Fee-free education not a panacea to higher education challenges

The Challenge of Funding Fee-Free Education

Since the announcement of fee-free education by former President Zuma in December 2017, many people and organisations in the Post School Education and Training (PSET) system have grappled with the practicalities of “adequately” funding students. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) currently finds itself dealing with a new wave of student protests linked to issues such as historic debt, registration, tuition, meal allowances and accommodation.

The Scale of the Funding Gap

As stakeholders reflect on sustainable funding models, it becomes clear that the financial burden is immense. Historic student debt stood at R9 billion when #FeesMustFall began, with NSFAS loan books at R29 billion. It is estimated that R60 billion is required to fully fund students from poor and “missing middle” households, highlighting the need for alternative funding models beyond government subsidies.

Funding Alone Is Not Enough

Funding alone is not the panacea and does not guarantee improved success rates across universities, TVET and CET colleges. The broader challenge lies in ensuring that financial support is complemented by systems that enable student success.

Strengthening NSFAS and Student Support Systems

The first critical issue is the need for a functional and effective NSFAS. Innovations such as the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) demonstrate the importance of “wraparound support” including academic, social, psychosocial and mentoring assistance. These elements significantly improve student outcomes but are not fully incorporated into current funding models.

The Importance of Mentorship and Retention Support

Another key lesson is the importance of supplementing academic support with mentoring, coaching and structured orientation programmes. High dropout rates—particularly in first year—highlight the need for comprehensive support systems that go beyond financial aid to ensure student retention and success.

Addressing Historic Debt Through Shared Responsibility

The second major issue is historic debt, which prevents many students from graduating. This challenge requires a collaborative solution involving universities, government, corporates and students. Potential approaches include partial debt write-offs, shared financial contributions and policy mechanisms to incentivise sustainable solutions.

Expanding Postgraduate Funding and Systemic Solutions

The final key issue is postgraduate support. Limited funding from institutions like the National Research Foundation leaves significant gaps, particularly affecting the development of future academics. A coordinated approach to funding postgraduate education, alongside broader systemic reforms and partnerships, is essential. Fee-free education alone cannot address these challenges—what is needed is a multi-stakeholder effort to ensure long-term sustainability and impact in the PSET system.