As the new school year approaches, many South African parents face uncertainty around public school fees — what must be paid, who qualifies for exemptions, and what schools are legally allowed to do.
We explain your rights and obligations under the South African Schools Act (SASA) and related regulations.
⚠️ Important: This guidance applies to public schools only. Private schools operate under separate contractual policies.
Yes. While every child has a constitutional right to basic education, public schools may charge fees to supplement government funding. However, the law is clear: parents who cannot afford these fees must be supported through regulated exemption mechanisms.
Parents may qualify for full, partial, or conditional exemptions, depending on income and the total annual fees payable.
🏫 No-Fee Schools
If a school is officially declared a no-fee school, parents cannot legally be charged compulsory school or activity fees. These schools are identified annually by provincial education departments.
✅ Full Exemption
A full exemption applies where annual school fees amount to 10% or more of household income. If approved, no fees are payable, but parents must still apply through the School Governing Body (SGB).
➗ Partial Exemption
A partial exemption applies when fees fall between 3.5% and 10% of annual income, allowing for reduced payments on a sliding scale.
⚖️ Conditional Exemption
Where fees fall between 2% and 3.5% of income, a conditional exemption may apply based on individual circumstances.
If fees are below 2%, no exemption is available.
🧒 Automatic (Mandatory) Exemptions
Schools may not charge school fees for learners who:
Charging fees in these cases is unlawful.
You do not need a lawyer to apply — and the school must help you.
Here’s what the process looks like in simple terms:
Step 1: Ask for the Form
Go to your child’s school and ask the principal or SGB for a school fee exemption form.
📌 The form is free — schools may not charge you for it.
Step 2: Fill It in Honestly
Complete the form with details about:
💡 If you are unemployed or earn irregular income, you may submit an affidavit instead of payslips.
Step 3: Attach Proof
Attach any documents that show your financial situation, such as:
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything done, the school may not reject your application just because it is incomplete.
Step 4: Hand It in and Wait
Submit the form to the school.
📬 The SGB must give you a written decision within 14 days.
✔️ If approved, the exemption applies from the start of the school year.
Step 5: Appeal If Necessary
If your application is declined:
⛔ While an appeal is underway, the school may not take legal action against you.
No. A learner may NOT be:
If a parent does not qualify for an exemption and fails to pay, the SGB may pursue legal recovery — but only after all exemption processes are followed. The learner must remain in school throughout.
If you’re unsure about school fees, exemptions, or your rights as a parent, Solace is here to support you. T’c and C’s apply.
💬 WhatsApp: +27 (76) 412 9990 (type "AI" to start chatting)
☎️ Call: 0860 765 223
✉️Email: info@solacebenefits.co.za
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