Understanding the DHET's Recommendation for 2026 University Fees

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), South Africa's primary regulatory body for post-school education, has recently recommended a capped increase of 4.15% for tuition fees at the country's 26 public universities for the 2026 academic year. This adjustment also includes a 5.7% rise for accommodation fees. Public universities, which educate the majority of South African students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, must adhere to these guidelines to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining accessibility. The recommendation comes amid a backdrop of low inflation and ongoing efforts to balance institutional budgets with student affordability.

This move follows a structured consultative process where DHET reviews economic indicators, university financial reports, and enrolment projections before issuing directives. Universities like the Central University of Technology (CUT) have already incorporated these rates into their 2026 financial registration guidelines, signalling widespread implementation across institutions such as the University of Pretoria (UP), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and others.

The Methodology Behind the 4.15% Fee Adjustment

The fee increase is calculated using a weighted formula that blends general economic pressures with sector-specific costs. Specifically, it combines 70% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which stood at 3.7% for the relevant period, and 30% of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) at 5.2%. This results in the precise 4.15% for tuition, reflecting a nuanced approach to cover rising operational expenses like staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and digital learning tools without overburdening students.

For context, South Africa's average CPI for 2025 was a historically low 3.2%, the lowest in 21 years, providing some relief as the fee hike slightly outpaces inflation but remains moderate compared to previous years. Accommodation fees, which cover residence operations including utilities and security, receive a higher adjustment due to elevated costs in housing and maintenance. This methodology has been in place since 2020, ensuring consistency and transparency in fee setting.

How Universities Are Implementing the New Fees

Public universities are aligning their schedules with the DHET cap, though some flexibility exists for programme-specific adjustments. At CUT, the approved tuition increase is directly set at 4.15%, with minimum initial payments (MIP) for South African undergraduates at R5,260 for non-residence students, rising to R8,870 for those in residences. The University of Pretoria requires R11,000 upfront for undergraduates and R13,500 for postgraduates, exempting NSFAS-funded students from these deposits.

Average undergraduate tuition across South African public universities hovers around R50,000 to R60,000 per year for a full-time load, meaning the 4.15% rise translates to an additional R2,000–R2,500 annually for many students. Postgraduate fees vary more widely, often exceeding R70,000. Institutions like Wits and Stellenbosch University publish detailed fees books outlining programme costs, emphasising that these cover only tuition, with additional levies for residences, labs, and admin.

• Undergraduate humanities: ~R45,000–R55,000 post-increase
• Engineering/Science: ~R60,000–R80,000
• Medicine: Upwards of R100,000

International students from non-SADC countries face higher deposits, such as UP's R40,000 upfront, highlighting the subsidy public universities provide to locals.

The Critical Role of NSFAS in Mitigating Fee Impacts

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), administered under DHET, remains the lifeline for low-income students. For 2026, NSFAS fully covers tuition, accommodation (up to R71,000 in metros), books (R5,800–R6,300), living allowances (R15,000+), and transport for households earning up to R350,000 annually. Those between R350,001–R600,000 qualify for loans, with persons with disabilities up to R600,000 for bursaries.

NSFAS exemptions from MIPs at registration allow seamless entry for approved students, with upfront payments issued in February 2026 covering initial allowances. However, applications must be submitted early, as over 600,000 were approved for 2026 from millions of applicants. For career-oriented students, exploring higher education jobs post-graduation can help repay any loans, while higher ed career advice resources aid in planning.

Historical Context: From #FeesMustFall to Today's Caps

The 2026 recommendation echoes the turbulence of the #FeesMustFall protests a decade ago, sparked in 2015 by proposed 10–15% hikes amid stagnant government subsidies. Protests led to a 0% increase in 2016 and subsequent caps around 8% initially, gradually moderating as NSFAS expanded from loans to full bursaries in 2018. Between 2008–2015, fees rose 8.8% annually, far outstripping CPI, exacerbating inequality in a nation where higher education completion rates lag at under 20% for black South Africans.

Today, tuition fees constitute about 36% of university revenue, with government grants at 50%+, but rising enrolments strain resources. The current 4.15% is a compromise, lower than private school hikes of 5–8%.

Affordability Challenges and the Student Debt Crisis

Despite the modest increase, affordability persists as a barrier. Average household incomes in South Africa hover around R200,000, making self-funding rare. Student debt totals billions: R9.3 billion unpaid pre-2023, with institutions like CPUT and TUT hit hardest. In 2025, universities wrote off hundreds of millions, threatening viability as fees fund 30% of budgets.

Policies like debt acknowledgment forms and instalment plans help, but exclusion from re-registration perpetuates cycles. For 'missing middle' students (R350k–R600k households), options like university bursaries or scholarships via platforms like AcademicJobs.com are vital.

• Debt settlement: 3-month bank statements, payslips required for AoD
• Appeals: Financial Appeals Committees review cases
• Provisional registration limited to curb growth

Stakeholder Perspectives on the Fee Rise

Vice-chancellors welcome the cap for predictability, noting it covers essential costs amid subsidy shortfalls. Student organisations, wary from past protests, urge NSFAS expansion and warn of potential unrest if debt exclusions rise. Economists highlight the low inflation environment (3.6% Dec 2025) as cushioning the blow, but labour unions push for more public funding.

Experts from Universities South Africa (USAf) stress addressing root causes like underfunding, projected at R22 billion gap historically. Parents and families grapple with compounded costs including books and transport.

Implications for Access and Equity in Higher Education

The fee structure impacts equity profoundly in a country with stark disparities: only 6% of black students complete degrees vs. 30% white. Rural universities like Walter Sisulu face higher dropouts due to costs. Women and disabled students benefit from targeted NSFAS, but 'missing middle' exclusion persists.

Positive notes: Enrolment planning targets 1.2 million by 2030, with DHET's ministerial statements outlining subsidies rising to R150 billion by 2026/27. Digital tools and hybrid learning reduce some costs.

Photo by Jolame Chirwa on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Solutions and Actionable Advice

Looking ahead, increased NSFAS budgets, private partnerships, and income-contingent loans could stabilise. Students should:

• Apply for NSFAS by November 2025 deadlines
• Explore part-time university jobs or remote higher ed jobs
• Budget using tools like UP's 50/100% payment schedules for discounts
• Seek free resume templates for internships funding studies

Government commitments to free education for sub-R600k households evolve, promising hope. Platforms like Rate My Professor help choose value-for-money programmes.

In summary, while the 4.15% rise poses challenges, robust support systems position South African higher education for inclusive growth. Check higher-ed-jobs, rate-my-professor, and higher-ed-career-advice for career boosts, and university-jobs for opportunities. Post a job to support talent pipelines.