UWC notes Minister’s announcement on 2017 Fee increases

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) notes the announcement by the Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on the proposed fee increase for 2017. We also note the intervention to subsidise the increases for students eligible for NSFAS and the ‘missing middle’ with an annual combined family income of up to R600 000.

The proposed DHET subsidisation of fee increases of up to 8% will benefit a significant proportion of our students. Given UWC’s historical commitment to providing equitable and affordable access, our student mix reflects that a significant majority of students fall within the NSFAS-eligible and the missing middle categories. We are pleased that this subsidisation will ease the financial burden for most of our students and their families.

Given the Minister’s announcement, the University will now embark on a process to engage the appropriate University structures, including student structures. This will culminate in a final decision by the University Council.

Further information will be communicated in due course.

Sincerely,
UWC Executive Management