UNISA increased study fees in 2017 by about 6%. This was expected and more or less in line with SA’n inflation rate.

However, as an international stundent I’m completely shocked. The additional “foreign levy” which international students pay to write at a foreign exam center, has suddenly increased from R1040 to R2400 per module (Bachelor Degree). Yes, per module! 30 modules required for a bachelor degree.

No warning, no explanation or anything of that sort from UNISA. International stundents who recently started to obtain a qualification through UNISA are simply f***ed. Cough up the money, or leave the institution. No regards for all the work you have put in so far… In my opinion: extortion!

Thus, lets compare figures from 2016 with 2017. In my case, I still have 26 modules to go. This is what my degree will currently cost me:

2016 – Average module fee: R1360
2016 – Foreign Levy: R1040

Total: 35360 + 27040 = R62.400 (for 26 modules)
Paid in 2016 for four modules: R9600

Total cost for my bachelor degree (30 modules), based on prescribed study fees in 2016: R72.000

2017 – Average module fee: R1470
2017 – Foreign Levy: R2400

Total: 38220 + 62400 = R100.620 (for 26 modules)

Paid in 2016 for four modules: R9600

Total cost for my bachelor degree (30 modules), based on prescribed study fees in 2017: R110.220 (increase of 53%). Without books and other costs.

Clearly it seems impossible to predict future fee increases with UNISA. What will the qualification at the end have cost me, since t will take me at least 3 more years to finish the qualification? At the current rate of increases, no less than a couple of 100k South African Rands.

Not sure, if it’s worth to re-register with an institution, that takes no interest in providing consistency and financial transparency to their international students.