Tuks students protest amid tuition fees increase

The University of Pretoria (UP) will be taking disciplinary action against a small group of students who allegedly disrupted classes during a protest on Monday.

This was after the students gathered at the main campus in Hatfield to voice their frustrations about an increase in the first payment of tuition fees.

The institution said it will be enforcing disciplinary measures against those in breach of its policies as the safety of students and staff is a priority.

In a statement, UP vice-chancellor and principal professor Tawana Kupe said the increase followed lengthy discussions with all stakeholders including the student representative council (SRC) last year.

He said this is the first increase in fees since 2016 and assured students that it will still be lower than the first payment fees at most universities.

“The student leadership indicated that it understands the need for a first payment increase, although it would have liked it to be lower,” Kupe said.

“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.”

Kupe said students funded by NSFAS and other external sponsors will not be required to make the increased first payment.

He urged students who cannot make the first payment to approach NSFAS or the university for financial assistance.

“The first payment, due at registration, is part of the total annual fee and is not in addition to it,” the statement read.

“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 April 30 and the rest by July 31. There is a 2.5% discount on all payments made before April 30,” he said.

Kupe added that 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.

“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 quality education,” he said.

He said there are several measures in place to help students with financial difficulties.

ALSO READ: ANC marches to Rietgat police station

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram