Government approves 250% tuition increase for universities
The Government of Zimbabwe has permitted universities to go ahead with the 250% fees hike. This follows a proposal by the universities to the government which was accepted in February. Some institutions have already announced their new fees structure which will see students paying $25 000 to $40 000.
Fees were hiked from $9000. The Government says that the new fees will come into effect next semester. Many are seeing this is a way of pushing tertiary education out of reach of many.
Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) undergraduates will pay $24 000, Postgraduate $34 000, Masters $49 000 and PHD will pay a staggering $120 000.
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) pegs the new fees at $32 000 for undergraduates, $34 000 for Postgraduates and $45 000 for a Masters.
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Undergraduates will pay $25 960 up to about $30 060 depending on the programme, Postgraduates will pay from $34 445 to $39 655, Masters’ students will pay $37 750 up to $44 045 and the PHDs a range from $45 00 to $57 000.
Government approves 250% tuition increase for universities
Reporting to The Chronicle, GZU Director of Information said that the prevailing economic challenges necessitated the amendment of fees. On the other hand NUST director for communication and marketing Mr Thabani Mpofu said the hike is not yet official.
The Minister of Higher Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Development Professor Amon Murwira confirms the approval of the fees hike.
“We approved the fees proposal in February. Universities brought forward their proposal ans the increments was justified given the nned to capacitate universities in the prevailing economic situation,” Professor Murwira added.
Ancillary fees, accommodation and meals will be determined by the universities. The increase in fees is said to be reasonable by Professor Murwira looking at the increase in civil service salaries. Students appeal to the Government to implement payment plans which will prevent most of the students from deferring. This is because the larger population of the parents in Zimbabwe do not get that much money.