CAPE TWON: has on Friday announced an 8% fee increase for the 2018 academic year, adding that students coming from households with incomes below R600 000 per year will largely be protected.
On top of the 8% hike, catering and residence costs are also expected to go up by 12% and 10% respectively. The residence fee increases are meant to cover the costs of expanding residence capacity, while the cost of catering in residences increased due to in sourcing and the increased cost of labour.
The decision was made by the university’s council on December 9, but according to a statement, the institution was waiting for clarity on a funding policy from the Department of Higher Education and Training before making the final announcement. President Jacob Zuma announced fee-free education for students ahead of the ANC’s 54 th elective conference, but he failed to elaborate on a detailed plan of implementation. UCT’s fee announcement comes after an initial proposal which was made public in November, which saw protests break out on the campus with students attempting to pressure Zuma to release the fees report and recommendations made by the Heher Commission.
