Education is one of the most important investments a family can make, but the costs can be prohibitive. School fees, uniforms, textbooks, transport, sports, extra lessons, and other activities can leave families out of pocket, and parents overwhelmed.
To worsen the situation, more than a third of South Africans spend up to 40% of their take-home income on debt repayments, as revealed in JustMoney’s recent survey, Money & Me. This increases the pressure and leaves less money for essential education expenses.
The survey findings also underscored the struggle to meet basic needs. If given R1,000, 75% of women and 67% of men would spend it on groceries, while 15% would spend it on paying off debt, bills, and school expenses, along with saving.
Against this backdrop of debt and stretched household budgets, planning for good education requires careful consideration. Affording quality schooling is less about last-minute scrambling and more about deliberate preparation, disciplined budgeting, and making informed choices well in advance.
Nationwide schooling costs
Stats SA conducts annual education research in two parts:
- Education price index (EPI). This calculation is based on a basket of education-related items such as school fees, textbooks, uniforms, and stationery.
- School fees. This takes only tuition and levies into account. It excludes costs such as textbooks, uniforms, and transport.
The overall EPI increased by 4.5% in 2025, while school fees increased by 5%. The 2025 increases were lower than the previous year, but many families, across all income groups, still struggle to cover education fees, says Sarah Nicholson, head of customer experience at JustMoney.
According to Stats SA’s 2023 General Household Survey, there were around 15.4 million school learners in 2023. Learners who dropped out before they turned 18 cited poor performance (29.1%) and lack of money (19.5%) as the main reasons.
Schooling choices
Most families choose between government (public) schools, private day schools, and private boarding schools. Online education has also gained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government (public) schools
These schools are classified into no-fee schools, fee-charging schools, and those serving learners who have disabilities or special needs. Two-thirds of learners attend no-fee schools, according to Stats SA’s 2023 General Household Survey. This ranges from 87% in Limpopo to 51% in the Western Cape. Costs for fee-paying schools vary by province and institution, but parents pay, on average, R24,000 a year for primary school and R36,000 for high school.
Independent/private day schools
Fees vary widely. Private primary school fees average R66,000 to R72,000 per year, with high school fees averaging R100,000 to R105,000 per year. Many elite schools charge considerably more.
Boarding schools
Annual boarding and school tuition packages at more expensive schools can total well over R200,000 a year, with top-tier institutions charging steep fees. Michaelhouse boys’ school in KZN charged R392,000 for annual board and tuition in 2025. Their voluntary development levy was R6,470, while their non-refundable acceptance fee was R75,000 for a South African resident, and R196,000 for a non-resident, of which R73,000 was refundable at completion of schooling.
Online schooling
Virtual schools and online programmes offer the freedom of online learning while keeping students on track with a clear, organised curriculum. Qualified educators follow a set timetable, lead live classes, and manage assessments. According to the admissions team at Teneo online school, 2026 monthly fees for Grade R and Grade 1 are R4,800 per month for live online classes, and R3,800 per month for a mix of live online classes and pre-recorded sessions. Fees cover the full curriculum, access to learning materials, and support from qualified teachers.
School fees made manageable
Careful planning and disciplined budgeting are essential if education fees and related costs are to align with your family’s financial goals.
Start with a realistic budget
List annual school costs for each child: tuition/school fees, uniforms, textbooks and stationery, transport, meals, extra-curricular activities, technology, school trips, extra tutoring, and a contingency sum for unexpected costs. Spreading school fees over monthly or termly payments can ease pressure on household cash flow and reduce the need to rely on credit during the year.
However, where families can pay annual fees upfront, settling the full amount can be financially worthwhile, as many schools offer discounts for early or lump-sum payments. The best choice depends on your income pattern, savings buffer, and ability to absorb high one-off costs without jeopardising day-to-day expenses.
Explore financial support
Check for bursaries, sibling discounts, and payment plans with the school’s finance office. Note application deadlines and do your homework, as competition can be fierce. Good household records not only help with family budgeting but are handy when you apply for means-tested support.
Cut costs
Shop for second-hand uniforms and sports equipment, explore shared transport, and evaluate whether private tutoring or additional classes are necessary.
Maximise loyalty points
Stretch your school budget and support your school by making the most of store and loyalty point programmes. School-Days®, for example, is a digital platform where you nominate a beneficiary to receive Education Time Points (ETPs), with each ETP valued at R1. Buy, earn, or win ETPs by spending and engaging with platform partners, or through Plan to Pay, a partnership with Standard Bank. Standard Bank UCount Rewards points can be converted into ETPs.
Long-term planning
If you aim to build an education fund, options include the following.
- Tax-free savings accounts. Open an account for yourself, or in your child’s name, and all investment growth, interest, dividends, and capital gains are tax-exempt. The annual contribution limit is R36,000 per tax year, with a lifetime limit of R500,000.
- Unit trusts/managed funds. These can generate higher returns, but with greater market risk. They best suit those who won’t need the money for several years.
- Fixed-term deposits or notice accounts. These are generally more conservative, with lower risk and returns.
- Insurers’ education savings plans or endowments. These long-term savings products help parents save regularly for school and tertiary costs. You pay set contributions over a fixed term, usually five years or more, and receive a lump sum at maturity. These plans often combine investment growth with life cover, providing financial protection should you die before the policy reaches maturity. Read the fee and surrender rules carefully.
The cost of education can be daunting, but planning helps reduce the pressure, especially at a time when many households are already under financial strain. The earlier families think ahead and start preparing, the less likely they are to rely on debt to fund schooling.
If you’re saving for several children, planning for private or tertiary education, or considering offshore education options, it’s advisable to consult a qualified financial planner who understands education funding and the South African tax and regulatory environment.
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