The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is awaiting government approval to implement a 62.5% tuition fee increase starting September 2025 to address ongoing financial challenges.
UNESWA Proposes Tuition Fees Increase to E26,000 Per Student Annually
Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala stated that the university plans to raise fees to E26,000 per year for both private and government-sponsored students. With approximately 9,000 students enrolled, this is expected to generate at least E234 million in revenue.
| Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
Cabinet Review Pending on Revised Proposal
Following feedback from the Ministry of Education and Training, the university revised its fee hike proposal and resubmitted it three weeks ago. The Ministry has directed that the request be tabled for discussion in Cabinet, which must approve the increase before implementation.
Financial Struggles Prompt Fee Increase Request
UNESWA has faced financial difficulties, including delayed salary payments, unpaid utility bills leading to power and water disruptions, and protests from employees and students. These challenges have affected the institution’s reputation and its ability to attract new students.
Wage Expenses Account for Majority of University Budget
A government-appointed Task Team found that personnel costs consume around 90% of UNESWA’s revenue. Senate Chairperson Chief Mkhumbi noted that the university has submitted multiple proposals to government, including a previous request to increase fees by 26%, in search of lasting solutions.
We were not consulted – SRC
UNESWA Students say they were not consulted on the ongoing quest by the university management to increase tuition fees.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Secretary General Mncobi Mamba said although they had heard from the grapevine that the institution’s management was looking into increasing fees, no consultations were made with the SRC as a major stakeholder.
Therefore, he said the students represantive body was still to engage the university for verification on the matter. Even so, Mamba reiterated that the SRC’s stance on the matter was for the consideration of the students. “Before fees are hiked, the current socio-economic status of the target market needs to be considered. The university needs to consider if the students and their parents or sponsors will afford to pay the reviewed fees,” said Mamba.
He said they were cognisant of the fiscal challenges UNESWA was facing and understood the need to find means to increase its revenue. “We understand the institution’s current financial situation and increasing fees is understandable, though to a certain extent,” he added.
Mamba added that if the new fees would be implemented as planned, ongoing students were not expected to be affected as they already have an agreement on the fees they were expected to pay.
“Still, we cannot sit back and watch while new students are obliged to pay the increased fees without taking their concerns into consideration,” he said.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
