Student representative councils (SRCs) are student-led organizations that aim to represent the students' interests and voice their concerns to the higher education institution (HEI) management. SRCs play an essential role in preventing tuition fee conflicts by being a channel of communication between students and management. The roles of SRCs include:
1. Advocating for students' rights: SRCs ensure that HEI management provides quality education and adequate services to students. They also ensure that students are not subjected to unfair practices, such as sudden fee increases, penalties, and discrimination.
2. Negotiating with HEI management: SRCs engage with HEI management to come to a mutually beneficial agreement that is feasible for both parties. They negotiate on issues such as tuition and accommodation fees, bursaries, and work-study programs.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to students who are unable to afford tuition and other associated costs. The NSFAS plays a significant role in preventing tuition fee conflicts by providing a safety net for needy students. The roles of NSFAS in preventing tuition fees conflicts include:
1. Ensuring access to higher education: NSFAS helps to ensure that deserving students who are unable to fund their studies due to financial constraints have a chance to pursue higher education, reducing the financial burden on parents and students.
2. Regulating student loans: NSFAS plays a regulatory role in ensuring that student loans are correctly administered, disbursed and collected. By doing so, NSFAS ensures that students receive the needed financial support and prevents potential conflicts that arise when students are unable to repay their loans.
In summary, student representative councils and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme are critical in preventing tuition fee conflicts between students and HEI management. SRCs advocate for students' rights and negotiate with HEI management on behalf of students while NSFAS ensures access to higher education and regulates student loans.