No-Fee Schools in South Africa: Everything Parents Need to Know
No-fee schools are government-designated public schools where no school fees are charged to parents. They are primarily Quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools located in the poorest communities. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) provides these schools with a per-learner funding allocation from the state budget, replacing the fees that would otherwise be paid by parents. No special application is needed to access a no-fee school — you simply enrol your child.
The School Quintile System Explained
All public schools in South Africa are ranked into five quintiles (1 to 5) based on the poverty level of the community they serve, the income levels of parents, and the level of infrastructure and services in the area. Quintile 1 is the poorest and Quintile 5 is the most affluent.
Quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools are designated as no-fee schools. They receive a higher per-learner allocation from the government to compensate for the absence of school fees.
| Quintile | Community Type | Fee Status | Approximate Annual Per-Learner Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poorest communities | No fee | Highest state allocation |
| 2 | Very poor communities | No fee | High state allocation |
| 3 | Poor to lower-middle communities | No fee | Moderate-high state allocation |
| 4 | Middle-income communities | Fee-paying (lower fees) | Moderate state allocation |
| 5 | Higher-income communities | Fee-paying (higher fees) | Lower state allocation |
How to Find a No-Fee School Near You
To find out whether a specific school is a no-fee school, you can check with the school directly, contact your district education office, or visit www.education.gov.za and access the school directory.
Most township, rural, and informal settlement schools fall within Quintile 1-3 and are no-fee schools. If you are uncertain, simply ask the school whether it is a Quintile 1, 2, or 3 school.
No-fee schools may not charge parents a school fee at admission or at any other time during the year. If a school claiming to be a no-fee school demands payment, report this to your provincial education department.
Enrolling at a No-Fee School
You do not need to apply for an exemption at a no-fee school. Simply follow the normal school admission process for your province. You will need the same standard admission documents as any other school.
- Child's birth certificate
- Parent or guardian's ID
- Proof of address
- Road-to-health booklet or immunisation card
- Previous school report or transfer card (if applicable)
What No-Fee Schools Provide
No-fee schools receive state funding that covers teacher salaries, learning and teaching support materials (textbooks), basic infrastructure maintenance, and administration. Many no-fee schools also participate in the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which provides a hot meal to learners each school day.
- Free tuition (no fees payable)
- Government-supplied textbooks and stationery
- Participation in the National School Nutrition Programme (hot meals)
- Access to government feeding scheme support
- Free educator support and extracurricular activities where available
No-fee schools may not charge compulsory fees of any kind. Any school that makes fee payment a condition of admission or continued attendance is acting unlawfully.
Limitations and What No-Fee Schools Cannot Cover
While no fees are charged, no-fee schools may still ask for voluntary contributions toward specific school projects, building funds, or extracurricular activities. These contributions must be voluntary and no child may be excluded for not contributing.
School uniforms, transport to school, and stationery items beyond what the school provides may still be a cost for families. Contact your Social Development office or local NGOs for assistance with these.
DBE Contact and Resources
Department of Basic Education: www.education.gov.za | 012 357 3000
For a list of no-fee schools in your district, contact your nearest district education office or the provincial education department.