MORE than 31 000 students at the University of the Free State (UFS) owed a total of R506 million in unpaid fees by the end of last year, highlighting financial burden that threatens not only their dreams of graduation but also their prospects of entering the workforce.
“The total student debt at the University of the Free State as of 1 November 2024 is R506 million,” university spokesperson Lacea Loader told The Free Stater in an interview.
Of this, R332 million was owed by students funded through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), while self-paying students accounted for R174 million.
NSFAS-funded students owed an average of R15 000 each, while self-funded students carried a higher burden, averaging R19 000.
UFS policy permits students with outstanding debt to attend graduation ceremonies but prevents them from receiving their certificates until their accounts are settled.
“Students with outstanding debt may attend graduation ceremonies but cannot receive certificates until accounts are settled,” Loader said.
“However, the UFS can, with the students’ permission, confirm their academic status to prospective employers or funders upon request.”
In April 2024, 1 001 students were unable to receive their certificates due to unpaid fees, while 124 more were at risk of the same outcome in December 2024.
“Due to outstanding debt, 1 001 graduandi in April 2024 did not receive their certificates,” Loader said.
“The UFS approached merSeta and the Office of the Free State Premier and received funding to settle historic debt and issue certificates to 175 graduandi.”
To mitigate the crisis, UFS remains the only university in South Africa that allows provisional registration for students with outstanding fees, enabling them to continue their studies while seeking financial solutions.
“The UFS is the only South African university that allows provisional registration for students with debt, facilitating their access to higher education,” Loader said.
“Additionally, the university offers various bursaries for academically deserving students, details of which are available on our website.”
The student debt issue at UFS mirrors a broader financial strain across South Africa’s higher education sector, as universities struggle to balance accessibility and financial sustainability.
As discussions continue on potential long-term solutions, thousands of students remain in limbo, uncertain about their academic and professional futures. – Staff Reporter