The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has scrapped application fees for prospective students from the 2027 academic year, in a move aimed at removing financial barriers to accessing higher education.
The decision was approved by the university’s Council during an ordinary meeting on September 29 and will remain in effect for 2027 and subsequent academic years.
The university said the move was informed by concerns that application fees place an unnecessary financial burden on prospective students, particularly those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
It also highlighted the financial circumstances of its student population, revealing that 85% of registered students at the institution in 2026 receive funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The university said this demonstrated the financial constraints facing many students and the need to make the application process more accessible.
By removing application fees, UMP hopes to ease the process of applying to study at the institution, promote inclusivity and expand access to higher education.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa welcomed the Council’s decision, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the university’s commitment to students and responding to their financial realities.
“We believe this historic and important decision will strengthen UMP’s reputation as a student-centred and socially responsive institution,” Meyiwa said.
“We are alive to the economic realities of our students, and this decision reaffirms our commitment to make high-quality educational opportunities accessible.”
The decision comes as financial constraints continue to affect prospective students seeking admission to higher education institutions, with application costs adding to the expenses associated with pursuing a qualification.
Although the removal of application fees does not eliminate other costs associated with university studies, it removes one financial hurdle for those hoping to secure a place at the institution.
For applicants from households struggling to meet basic needs, the absence of an application fee could make it easier to submit an application without having to find additional money upfront.
UMP said it was joining 10 other South African universities that had discontinued application fees, placing the institution among universities that have taken steps to reduce the financial obstacles facing prospective students.
The announcement applies to applications for the 2027 academic year and beyond. Prospective students will therefore be able to apply to UMP without paying an application fee, in line with the university’s decision.
The university said the move reflected its commitment to improving access and inclusivity while remaining responsive to the economic circumstances of its students.
UMP, which is based in Mpumalanga, has positioned the decision as part of its broader commitment to making quality higher education more accessible to students from different socio-economic backgrounds.
The Council’s approval on September 29 formalised the change, with the new arrangement set to apply from the 2027 academic year.
The university has encouraged prospective applicants seeking further information to contact its stakeholder liaison and communication office.
The decision is expected to ease the initial financial burden on prospective students considering UMP as they prepare their applications for the next academic year.
