Registration at Wits gets underway
The Senior Executive Team of Wits University released a statement saying that the registration process at the university is currently underway.
"While thousands have registered without issue, the University is aware that others have been unable to register due to a lack of financial resources," the statement said.
According to the university, they have made several concessions to enable the majority of students to register while ensuring that the University remains sustainable.
After consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training and other stakeholders, the following has been agreed:
1. The Department of Higher Education and Training will cover the fee increase of 8% (gap funding) for 2017 for South African students whose combined family income is below R600 000 per annum. This includes both students on NSFAS (National Students' Financial Aid Scheme) and 'missing middle' students. The DHET has established a process for the identification and verification of the 'missing middle' cohort common to all universities. Students are required to apply for this gap funding via the Wits Student Self Service portal.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE BREAKING NEWS.
2. The Department of Higher Education and Training will pay for all students who have qualified for support from NSFAS, including those with historical debt. Students on NSFAS may also register without making the first fee payment in January 2017.
Students who are still awaiting the outcome of their application from NSFAS may register and delay the first fee payment to the end of March 2017.
3. The Department of Higher Education and Training indicated that 'missing middle' students are responsible for their own historical debt. The Department recommended that universities assist as far as possible to register academically successful students with historical debt if such students (a) settle their debt or (b) commit to payment plans.
For 2017, Wits has agreed the following policy for students in the 'missing middle' with historical debt:
a. All students who owe R10 000 or less will have their debt automatically rolled into their 2017 fees and will be allowed to register.
b. Students who have debt higher than R10 000 will be requested to pay half the outstanding balance and enter into a payment plan for the remainder of the funds, before being allowed to register.
Interest will not be charged if students abide by the payment plan.
The statement says that the University and members of the Students Representative Council are continuing to work to attract funding for bursaries, scholarships and financial aid.