School fees are set by each public school’s Governing Body (SGB) under the South African Schools Act (SASA). However, schools serving disadvantaged communities (Quintiles 1–3) may be declared no‑fee schools by provincial departments and do not charge school fees.
1. No‑Fee Schools
Declared each year by the provincial education department for schools in low-income areas (Quintiles 1–3).
Annual lists are published provincially—download the latest 2025 lists: DBE – School Fees & No‑Fee Schools
2. Fee Exemptions for Fee‑Charging Schools
Households unable to pay full school fees can apply for full, partial, or conditional exemption:
- Must apply via the school’s Governing Body (SGB) using official forms.
- Decision timeline:
- School must notify you of the outcome within 7 days of application.
- Appeals must be lodged with the Provincial Head of Department within 30 days if refused.
- Eligibility criteria (from Regulations R1052 of 2006):
- Automatic exemption:
- Children in orphanages, foster or youth care, or child-headed households.
- Children receiving social grants.
- Income-based exemption:
- Full if fees exceed 10% of family income.
- Partial if between 3.5%–10%.
- Conditional if financial crisis is temporary.
- Schools cannot:
- Refuse admission, reports, or learner participation due to non-payment.
- Charge additional administrative or subject fees.
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