UNISA – Foreign Levy increase in 2017
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
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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.
I’m completly shocked as well and contemplating to de-rigster with the university of south africa.
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LikeDislikeI agree, it’s extortion. Unisa increases my study fees by 61,25% through foreign levy. Now on strike. Seriously thinking if it’s worth to register again.
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LikeDislikeTHIS IS PURE EXTORTIONISM AND BLACKMAIL
Before one joins any institution of learning, he/she looks at the fees payable and then decides based on their finacial ability.When you drastically increase the payable fee, are you ejecting them out the system or what is your grand plan?Why should foreign students be exposed to this torture?Do you still need them or you are fatigued by their presence?Increase the fees fairly!!
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LikeDislikeI’m not particularly opposed to the increase in study fees. But surely an increase of 140% is completely insane. It is extortion and i’ve never heard of such anywhere in the world. Surprisingly, unisa has conveniently remained silent about this matter, yet there was an extensive explanation in the VC’s write up on the module fee increase of RB0. This is outrageous, somebody must look into this disparity.
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LikeDislikeI absolutely agree…. In 2015_2016 I was working 2, jobs (often 16hr days)in order to survive and be able to pay for my studies through unisa.
I was barely coping and decided to move to Dubai in order to be able to afford my studies. Now that the cost is almost 3times the amount I am not only shocked to utter disbelief but am also reconsidering whether it is worth it to continue my studies especially trough unisa.
This makes me really sad considering the money I spent, life choices I made to accommodate my studies and my hard work so far (I earned distinctions in almost all subjects).
If postal fees are the problem I don’t mind carrying that cost myself if that would lower the fees!!!
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LikeDislikePlease support:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/de-de/405/306/269/we-request-a-cut-down-of-foreign-student-levy/
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LikeDislikeI for one will not be registering for the upcoming semester. All the money I save working abroad would be spent on this ridiculous levy,thereby negating the reason for my working abroad in the first place.
If we acquiesce to this,what’s to stop them doing the same thing next year?
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LikeDislikeI feel your pain Gerhard. On the bright side, UNISA just announced that there wouldn’t be yet an other increase in 2018. Thus, the foreign levy for non-African countries remains at R2400 per module in 2018.
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Announcements/Council-decision-on-a-0%25-increase-in-fees
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