January arrives with fees, uniforms, stationery and transport on the same list. It is tempting to reach for a loan.
A few phone calls first can save hundreds of rand. Here is what to try before school loans.
What school costs add up?
| Cost | Often reduced by |
|---|---|
| School fees | Exemption, payment plans, no-fee schools |
| Uniforms | Second-hand, school swap shops |
| Books and stationery | Used options, school lending |
| Transport | Lift clubs, scholar transport schemes |
| Extras and trips | Staged payments, or ask for options |
Are there school fee exemptions?
Yes. Under the South African Schools Act, parents at public schools who cannot afford fees can apply to the school governing body for conditional, partial or full exemption. Your school must tell you the criteria and help you apply.
According to the Department of Basic Education:
- The governing body must tell you the outcome in writing within seven days of assessing the application.
- If you disagree, you can appeal to the provincial Head of Department within 30 days.
- Exemptions are calculated back to the start of the year.
- Orphans pay no school fees.
See the Department of Basic Education’s school fees page for the current rules.
Keep supporting documents ready: payslips, bank statements, proof of grants and the number of children.
What can a school not do?
A learner cannot be excluded from official school programmes because a parent has not paid fees, and a school may not hold back a learner’s report for non-payment. A school may take legal action over unpaid fees, but only after the exemption criteria have been applied.
If you face problems, speak to the school and the provincial education department.
What can you try before school loans?
- Ask the school about instalments or a payment plan.
- Apply for exemption if you qualify.
- Check bursaries and support from the school, churches and community groups.
- Buy used. Uniforms and books are often cheaper second-hand.
- Space out purchases and buy essentials first.
- Use a savings plan for next year. See sinking funds.
Our budgeting guide to school fees in January has a month-by-month plan.
When might school loans make sense for fees or uniforms?
If you must borrow, keep it small, short and for essentials only. Compare a payment plan with the school first, which is usually free.
A short-term loan is expensive for a cost that repeats each year. At the legal maximums, a first one-month R2,000 loan costs about R474. See R2000 loan.
How do you borrow safely?
- Check the lender on the NCR register.
- Get the quote in writing. See the guide to the pre-agreement quote.
- Do not pay upfront fees. See online loan scams.
- Check affordability with the loan affordability guide.
Do not borrow from an unregistered lender for school costs. The repayments can cost more than the fees. See loan sharks.
How do you stop it recurring?
Budget for school costs every month, not just in January. Even R300 a month builds R3,600 by next January. See how to budget.
How do you apply for a fee exemption, step by step?
The process is more straightforward than many parents expect. Based on the Department of Basic Education’s guidance, it goes like this:
- Ask the school for the application form and the exemption criteria. The school must give them to you.
- Gather your documents: payslips or a letter from your employer, bank statements, proof of any grants and the number of children in your care.
- Submit the form to the school and keep a copy with the date.
- Wait for the outcome. The school governing body must tell you in writing within seven days of assessing your application.
- Appeal if you disagree. You have 30 days to appeal to the provincial Head of Department.
Exemption can be full, partial or conditional, and it is calculated from the start of the year. Apply as early as you can, because it affects what you owe for the whole year. Check the current rules on the Department’s website before you start.
How could a January list look with and without school loans?
Here is a hypothetical example. A parent faces R6,000 of January costs and has R1,000 saved.
| Plan | What happens |
|---|---|
| Borrow R3,000 for three months | costs up to about R927, repaid at about R1,309 a month |
| Save and buy smart | R300 a month for 10 months builds R3,000, with no interest |
| Buy used uniforms and books | Often saves several hundred rand on the list |
| Ask the school for instalments | Costs nothing for the fees part |
The loan figure is the most that a first three-month, R3,000 loan can cost at the legal maximums, repaid in equal capital instalments. It is a calculation, not a quote. The saving plan starts in March, so it works only if you begin early.
Our school fees in January guide has a full month-by-month schedule.
What if you already owe the school?
Talk to the school before the arrears grow. Offer what you can pay each month and ask for a written payment plan. Remember what the rules say about learners:
- A learner cannot be excluded from official school programmes because fees are unpaid.
- A school may not hold back a learner’s report for non-payment.
- A school can take legal action over unpaid fees, but only after the exemption criteria have been applied to you.
If you think a school is treating your child unfairly, take it up with the school governing body and the provincial education department. Keep copies of every letter and message.
What can you do if the money is still not enough?
Look at the list again and separate essentials from extras. Fees and a basic uniform come first. Sports kit, trips and a second pair of shoes can wait or be bought used.
Ask if the school has a bursary fund, a lending library or a uniform swap.
Churches and community groups sometimes help with school items, and a stokvel can cover part of January. If you take school loans after all, keep them small, short and for essentials. See stokvels and single-parent finances for more ideas.
What should you do if you still need school loans after the options above?
Borrow the smallest amount for essentials only, and ask the school for a written payment plan first. Compare the total repayment from at least two registered lenders, and set a debit order after payday.
A short, small amount you can repay in full is far safer than a long one. After January, start a monthly saving for next year, so that school loans are not needed again.
Frequently asked questions
Can a school refuse my child because I cannot pay?
A school may not exclude a learner from official programmes for non-payment. Speak to the school and the provincial education department if you face problems.
Who qualifies for fee exemption?
It depends on household income relative to the fees. Ask the school for its criteria and the application form.
Are school loans a good idea for uniforms?
Usually not. Second-hand options and payment plans cost less.
Where can I get help?
The school, the education department and community organisations.
Can I apply for a fee exemption after the year has started?
Yes, you can apply at any time, and an exemption is calculated back to the start of the year. Apply as soon as you know you cannot pay.
Do I need a school loan for uniforms?
Usually not. Second-hand uniforms and instalment arrangements cost far less than school loans.
One free 5-minute form is sent to NCR-registered lenders. Each lender decides for itself and shows you the full cost before you sign.
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