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News Published: 17/03/2021 Dear students We have taken note of the national student financial crisis and we share your concerns. Student funding and the impact it has on access to higher education is high on the agenda of Stellenbosch University (SU). Registration Last week, the University confirmed that all first-time entry students are able to register. Returning senior students with confirmation of funding in the form of a bursary or loan are also allowed to register if their confirmed funding exceeded their debt of the previous year. These students are exempt from having to pay the first compulsory instalment at registration. In addition, returning students with no outstanding debt are able to register and can enter a formal three-month payment arrangement for the first compulsory instalment at registration. ....
However, this did not meet with universal approval. One student asked: “Are you for the students or are you for management?” Another said: “There are students not registered; students that are not recognised as SU students… why is it a challenge to lift the block [now]?” Evidently, some were not pleased with the institution’s response or the SRC efforts to help alleviate financial anxiety. About 543 Stellenbosch University students are unable to register because of debt, and some of their fees will be paid by the Action 4 Inclusion initiative. Nomzamo Buthelezi, the SRC’s societies council chairperson and policy officer, said the remainder of the 543 students not covered by the initiative would be referred to the university’s Student Debt Task Team. However, all 543 students’ debt would be cleared by the close of registration. ....