The 23 universities in the public South African higher education system have committed themselves to facilitating increased access to higher education and to ensure that it remains affordable for most individuals and families. This commitment was shared with the Ministry of Higher Education and Training at a meeting on 7 January 2010.

Tuition fee increases across the sector for 2010 as a percentage of those in 2009 have been kept in the range 9-15% in line with inflationary pressures, as well as agreements and commitments within individual institutions as a result of internal consultation processes.

HESA is in the process of finalising guidelines aimed at assisting institution to arrive at affordable tuition fees whilst ensuring the maintenance of the quality of teaching and learning; research facilities; student support and other services; and the financial sustainability of our institutions.

We recognise the positive gesture from some of our institutions which have put in place a process to make provisions for financial assistance to academically deserving but needy students from their own operational budgets.