How much are Varsity College registration fees?
Varsity College, operated by The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), is one of South Africa’s prominent private higher education institutions, with eight campuses nationwide—including Cape Town, Durban North & Westville, Pretoria, Sandton, Waterfall-Midrand, Pietermaritzburg, and Port Elizabeth.
How much are Varsity College registration fees?
When planning to register, it’s crucial to understand the registration-related fees—these include pre-registration, student levies, and late registration fees. This post unpacks each fee: what it covers, who pays it, when to pay, and how to potentially reduce your costs.
Pre‑registration fee: R 2 500
What it is
A non-refundable fee of R 2 500 payable upon acceptance of the offer to study.
Applies to new students only (both undergraduate and postgraduate) and is deducted from their first tuition payment.
Why it matters
- Confirms your intention to register.
- Helps the college plan class and campus resources.
- Can't be refunded, so students should ensure they’re committed before paying.
International student levy: R 5 000
Who pays
International students enrolled in contact mode (on-campus) pay an additional annual fee of R 5 000 at registration time, billed each academic year.
Purpose
Covers administrative tasks unique to international enrolment—visa support, additional documentation, etc.
Strategy
Expect this extra cost into your annual budget if applying from abroad.
Late registration fees for returning students
Late registration fees apply only to returning students who miss the early registration deadline (03 February 2025); new students are exempt.
| Student Type | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (contact) returning | R 2 750 |
| Postgraduate (contact) returning | R 1 000 |
| Undergraduate & postgraduate (distance) | R 1 000 |
Key points
- Applies only if registration and minimum payment aren’t received by 03 Feb 2025.
- Late fees are steep—especially returning undergrad on campus (R 2 750).
- Distance-learning students face a lower penalty (R 1 000).
First payment deadlines & payment options
Required at registration
Both new and returning students must settle either full tuition or at least the first instalment on the 10‑month payment plan via PayU before registration is finalized.
Payment plan choices
- Full settlement upfront.
- 10‑month instalment plan: first instalment at registration, then monthly.
- 6‑month deposit option (distance students only).
- Debit order dates: 1st, 15th, or 25th of each month.
What happens if you miss the plan
Varsity College may adjust your plan to the 10‑month option if payments lapse.
Additional fees & charges
Academic credit applications
If you apply for credit for previous study, R 250 per module is charged (varsitycollege.co.za).
Assessment venue fees (distance students)
- R 300 per module when writing outside IIE campuses (SA).
- R 900 per module when writing internationally
Summary Table
| Fee Type | Who Pays | Amount | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre‑registration | New students | R 2 500 | At offer acceptance | Deducted from first payment |
| Int’l student levy | International contact students | R 5 000 annually | At registration | Applies each year --> |
| Late registration | Returning students (after 03 Feb) | UG contact R 2 750; PG contact & UG/PG distance R 1 000 | At registration | New students exempt |
| Credit app fee | All applying for credits | R 250/module | When applying | |
| Assessment venue fee | Distance students | R 300 (SA), R 900 (int’l) | At assessment | |
| SLPs | Students needing prerequisites | Varies (e.g. R 7 290) | At registration |
Final thoughts
While the tuition cost is the major investment, registration fees—pre‑registration, levies, and late penalties—can add R thousands quickly if not anticipated. The key to avoiding these extra costs lies in early planning, awareness of deadlines, and clear budgeting.
✅ Pro tip: Save the dates 03 Feb (registration deadline) and 13 December (for early applicant advantages including a 5 % postgraduate discount!)
Call to action
If you're joining Varsity College in 2025:
- Book your student appointment,
- Calculate your fees via the online estimate tool,
- Meet academic requirements,
- Choose your preferred payment plan,
- Submit payment on time through PayU,
- And avoid late fees by registering before 03 Feb 2025.
For the full 2025 fee schedule per campus and mode, visit the Varsity College website's Fees & Finance section