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The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has welcomed the increased allocation for the higher education portfolio, as pronounced by the Minister of Finance in his medium term budget policy statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Connie September, said the announcement was reaffirmation that government was on a right path and committed to increase access to higher education especially for the poor.

“The increased funding means many poor students will be able to access quality higher education without having to worry about being financially excluded. Poor students and those categories, such as the missing middle, will not be paying fee increases and will benefit immensely,” Ms September said.

Minister Pravin Gordhan allocated R17 billion over the next three years to fund higher education, and an additional R9.2 billion increase for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Ms September said increased funding will ensure a freeze on fee increases in 2018 for students from families who earn less than R600 000 per year.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson, Ms Connie September