Information on student fees, registration 2017 and the implementation of the state-funded DHET 8% gap-funding was sent to students by the Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief, on Thursday 15 December 2016. This was followed up by an email on 5 January 2017 regarding the DHET gap-funding grant.

15 December 2016

Dear Stellenbosch Student

I trust that you are enjoying a well-deserved break over the holidays.

Over the past few months the University has been involved in discussions with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders in the higher education sector on various issues related to registration 2017 and student fees.

Coming to the fore now, is the implementation of the state-funded DHET 8% gap-funding grant for students from families with a combined household income of up to R600 000 per annum. Due to the DHET gap-funding grant and SU accommodation bursaries, these students will not be subject to any increase in tuition and accommodation fees in 2017. If you fall in this category you will pay exactly the same tuition and accommodation fees next year (2017) as in 2015 and 2016.

From the University’s side we will try and provide as much information as we have at our disposal. What has been confirmed by the DHET is that students from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools (as determined by the Department of Basic Education), and those who will be funded by NSFAS in 2017, will automatically qualify for the 8% DHET gap-funding grant, whereas students from families with a gross income of up to R600 000 per annum – the so-called missing middle – and who fall outside of these two groupings, will need to apply for the gap-funding grant early next year. These students will still be required to pay the first instalment at registration as in the past, but will receive credit of 8% on their student accounts if they are deemed eligible for gap funding by the DHET, and the state funds have been received by the University.

With regard to the first instalment payable at registration, I would like to remind you that you can apply for a delayed payment, which means that you pay the first instalment over three months (January, February and March). With regard to outstanding debt, students who receive a bursary for 2017 which covers at least the outstanding debt as well as the first instalment for 2017, will also be allowed to register.

More information on the application process for gap funding will be made available early in January 2017. For your convenience a dedicated e-mail address has been created for enquiries: gapfunding@sun.ac.za.  This email address will be activated early in January 2017.

We are acutely aware of the financial pressures under which South African households have to provide for student fees. We therefore continue to strive to assist, as far as possible, financially needy students who are academically deserving. Please familiarise yourself with the various categories and forms of financial assistance available.

The following links provide access to general information on registration and student fees:

• General info on registration and student fees
• Increase in student fees (Media Release, 28 November 2016)

Registrar designate

5 January 2017

Dear Stellenbosch Student

Further to my email of 15 December 2016, please find information on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) gap-funding grant, as well as the application form with instructions, as provided by the DHET.

Completed application forms with supporting documents may be sent to gapfunding@sun.ac.za or, alternatively, submitted in hard-copy format to the Centre for Bursaries and Loans, Admin A for processing.

Kind regards
Ronel Retief
Registrar