With the higher education price index (HEPI) as guideline, Stellenbosch University (SU) proposes a 7% increase in tuition fees for 2019. In line with the Stellenbosch University Council's request to the University management in 2017, to give an indication of student fee adjustments earlier than at the final Council meeting in November every year, the proposed fee increase and related points of departure were shared at the meeting on Wednesday 26 September 2018.

No final decisions have been taken as yet, since the 2019 budget will be tabled at Council on 26 November only. Management gave Council the assurance that SU remained committed to support academically deserving students in financial need, and that the University's bursaries would be increased in line with increases in student fees.

While SU appreciates that government has made significantly more funding available to higher education, not all the University's costs are covered. Inflation-linked increases in student fees are essential to ensure the institution's long-term financial sustainability, world-class academic qualifications and research outputs, and a significant positive impact on society.

• SU proposes to raise tuition fees by 7% across the board without any differentiation.
• A similar approach will be followed for accommodation fees, but since the budget must reflect actual costs, it may be necessary to motivate for a larger increase.

These points of departure have been communicated to faculties and student representatives at a joint meeting, as well as to the Students' Representative Council (SRC). Regular communication with various stakeholders will continue in the run-up to final budget submission to Council at its last meeting of the year.