Niël Terblanché
The ministry of education has launched a national task force to lead the rollout of free tertiary education at public institutions.
The task force will develop a comprehensive roadmap, expected by August 2025, to guide how the subsidy will be phased in.
This move follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement during her State of the Nation Address in April.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that starting with the 2026 academic year, tertiary education will be fully subsidised by the government.
At the time, Nandi-Ndaitwah said students will no longer have to pay registration or tuition fees at public universities, technical or vocational institutions.
“While this will be a gradual, phased-in approach, your contribution as families and students for now will be towards accommodation and other related costs. We have heard your cries; the fees have fallen,” she told the nation.
The task force will design the technical, financial, and policy framework for the phased rollout.
The education ministry said consultations with stakeholders will begin in the coming weeks to help shape the final roadmap.
Gerard Vries, who chairs the task force, will lead efforts to turn the government’s promise into a working model. Dr Natascha Cheikhyoussef will support the process through research and consultation.
The ministry has urged current students at public tertiary institutions to stay focused on their studies in 2025.
Applications for 2026 will go ahead as normal, and application fees remain in place for now.
The ministry asked students, families, and the public to be patient as the task force carries out its work. It said the promise of free tertiary education will be fulfilled, but it needs careful planning and execution.
