The Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training will start its second set of public hearings on Thursday in Pretoria.

Commission spokesperson Musa Ndwandwe said the hearings will outline an overview of relevant issues affecting the higher education sector.

The commission was established in January by President Jacob Zuma to examine eight focus areas including South Africa's post school education and training landscape and the current funding of higher education and training institutions.

Student protests have rocked the country since October 2015. Students are demanding free education.

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande recently announced that universities could increase fees by up to 8%.