Shock at hike in tuition fees at Stellenbosch

STELLENBOSCH University students have rejected the institution’s eight percent increase in tuition fees and 10 percent hike in accommodation fees, saying the institution has been arrogant towards their demands.

Students have reacted with shock at the university announcement following its council meeting earlier this week. They say the move meant that thousands of students would not be able to register for next year.

This despite Stellenbosch University saying students from families with a household income of less than R600 000 a year will pay the same tuition and accommodation fees next year as in 2015 and this year.

In a statement, the university said its council expressed its reluctance to increase tuition and accommodation fees, but added that it had no other option as its governance and oversight role determined the long-term financial sustainability of the institution was of paramount importance.

Due to the announced top-up state funding and its accommodation bursaries, students in that income bracket would not have increases in and accommodation fees.

Stellenbosch University honours student Simone Cupido said they were left confused by the announcement because they were not consulted and did not know how the university would determine a household’s income.

“The university has been extremely arrogant. They waited until the climax on campus was subdued before making this announcement. Most of us are in shock,” Cupido said.

A Stellenbosch University student and a FeesMustFall member, who spoke on anonymity, said: “It means we students will not be able to study next year as they cannot afford the fees. They (fees) are already high, so I would not say it’s a relief because most of us are battling to pay. We were not even consulted.”

The university said the hike in accommodation fees was necessitated by its decision to follow a policy of viable sourcing after protest in 2015.

Stellenbosch University council chairperson George Steyn said the university would explore all avenues to ensure academically deserving students did not miss out on study opportunities based on socio-economic background.