The University Application Fees Controversy Heats Up in South Africa

In early 2026, as applications for the 2027 academic year loomed, the South African Union of Students (SAUS)—representing student representative councils across public universities—launched a vocal campaign to scrap non-refundable university application fees ranging from R100 to R300. These fees, charged by most of South Africa's 26 public universities, have come under fire for erecting an early financial barrier to higher education access, particularly for learners from low-income, rural, and disadvantaged backgrounds. SAUS argues that in an era of digital applications, such costs unfairly filter out potential based on poverty rather than merit, echoing long-standing equity concerns in the post-apartheid higher education landscape.

This debate isn't new but has gained fresh urgency amid record matric pass rates and a persistent capacity crisis, where hundreds of thousands of qualified applicants face rejection annually. Student leaders highlight how even modest fees accumulate when applying to multiple institutions to hedge against slim odds, compounding challenges like data costs and limited internet in rural areas.

🚫 SAUS Leads the Charge: Demands for Abolition

Dr. Thato Masekoa, SAUS spokesperson, has been at the forefront, asserting that 'many prospective students apply to multiple institutions to improve their chances, resulting in cumulative costs families simply cannot afford.' He emphasizes the compounded burden for rural learners: limited online access, data expenses, and banking hurdles make even R100 exclusionary. Masekoa calls for complete abolition or, at minimum, automatic waivers for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)-qualifying students and those from quintile 1-3 schools—public schools in the poorest communities as classified by government funding formulas.

The South African Students' Congress (SASCO), another key voice, labels fees a 'money-making scheme' that reduces working-class applicants. National spokesperson Thuto Mashile notes empirical evidence: universities without fees see higher volumes from disadvantaged groups. Campaigns like #ApplicationFeesMustFall are trending on social media, drawing parallels to past movements. For career advice on navigating these barriers, check higher ed career advice.

Universities' Defense: Covering Essential Admin Costs

Public universities counter that fees are vital for cost recovery, not profit. They fund staff salaries, document verification, IT systems, cybersecurity, and peak-season hires like student assistants for orientation. Elijah Moholola of the University of Cape Town (UCT) explains the labor-intensive manual processing of massive volumes. Wits University's registrar Carol Crosley notes their R100 fee unchanged for seven years covers specialized skills amid 160,000+ applications for 5,800 spots.

University of Pretoria (UP) director Rikus Delport stresses: fees 'barely cover expenses' for 355,000 annual applications, with only 42,000 meeting requirements and 16,000 admitted. Institutions like University of Johannesburg (UJ) have shifted to free online applications, charging only for rare paper ones, signaling adaptation. Spokespeople universally deny fees deter applicants, citing sustained high volumes. Explore faculty positions at these institutions via higher-ed-jobs/faculty.

A Patchwork of Fees: What Universities Charge

This table illustrates the inconsistency—no national standard exists under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Fees average R100-R300 for locals, higher for internationals due to extra admin. Free-application universities prove viability, bolstering calls for uniformity.

📊 Alarming Stats: Millions in Revenue, Sky-High Rejections

• UCT: 102,182 apps for 4,000 spots (96% rejection), R10m+ revenue potential.
• Wits: 160,000+ apps, 5,800 spots (96%).
• UP: 355,000 apps, 9,000 spots (97%).
• UJ: 450,000+ applicants (870,000 choices), 11,200 spots (97.5%).

Overall, ~200,000 first-year spots vs. 500,000+ rejections in 2026 capacity crisis. With 87.3% matric passes, fees yield millions—e.g., 100,000 apps at R100 = R10m—amid youth unemployment over 60%.

Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Learners

Fees hit hardest those from quintile 1-3 schools (poorest 60%), rural areas, and NSFAS-dependent families. Cumulative costs (R500+ for 3-5 apps) deter qualified applicants, shrinking diversity and stalling transformation. Educational activist Hendrick Makaneta warns fees 'limit diversity and hamper efforts for transformation particularly in public universities.' In a nation where Black African enrolment lags (19% vs. 55% white), such barriers perpetuate inequality.

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Waivers: A Partial Safety Net?

Some relief exists: UP waives for households ≤R150,000; NWU free for SA citizens; UFS/WSU/CUT/Univen fully free. Yet, no automatic NSFAS link nationwide—applicants must prove hardship, delaying processes. SAUS pushes for universal exemptions to align with constitutional education rights. DHET site lacks policy, leaving discretion to unis.

Echoes of #FeesMustFall: Historical Roots

The 2015-2017 #FeesMustFall protests against tuition hikes spotlighted access barriers, including application fees as initial hurdles. Sparked at Wits over 10.5% increases, it spread nationally, demanding decolonization and free education. Though fees rose modestly (6%), it pressured NSFAS expansion. Today's row revives that fire, linking to stalled National Development Plan goals for 1.6m graduates by 2030.

NSFAS Overlap: Funding After the Fee Gate

NSFAS, aiding 1m+ students in 2026, requires university acceptance first—fees block entry. 49,500 rejections for 2026 due to income, but capacity rejects 500k eligible. DHET's 2026-2030 enrolment plan targets growth, but static 1.1m public spots lag demand. Scholarships offer alternatives.

Solutions on the Table: From Central Portals to Subsidies

• Centralized application portal (like KZN's CAO: one R250 fee, multiple unis).
• Government subsidies for admin via DHET.
• Automatic waivers for NSFAS/quintile 1-3.
• Refunds for rejected applicants.
• Expand free digital platforms universally.

Stakeholders like Public Servants Association back abolition. Standardization could boost enrolment from underrepresented groups, aiding research diversity. Rate professors at rate-my-professor.

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Reform Amid Capacity Crunch

With 2027 apps opening April, pressure mounts on DHET for policy. Free-fee unis show precedent; broader adoption could align with equity goals. Yet, universities warn of strains without alternatives. Solution-oriented paths—like NSFAS integration and infrastructure—offer hope for inclusive access. Discover jobs at higher-ed-jobs, university-jobs, higher-ed-career-advice, or post yours at post-a-job. Share your views below.