How to Fund Your Child's Tertiary Education

The funding stack

Most households blend savings, current income, bursaries or scholarships, and student loans. The mix shifts with time — early years favour saving; final years may lean on income and loans if savings fall short.

Apply for bursaries and NSFAS or bank study loans early. Deadlines are often a year before enrolment.

Avoid sacrificing retirement

Parents can borrow for study costs; children can borrow for fees. Nobody lends you a retirement. Capping education support at a defined amount — 'we fund fees at a local university rate' — protects both generations.

If you raid retirement capital for fees, model the reduced annuity income at your retirement age before you transfer.

Make the goal explicit in your plan

Add a WANT goal with today's fee estimate and start year so the household model shows trade-offs against home, retirement and emergency fund.

MyGenie's Funding Education event links qualification cost, years until start and required monthly saving at your assumed return.

This article is illustrative and educational. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are examples only — model your own situation in MyGenie or speak to a licensed financial adviser.