How Much Should You Save for University Fees?

Fees are the visible part

Published tuition is only part of the cost. Accommodation, textbooks, transport, devices and living expenses often double the bill. Budget the full cost of attendance, not the brochure fee.

Education inflation in South Africa has historically run above CPI — use an education-specific escalation rate when projecting fees ten or fifteen years out.

Start with the year they start, not today

A degree starting in 2038 at today's R80 000 annual fee might be R250 000+ in nominal terms at 9% education inflation. Saving in today's money means the goal amount is the fee today; the engine inflates to the start year.

Partial funding is valid — many families cover fees from income during study and save for residence and living costs only.

Where to save

Long horizons (10+ years): diversified investments or education policies with clear fee disclosure. Medium horizons (3–7 years): lower volatility. Short horizons: cash or near-cash — do not gamble the year-before-enrolment balance.

MyGenie's Funding Education calculator sets the full qualification at today's fees as the default WANT goal and uses your 'years until start' for target age.

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.