UCT: Without govt support, we’ll have no choice but to increase fees

An inquiry is looking into the feasibility of free higher education.

CAPE TOWN - The University of Cape Town (UCT) has warned without government support it will have no choice but to increase fees.

An inquiry is looking into the feasibility of free higher education.

UCT will make its submission to the inquiry next week.

Meanwhile, student protests again erupted at some campuses this month.

UCT is suggesting fee increases only kick in for students from families with an annual income of R500,000 or more per year.

That way they can reduce the amount of money they ask government to contribute to pay the institution's bills next year.

But if government doesn't come to the party, Vice-Chancellor Max Price says they'll be forced to increase fees by eight percent across the board.

UCT is waiting for the Higher Education Minister to weigh in on 2017's fees.

And will decide on an appropriate increase as soon as there is clarity from government.