Schools outline fee concession process for families unable to pay

HOUSEHOLDS that are unable to afford full school fees are entitled to apply for fee concessions, including full, partial, or conditional concessions, according to information published on the South African Government website.

Parents and guardians who are struggling financially must submit an application through their child’s school using official forms provided by the School Governing Body (SGB). Once an application is submitted, the school is required to inform the applicant of the outcome within seven days.

If an application for concession is declined, families have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be lodged with the Provincial Head of Department within 30 days of receiving the refusal.

The government outlines clear eligibility criteria for concessions. Certain pupils qualify for automatic fee exemption, including children living in orphanages, foster care, youth care centres, or child-headed households, as well as children who receive social grants.

Other concessions are determined on an income basis. Families qualify for a full exemption if annual school fees exceed 10% of their household income. A partial exemption applies when fees amount to between 3.5% and 10% of income. Conditional exemptions may be granted in cases where a household is experiencing a temporary financial crisis.

The Department of Basic Education also emphasized that schools are prohibited from taking punitive action against pupils whose families cannot pay school fees. Schools may not refuse admission, withhold report cards, or prevent pupils from participating in school activities due to non-payment. In addition, schools are not allowed to charge extra administrative or subject-related fees beyond approved school fees.

These measures are intended to ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to access to basic education, reinforcing the constitutional right to education for all children in South Africa.

The POST