School Fees in South Africa 2026: What Parents Need to Know

What Are School Fees Like in 2026?

School fees in South Africa keep going up, and 2026 is no different. Private schools now ask for over R400,000 a year at the top end. Public school fees are also rising, some asking R75,000 or more. Even “average” fees are high for many families. If you have kids in school, you’ll need to plan well to keep up.

Education costs are rising faster than salaries. On average, school fees go up 6% to 10% each year. Most people’s salaries don’t go up that fast. That means every year you feel the pinch more. If your raise is 5% and school fees go up 8%, you fall behind.

Private School Fees: Big Numbers, Big Choices

Private schools in South Africa are now some of the most expensive in the world. In 2026, the top private schools charge between R390,000 and R441,000 per year. That’s almost R37,000 a month, more than many people’s whole salary. For example, Hilton College and Michaelhouse will both cost over R440,000 a year for boarding.

Even “regular” private schools aren’t cheap. At Roedean School, for example, Grade 12 fees are R233,104 for the year. That doesn’t include extras like uniforms, sports, or aftercare. Boarding can add R144,000 to R180,000 a year. Extras like music lessons, lunches, or art can add up to a few thousand more.

Public School Fees: Not Free, Still Climbing

Public schools cost less than private, but still aren’t cheap. The top public high schools now ask R66,000 to R79,000 a year. For example, Pretoria Boys’ High will charge R78,855 for 2026. Most big city public schools (so-called “quintile 5” schools) are in this range. These schools charge fees because the government doesn’t give enough money to cover all costs.

If you can’t afford the fees, some public schools offer discounts or exemptions. You need to apply and show what you earn. Many schools only grant full exemptions if you earn very little, so check what you qualify for before you count on it.

Real Examples: School Fees Breakdown

Here are some real numbers from popular schools for 2026:

Grade/School	Private School (Roedean)	Public School (Pretoria Boys’ High)
Grade 12	R233,104/year	R78,855/year
Boarding (full)	R179,991/year	Not offered
Grade 8	R211,775/year	R73,500/year
Extras (lunch, music)	R4,000 to R5,000/year	Varies by school

If you pay fees monthly, that’s about R19,400 a month for top private schools. For a good public school, it’s over R6,500 a month. Many schools offer a discount if you pay everything upfront at the start of the year, usually around 5% off.

Why Are School Fees Going Up?

School fees rise faster than inflation. Education inflation in South Africa is around 8% per year. This is higher than normal price increases for food or petrol. Schools say costs go up because salaries, electricity, and repairs all cost more each year.

Public schools get less money from the government than before. Some schools in Gauteng will only get the national minimum grant in 2026, which is R315 per child. That’s not enough, so schools make up the difference by raising fees for parents.

What Changed for 2026?

For 2026, some provinces cut back on funding for better-off public schools. Parents at these schools will pay more. Some schools have warned parents that fees could go up by 8% or more. Private schools also keep raising fees, some by as much as 10%.

Some schools now charge extra “levies” for building repairs or new facilities. A few have started offering new payment plans, but most still want a deposit and the rest paid in 10 or 11 monthly payments.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Not budgeting for extras like uniforms, books, or sports fees

Forgetting about annual increases of 6% to 10% on top of last year

Missing early payment discounts by paying late

Not asking about fee exemptions at public schools if you’re struggling

Ignoring debit order or penalty fees for late payments

Thinking public school is free – most charge fees

How to Afford School Fees: Real Tips

Start saving as early as you can, even before your child starts school. If you put away R1,000 a month from birth, you’ll have over R200,000 by Grade 1, if you get 7% a year in interest. That helps a lot with upfront costs.

If your salary is R25,000 a month, a fee of R7,000 a month for school is nearly one third of your income. That’s a big chunk. Try to keep school costs below 15% to 20% of your take-home pay, so you still have money for food, housing, and emergencies.

Ask your school about discounts for siblings, early payment, or upfront lump sum payments. Some private schools give 5% off if you pay the full year in January. That can save you thousands of rands.

What About Cheaper or Free Options?

Some public schools in poorer areas (quintile 1-3) don’t charge any fees. These are often full, so apply early. You can also look at online schools, which start from R1,500 a month, but you’ll need to supervise your child at home and buy your own books or devices.

If your income is very low, apply for a fee exemption at your public school. You’ll need to show proof of income. If you qualify, the school can lower your fees or even make it free.

What Should You Do Next?

Start by working out exactly what your school will cost in 2026. Add up tuition, extras, and things like uniforms and sports. Plan for yearly increases. If you’re worried you won’t afford it, talk to the school now about payment plans or help.

Remember, fees go up every year. If your child is in Grade 1 now, by the time they reach Grade 12, fees could be 50% or more higher. Plan for that so you’re not caught out later.