Back to school: How to find out if you qualify for fees exemption

Most parents are eligible for school fees exemption for their children but are not aware. Here’s how to find out if you qualify.

The school year for 2025 is in full swing and one of the things burdening most parents is the cost of getting their children through the year. Here are the steps to take to get the financial help you need, especially as there’s reportedly significant fee increases expected this year.

‘SIGNIFICANT FEE INCREASES EXPECTED’

Moneyweb reports that there are significant fee increases expected in 2025. Their report on 9 January 2025 also spoke about the financial strain school fees put on parents.

Research by the Old Mutual Group revealed that parents pay over R24 000 annually for school fees in public primary schools. Those in private primary schools have to fork out more than R71 000. Regarding high schools, the research states that government schools cost around R36 000 yearly with private schools about R105 000.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR FEES EXEMPTION?

At public schools, all parents have a right to apply for exemption for their children. According to government regulations, parents qualify for one exemption. The three exemptions available are total, partial or conditional.

Some of the learners who qualify are:

• Children whose parents receive child support grant
• Children in foster care
• Children raised by family members (caregivers)
• Children who head a household or are part of a child-headed home
• Children who are orphans in an orphanage

APPLYING FOR FEE EXEMPTION

Non-profit legal support company Legal Fundi provided the formula used to determine if a parent qualifies for full or partial exemption. According to their website, the formula works out the percentage a family can spend on school fees according to their income.

A full exemption is when the school fees are 10% of the parent’s income. Fees that are from 3.5% and 10% of the income will result in partial exemption. Check out Legal Fundi’s Table for Calculating Exemptions to calculate your own and find out which exemption you qualify for.

Parents can apply for exemption by approaching the School Governing BODY (SGB). The SGB then takes 30 days to consider the application in line with the regulations.

Parents are informed of the outcome within seven days after the decision is made. A decision can be appealed by parents with the help of the school. This is done by writing to the head of the Department of Basic Education in that province.

HAVE YOU TRIED APPLYING FOR FEE EXEMPTION FOR YOUR CHILD?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article. Or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters. Follow us on @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.