Fees at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) depend on your programme and whether you live in a residence. Before you register, self-funded students pay minimum amounts that SPU credits to their fee accounts. The rules below come from SPU's Financial Registration Guidelines for 2026.
Minimum amounts before registration
- Academic registration: R6,000
- Residence or accommodation: R6,000, payable only by confirmed residence students
These payments form part of your total tuition and related fees for the year. Email your proof of payment to finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za, so that SPU can open your academic registration.
If you cannot pay upfront
Self-funded students who cannot make the upfront payment can write a letter of motivation to SPU's Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee. Send it to financialappeal@spu.ac.za, with your academic results, your ID, your parents' or guardian's IDs, proof of income or SASSA, and death certificates where applicable. If SPU approves it, you continue with registration and complete an online acknowledgement of debt for the balance. If you hear nothing within three weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.
Funded students
Funded students do not pay upfront. This includes first-time entering students and returning undergraduates on the NSFAS-funded list. Students with recognised bursaries can use their award to cover the minimum amounts, and must email their award letter to finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za before registration.
Students with debt
- Owing less than R25,000: continue registering and sign an online acknowledgement of debt
- Owing R25,001 to R35,000: reduce the debt to R25,000 and pay the minimum amounts
- Owing R35,001 to R50,000: reduce the debt to R30,000 and pay the minimum amounts
How to pay
SPU is a cashless institution, and it does not offer card payments on campus. Pay by electronic or bank transfer into SPU's account, and use your 9-digit student number as the reference.
Postgraduate students
SPU's guidelines set separate rules for postgraduate students with outstanding debt, so contact the Financial Aid and Student Debtors Offices at finance.enquiries@spu.ac.za before you register.
Refunds
SPU refunds only accounts with a credit balance, after a written application from the person or organisation that paid, with proof of banking details. Refunds are processed at the end of the academic year, or when a student cancels their enrolment.
Funding your studies
Funding options include NSFAS, the Funza Lushaka bursary for some BEd programmes, SETA bursaries, Northern Cape provincial bursaries and Fundi loans. Browse our bursaries, or read the Sol Plaatje University overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I pay to register at SPU?
In 2026, self-funded students paid R6,000 for academic registration, plus R6,000 for a confirmed residence place.
Do NSFAS students pay upfront at SPU?
No. Students on the NSFAS-funded list do not pay upfront.
Can I pay cash at SPU?
No. SPU is cashless, so pay by electronic or bank transfer.