Graduation, what is meant to be a time of celebration has become a nightmare for many students who still owe their institutions money. Money owed to institutions often results in the universities withholding certificates.
In recent years, student debt in South Africa has ballooned to more than R16.5 billion. This money, owed to universities around the country, does not only impact operations at the institutions but also the students with outstanding fees.
The Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande stated that thousands of students owe their institutions money for fees. This was in response to a question posed in parliament regarding how many students cannot graduate and/or cannot receive certificates because they owe university fees.
The high number of students in debt (thousands per university) indicates a financial strain on both students and universities. Universities may struggle to cover costs and may need to implement stricter debt collection measures.
There's no single approach to handling student debt. Some universities allow graduation despite outstanding balances, enabling students to participate in ceremonies and acknowledge completion.
Other institutions may withhold certificates until all fees are settled, incentivising debt clearance and ensuring university compensation. Completion letters may be issued instead, indicating that a student has met degree requirements.
Even with withheld certificates, universities often provide transcripts for graduates to showcase their qualifications.
Universities may directly confirm completed studies to employers to mitigate certificate withholding's impact on employment. Additionally, some institutions offer debt payment plans or financial aid to assist students in clearing balances.
Impact of Student Debt On Graduation
19 of South Africa’s 26 public universities provided insights on the amount of students who owe them money and how this consequently affects students.
At Stellenbosch University, 522 students missed out on receiving their graduation certificates due to outstanding fees. Tshwane University of Technology faces a substantial challenge, with 25,534 students owing fees. Similarly, Cape Peninsula University of Technology contends with 38,819 non-registered students in debt.
The University of Western Cape adopts a lenient approach, allowing students with outstanding balances to attend graduation but withholding certificates until debts are cleared. Nelson Mandela University reports that 5,766 students are unable to receive certificates due to debt. At North-West University, this number is expected to rise during ongoing graduation ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria deals with a staggering 60,043 students owing fees, with certificates withheld until debts are settled. Similarly, the University of the Witwatersrand sees 4,557 students unable to graduate or receive certificates due to debt. At the University of Zululand, 5,967 students were in this position by the end of 2023, primarily those who were NSFAS-funded.
Other universities like the University of Johannesburg retain certificates until outstanding fees are settled, affecting 33,333 students. Meanwhile, the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal faces a challenge with approximately 4,760 students owing fees, with certificates withheld until payment. The Durban University of Technology provides completion letters to students with outstanding fees but delays certificate issuance until fees are settled.
However, Sol Plaatje University takes a different stance, not withholding qualification or graduation certificates due to outstanding fees.
Impact on Students
The widespread debt suggests many students struggle to afford tuition fees. This could be due to limited financial resources, rising costs of living, or inadequate financial aid.
Unpaid fees can prevent students from graduating and obtaining crucial certificates for employment. This debt can indirectly affect their ability to find jobs and build careers. Students with outstanding fees may feel trapped in a cycle of debt, unable to graduate and improve their job prospects without settling their outstanding fees
