Mbombela (Nelspruit) – The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has announced that it has scrapped application fees for the academic year 2027 and onwards.
“The decision was approved by the Council of the University during an ordinary Council meeting held on 29 September 2026,” UMP said on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
UMP said it took the following into consideration when making the decision:
- Application fees create unnecessary financial barriers for prospective students, particularly those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
- 85% of registered students at UMP in 2026 are NSFAS-funded, and by implication, they cannot afford to pay application fees.
The university said the discontinuation of these fees will ease application processes, enhance access and inclusivity.
In welcoming the approval by Council to discontinue application fees, UMP Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, said: “We believe this historic and important decision will strengthen UMP’s reputation as a student-centered and socially responsive institution.
“We are alive to the economic realities of our students, and this decision reaffirms our commitment to make high-quality educational opportunities accessible.”
UMP joins 10 other South African universities that have discontinued application fees.
