Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Education and Training has dismissed speculation that tuition fees at tertiary institutions have been increased, stressing that no such decision has been approved by government.
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo made the clarification during a press conference in Mbabane on 4 September 2025, following concerns that students and parents might be expected to pay higher fees when schools reopen.
Nxumalo explained that tuition adjustments cannot be implemented unilaterally by institutions, as they must first receive Cabinet approval. “At present, Cabinet has not approved any increase in fees for tertiary institutions,” he said.
The statement follows reports that the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) had submitted a request to raise its annual tuition fees to E26 000 per student. The minister confirmed that the request was indeed lodged last month but emphasised that the proposal remains under review.
“It would be good for the ministry to handle this matter comprehensively, involving all tertiary institutions, rather than addressing it piecemeal,” Nxumalo explained.
He urged the public to remain calm and patient while government considers the issue. He also stressed that Cabinet’s final decision would be based on balancing the financial sustainability of institutions with the needs of students and their families.
The minister highlighted that tertiary education remains a critical pillar for the nation’s development, and government is mindful of both the challenges faced by institutions and the financial pressures on households. He called for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure that any future adjustments are fair and sustainable.
For now, tuition fees across all universities and colleges in the country remain unchanged, with Cabinet yet to deliberate and make a final ruling on UNESWA’s request.
Key Points:
No approved fee increase for tertiary institutions.
UNESWA has requested to raise tuition to E26 000 per student.
Cabinet has not yet considered or approved the proposal.
Current fees remain in place until further notice.
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