Unisa students could sign an acknowledgement agreeing to pay their outstanding debt and still write their mid-year examinations, the University of South Africa said on Friday.

Spokeswoman Doreen Gough said the final date for payment of first semester fees was initially 31 March 2009.

"The financial cancellation programme was set to run on 3 April 2009," she said. The management of the university then decided to delay the cancellations until 4 May.

Students were informed by SMS and e-mail that the final due date for payment was extended to 27 June 2009, if they contacted the university on May 4 and made arrangements to pay their outstanding fees.

Students who agreed to these arrangements were reinstated and able to write their exams.

On May 4 students who had more than R300 outstanding for their first semester modules, and who had not contacted the University to make arrangements for payment, were financially cancelled.

On 7 May the university management agreed to allow additional time for students to contact the university to make arrangements for payment.

"Students who were financially cancelled and who have contacted the university to make arrangements for payment since then, have been reinstated."

Gough said 20 894 students were affected by the financial cancellations. This number constituted 13 percent of the total student body.

A total of 2281 students had made arrangements prior to the cancellations and 3076 were re-instated, to date. Four thousand one hundred and seventy two students did not have examination admission and were cancelled.

"The university is aware that many students have financial challenges when wishing to study further.

"Unisa students have access to financial assistance through the national bursary scheme. Unisa has also entered into an agreement with Eduloan whereby students are able to apply for loans," Gough said.

Additionally, students could choose the number of modules or courses they could afford to enrol for, as Unisa students have ten academic years within which to finish an undergraduate degree.

Unisa fees were one-third of the cost of a residential university, Gough said.

"Since Unisa's funding comes mainly from taxpayers money as well as student fees, the university has a responsibility to ensure its finances are well managed.

"A student debt of R25-million poses a threat to such financial stability," said Gough.

Sapa

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