School Fee Exemption Calculator
Check if you qualify for full or partial school fee exemption under SASA Section 39. South African parents have a legal right to apply.
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R
R
Combined income of both parents/guardians before tax
Exemption Status
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How School Fee Exemption Works
Under the South African Schools Act (SASA) Section 39, parents may apply for fee exemption at any public school. The rule is simple: if your school fees exceed 10% of your gross annual income, you qualify for at least partial exemption.
- Full Exemption: Fees exceed 20% of annual income → pay nothing
- Partial Exemption: Fees exceed 10% but not 20% of income → pay only 10% of income
- No exemption: Fees are under 10% of income
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R
R
Exemption Status
Partial Exemption
Total Annual Fees
R 24 000
Annual Income
R 180 000
Fees as % of Income
13.3%
Exempt Amount
R 6 000
Amount You Pay
R 18 000
Monthly Amount
R 1 500
| Exemption Type | Condition | Amount Payable |
|---|---|---|
| Full Exemption | Fees > 20% of income | R 0 |
| Partial Exemption | Fees > 10–20% of income | 10% of income |
| Not Exempt | Fees ≤ 10% of income | Full fees |
SASA Section 39 in Plain Language
The South African Schools Act gives every parent the right to apply for school fee exemption at a public school. Schools must provide the application form free of charge and process applications confidentially. No child may be refused admission or expelled for inability to pay fees.
Exemption Thresholds
| Monthly Income | Annual Income | Max Fees Without Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| R 5,000 | R 60,000 | R 6,000/year |
| R 10,000 | R 120,000 | R 12,000/year |
| R 15,000 | R 180,000 | R 18,000/year |
| R 25,000 | R 300,000 | R 30,000/year |
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Household Income
R
R
Children's Schools
R
Combined Exemption Status (SASA s.39)
Partial Exemption
Total Annual Income
R 144 000
Total Annual Fees
R 18 000
Fees as % of Income
12.5%
Exempt Amount
R 3 600
You Pay (Annual)
R 14 400
Monthly Payment
R 1 200
SASA Section 39 Reference
Schools Act (SASA) Section 39 — Right to Apply for Exemption:
- Any parent may apply for full or partial exemption from school fees at a public school
- Schools must provide application forms free of charge
- Full exemption: fees > 20% of annual income
- Partial exemption: fees > 10% of annual income (pay only 10% of income)
- Governing body must process within 30 days
- Decisions may be appealed to the Provincial MEC
- Applications are confidential — no stigmatisation allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
Under SASA Section 39, you qualify for full exemption if fees exceed 20% of annual income, and partial exemption if fees exceed 10% of annual income (you pay 10% of income only).
No. The Schools Act prohibits refusing admission to, or expelling, any learner from a public school due to inability to pay school fees.
You need proof of income: IRP5, recent payslips, or a sworn affidavit for informal income earners. Both parents/guardians' income must be declared.
Yes. If the school governing body rejects your application unfairly, you may appeal to the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in your province.