This approach ensures that students not only gain access to higher education but are also supported as needed throughout their journey until they graduate,” Mavundla said.

Tackling student debt

Another critical area of focus for donor funding is addressing the issue of student debt. Many students who perform well academically are unable to graduate or continue their studies due to outstanding fees from previous years. This creates barriers to employment, as students cannot receive their degree certificates.

“Student debt is a significant issue – we need donors to help alleviate this burden so students can graduate and access the opportunities they’ve worked hard for,” Ihenacho said. “Clearing debt not only allows graduates to compete in the job market but also enables them to contribute to their communities and pursue further studies. It’s an investment with ripple effects far beyond the individual student.”

A call to donors

Mavundla said helping students is a collective effort. “Investing in a student is not just about changing one life; it’s about uplifting families, communities, and ultimately, society.”

The University’s message to potential donors is that financial aid is about more than just funding education.

“It’s about creating opportunities for students who might otherwise be excluded from higher education,” Mavundla said. “It’s about providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed, and ensuring they are empowered to make a meaningful impact on society. We want current and potential donors to know that every contribution counts, no matter how small. By partnering with us, we can ensure that no deserving student is left behind.”