For many, cost is a major determining factor when choosing a school for their child. And as the unified school calendar just kicked off in January for all of South Africa, a new analysis by shows that the in-person schooling fees have skyrocketed, 

The R5,015.78 entry fee includes the mandatory uniforms and stationery students need, which has risen by approximately 8% year-on-year. And with , the cost of physical school requirements is now outpacing the general cost of living by a staggering 128%.

At this point, many parents are looking to online schooling and educational websites to avoid the costs of the public education system in South Africa. 

Schooling in South Africa: The 2026 Grade 8 "entry fee" breakdown

Education in South Africa is shaped by a complex system involving both government and private institutions, with public schools regulated and funded by various government agencies. A key concern for many families is affording school fees, as these can vary widely across different types of schools.

The following data reflects the minimum cash outlay required for a Grade 8 learner entering a public fee-paying high school this month:

The ins and outs of what actually determines the cost of education in South Africa is multi-faceted and goes beyond the scope of this article. But as a general overview, Provincial departments consult with governing bodies to decide school fees in South Africa, and it's all overseen by the National Department of Basic Education. The limited financial resources for many families in South Africa, alongside the country's high unemployment rate, makes paying school fees and covering these additional costs for education especially challenging in the current climate.

The pressure on parents is increasing due to school fees

The costs of schooling in South Africa are not only outgrowing the general cost of living in the country, but the cost is even more detrimental considering the human cost for parents. Unemployment and lack of financial stability in South Africa massively increases the burden of schooling costs for families, making access to quality schooling in the South African education system even more challenging.

When measured against labour—following —a parent earning minimum wage must now work for 166 hours, which is more than a full month of 40-hour work weeks, just to afford the uniform and stationery required to walk through a school gate.

Historically, black students have faced even more challenges in accessing affordable education due to apartheid-era policies and ongoing disparities, which continue to impact educational opportunities and affordability today.

“South African parents are facing a ‘compliance crisis’ where the cost of looking like a student is becoming a barrier to being one,” says Saul Geffen, CEO of Teneo and founder of the Smart School System™.

“When a school blazer costs nearly half a month’s minimum wage, the system is failing its most vulnerable. Digital-first education isn’t just a technological shift; it’s an economic rescue mission that strips away these ‘hidden taxes’ and reinvests that money back into the learner’s data and tech tools.”

Both provincial departments and the national department of education are responsible for developing policies to support families, but government resources are often stretched thin, limiting the effectiveness of these interventions. The director general of the national department is responsible for overseeing the implementation of education policy and ensuring that general education and basic education are accessible to all age groups.

Overall: it's no secret the education system in South Africa still has much work to do to improve accessibility.

From early childhood to Grade 8: The journey and its costs

The South African education system is structured to guide students through a series of critical learning phases, each building the foundation for future success. The journey begins with early childhood development (ECD), a stage that focuses on nurturing young minds through play-based learning and essential social skills. ECD centres and preschools, while sometimes subsidised, often require monthly fees, registration costs, and contributions for learning materials—expenses that can add up quickly for families, especially in urban areas.

As children progress into primary education, which typically covers Grades R to 7, the costs shift but remain significant. While many public primary schools are classified as “no fee schools,” especially in rural areas, parents may still need to budget for uniforms, stationery, and participation in sports and cultural activities. In urban centres and at fee-paying primary schools, tuition fees, aftercare, and additional resources can place further strain on household budgets.

For those seeking private schooling or specialised educational opportunities, the financial commitment increases, but so too does access to enhanced facilities and a broader curriculum.

Transitioning into secondary education, starting at Grade 8, marks another milestone in a student’s learning journey. Here, the costs often escalate, with high schools requiring more specialised equipment, subject-specific textbooks, and higher uniform standards. The pressure to keep up with these expenses can be daunting for many families, particularly as the quality of education and available resources can vary widely between schools.

Throughout each stage, the education system aims to provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed for further education and future work opportunities. In higher education, including tertiary education at colleges and universities, is essential for further skills development and meeting the needs of South African schools and the broader economy.

However, the reality is that the cumulative costs—from early childhood development through to secondary school—can be a significant barrier for many South African families. Understanding these expenses is crucial for parents as they plan their children’s education journey and seek out the best possible learning environment, whether in traditional schools, educational websites or through innovative online options like Teneo Online School.

So what’s the best solution for basic education in South Africa today?

For the third year running, South Africa has scrapped the staggered school start, meaning all 13 million learners return to class on the same day. This unified start has intensified the “January Squeeze,” as retailers face a massive supply chain peak, leaving many parents to face higher prices and stock shortages for specialised branded gear.

Both public and private schools in South Africa face challenges in providing access to quality education due to resource constraints.

The reality is: the educational system in South Africa is going to be facing a stark reality that the cost of attending in person classes is costing a lot more than parents want to spend. The education and training system in South Africa includes primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational training and higher education institutions such as colleges and universities.

Until something can be done on a governmental level, many parents and families are being forced to take their child’s education into their own hands—exploring homeschooling options, educational websites and online schooling options that are more cost-effective ways of providing their child with quality education than the current public landscape.

Skills development, vocational education, and alignment with industry needs are increasingly important to prepare students for the workforce.

Something that is highly focused on is making schooling in South Africa accessible and effective for any child, anywhere. We don’t want location or cost to be a deterring factor to providing each child with quality learning. Quality assurance is overseen by bodies such as the South African Qualifications Authority, and teaching and educators play a crucial role in maintaining standards.

As an online educational website, we are removing the requirement for physical infrastructure—which includes uniforms, fuel for the daily school run, and physical textbooks. Not only this, but families can reclaim up to 20% of their monthly disposable income while ensuring their children are equipped for a 4IR economy.

The different phases of schooling in South Africa, including the early years, intermediate phase, and senior phase, are all supported, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science in the curriculum.

To learn more about the cost of online schooling in South Africa with Teneo, reach out to our team and get a quote today.

Your child deserves a quality education: Introducing Teneo

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, .