Wits fees to increase by 8% in 2017
The Council of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has confirmed an average increase of 8% for tuition fees, residence fees and fees for international students for 2017.
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel says these increases are in line with the recommendations made by the state in September this year.
"The University has no choice but to increase fees if it is to remain financially sustainable as academics and professional and administrative staff need to be remunerated, books and journals need to be purchased (many in foreign currency), utilities need to be paid and infrastructure needs to be maintained," says Patel.
Patel says it must also be noted that the state compensation for the 0% increase for the 2016 academic year amounted to approximately R146 million.
"However, we have been recently informed that the 2016 fee increase will now be rolled into the subsidy, the net effect of which is that our subsidy increase for 2017 will be only 2.5%. This equates to a net decline in income of approximately R54 million for 2017 from the state," says Patel.
The decision on the 2017 fee increase was recommended by management and the Financial Committee (FinCo) of the University and approved by Council after consultation with the elected Students' Representative Council (SRC).
The SRC is represented on FinCo and Council and had requested a 0% increase in tuition fees for 2017.
"Their input was considered and deliberated extensively before the final decision was made," says Patel.