School Fees Exemption: How to Apply Under Section 39 of SASA
Under Section 39 of the South African Schools Act (SASA), parents who cannot afford school fees at a public fee-paying school are entitled to apply for a full or partial exemption. No child may be denied education or treated differently because their parents applied for or received an exemption. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.
Who Qualifies for a School Fees Exemption?
Exemptions are means-tested and based on the combined gross income of the parent or parents responsible for the learner. The threshold is calculated relative to the annual school fee.
Under the Regulations Regarding the Exemption of Parents from the Payment of School Fees:
| Combined Annual Household Income | Exemption Level |
|---|---|
| Equal to or less than the annual school fee | Full exemption (100%) |
| Between 1 and 10 times the annual school fee | Partial exemption (sliding scale) |
| More than 10 times the annual school fee | No exemption — full fees payable |
How to Apply for a Fees Exemption
You apply directly to the School Governing Body (SGB) of the school. The SGB is legally required to consider your application fairly and confidentially.
- Obtain the exemption application form from the school or ask at the school office.
- Complete the form with your household income details — include all sources of income for both parents or guardians.
- Attach supporting documents (see list below).
- Submit the completed form to the school principal or SGB chairperson.
- The SGB must respond within a reasonable time. If granted, the exemption takes effect from the date of application.
- If denied, you have the right to appeal to the Head of Department of the Provincial Education Department.
Documents Required
- Completed school fees exemption application form (from the school)
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Latest three months of payslips or employer letter confirming salary
- SASSA grant confirmation letter if you receive a social grant
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Unemployment letter from UIF or SASSA if unemployed
- Any other proof of income or proof of indigence
A school may not withhold a learner's report, refuse to allow a learner to write exams, or deny access to school activities because of unpaid fees while an exemption application is pending.
What Happens After You Apply?
The SGB reviews your application confidentially. They may request additional information. Once a decision is made, you will receive written notification.
If granted a full exemption, you pay no fees for the current year. If granted a partial exemption, you pay the reduced amount. Exemptions must be renewed each year.
Schools that refuse admission or remove learners from the roll because of unpaid fees are acting unlawfully. Report such cases to the provincial education department.
Appeals and Disputes
If the SGB refuses your exemption and you believe the decision was unfair, you can appeal to the Head of the Provincial Education Department within 30 days of receiving the decision.
You can also contact the South African Human Rights Commission or legal aid organisations such as SECTION27 for assistance if you believe your child's right to education is being infringed.
No-Fee Schools as an Alternative
If you are in a low-income household, consider enrolling your child at a designated no-fee school. These are Quintile 1, 2, and 3 schools where no fees are charged at all and no exemption application is needed.