Advertorial
By Genny Dee| Last updated 16 Jan 2024
How Much Will School Cost
In 10 Years?
Let’s see if you qualify for reliable Education Cover at the Lowest Possible Rate.
This assessment takes less than a minute to see if you qualify.
If you think school fees are expensive now, just wait 10 years.
The cost of education in South Africa is climbing faster than many parents expect. For families with toddlers or newborns, this means the price of a solid education - especially private or university education - could become out of reach without serious planning.
So how much will you need, realistically? And what steps can you take now to protect your child’s future?
The Real Cost of Education in South Africa
On average, school fees rise by 7%–10% per year, which means the amount you're paying now could double within a decade. This trend has been consistent for the last 15+ years in both public and private sectors.
Let’s look at a rough projection based on current averages:
| School Type | Current Avg Annual Fee | Projected in 10 Years (7% increase per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Primary | R15,0001 | ~R29,500 |
| Public High School | R25,0001 | ~R49,000 |
| Private School | R100,000+2 | ~R200,000+ |
| University (SA) | R45,000+3 | ~R90,000+ |
And that’s not counting additional costs like:
🧥 Uniforms
📚 Stationery and textbooks
🚌 Transport or boarding
⚽️ Sports, music, and other extracurriculars
For many families, these “extras” can equal or exceed the tuition amount, especially if your child shows talent in sport or academics and needs support to reach their full potential.
select your child's age
to find out what cover you could get
1 - 11 months
1 - 6 years
7 - 13 years
13+ years
Parents Are Feeling the Pressure
Many South African parents feel overwhelmed. They want to give their kids the best opportunities, but with the cost of living increasing, there’s not always enough left at the end of the month to invest in savings or a long-term education plan.
That’s where Education Cover comes in. It’s designed to step in and cover education costs if something happens to you - such as death, disability, or a critical illness - so that your child’s schooling doesn’t suffer.
What Is Education Cover and Why Is It Growing in Popularity?
Education Cover is a type of life policy that pays out a lump sum or regular payments to cover schooling costs. It’s fast becoming a must-have for South African parents, especially those with young children who still have over a decade of schooling ahead.
Benefits often include:
Some providers even offer plans that allow grandparents, guardians, or other family members to take out cover for a child.
Not All Policies Are the Same
Here’s the catch: not all Education Cover plans are equal.
Some only pay a small amount. Others don’t cover high school or tertiary. And a few have hidden exclusions that leave parents with a false sense of security.
That’s why moms across South Africa are using the Proud Mom Education Cover Match Tool: a quick online form that matches you with a provider based on your family’s unique needs, budget, and future goals.
You get a free call from a consultant who explains your options clearly and helps you understand what’s included.
Want to See If You Qualify?
Answer a few questions and get matched with one of SA's Top Providers for a free quote!
Want to See If You Qualify?
Answer a few questions and get matched with one of SA's Top Providers for a free quote!
Final Thought
There’s no rewind button on time. Every year you wait, school fees go up, and the cost of doing nothing gets higher.
Whether your child is in nappies or already in Grade 1, it’s not too early (or too late) to put a safety net in place.
Their future deserves it.
Sources
1. Stats SA: General Household Survey (2023) – Average public school fee ranges
2. Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) – Private school fee ranges between R70,000 to over R200,000 per year depending on province and grade
3. Universities South Africa (USAf) – Tuition for undergrad degrees ranges from R35,000 to R70,000/year, excluding books and residence
Insurance Quotes from
*All Education Plan quoted rates are risk profile dependent.*
© Proudmom.co.za 2024.
Proud Mom is a fast, and free service that matches you with vetted, compliant financial services providers (FSPs).
Proud Mom is not a Financial Service Provider.
Your data is safe. Click or tap below for our T's & C's