Government Department Finalises Tertiary Fees Structure

January 24, 2020 Ian Mapira EDUCATION

Higher and Tertiary Education Ministry has finalised a new fees structure for tertiary institutions.

The fees structure is targeted on state universities, polytechnics, teachers’ colleges and industrial training colleges.

“The cost of offering Higher and Tertiary Education is much higher than what students pay as the bulk of the actual cost is borne by Government in the interest of making Higher and Tertiary Education accessible and affordable by may students,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ProfessorFanuel Tagwira said.

“The fees structure has been arrived at as a collective and inclusive responsibility to ensure continued access, provision of quality education, sustenance and maintenance of institutions.”

The Ministry releases information on the state tertiary education fees after students under the banner ZINASU protested against tuition costs exceeding $5000 this week.

Students in a letter to the Ministry said they were conflicting positions between the government and institutions which created a lot of confusion, panic and uncertainty.

“It is a fact that cannot be disputed that the majority of the students have been unable to meet and satisfy the previous fees structures in their respective institutions. This had made 2018 and 2019 record unprecedented numbers of students deferring their studies due to financial difficulties,” the letter reads.

“What should also be borne in mind is the fact that the life of a student on a campus is made complete by other basic necessities that include but are not limited to transport, food, rentals and stationery.”

State universities 2020 tuition fees (RTGS) per semester by program include Medicine/Veterinary, $5000; Science/Engineering and Technology, $4000; and also arts and Humanities, $3500.

Polytechnics, teachers’ colleges and industrial training colleges fees structure appear with National Foundation Certificate, $500; National Certificate, $1050; National Diploma/Diploma in Education, $1100; Higher National Diploma, $1200; and Bachelor of Technology, $1500.