Students in Zimbabwe have won a battle against universities demanding only United States dollars for fees, with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) now accepting local currency.
The move follows pressure from student unions, who argued that the practice violated Zimbabwe’s law and created a financial burden for students and their families.
Previously, universities could peg fees in USD but were not allowed to demand only foreign currency. The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education is allowing universities to peg fees in USD, but students successfully argued that demanding only USD violated the Exchange Control Act.
A NUST notice seen by Bustop-TV states: “This letter is to inform you of an important update regarding tuition fees payment for the current academic year. Effective immediately, tuition fees will be payable in Zimbabwean Dollars (ZWL) at the prevailing bank rate that will be determined daily and displayed in the banking hall. Please check the updated rate before making your payment.
“However, those who can still pay fees in United States Dollar (USD) are encouraged to do so. This decision was made to ensure the financial sustainability of our institution and maintain the quality of our education”.
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) celebrated the development, stating on their X account: “This is a victory for students. Institutions should abide by regulations. Education is a right, and NUST has complied. MSU awaits, and we will continue advocating for all institutions to follow suit until student concerns are addressed.”
One university, Midlands State University (MSU), was accused of demanding an extra 10% fee from students paying in local currency. Student unions are taking legal action against MSU.
Posting on X Sunday, ZINASU stated: “We are pursuing legal action against Midlands State University (MSU). The institution summarily structured tuition fees & IGNORED the genuine concerns of the students. There can never be anything for the students without the students,” showing their continued efforts in urging the tertiary institutions to heed students’ concerns.
The students organizations reiterated that education is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and should not be commodified. They urged all institutions to adhere to the Ministerial directive and comply with the country’s fiscal policies.
