SARUA Membership
The Power of the Network
SARUA’s membership proposition revolves around the concept of collective action and networking, emphasizing the importance of connecting higher education institutions (HEIs) in the SADC for regional innovation, resilience, and responsiveness. SARUA functions as an inclusive and vibrant membership organization that represents the entire SADC higher education region and strives to cater to the diverse needs of both public and private higher education institutions. The Association is committed to empowering the regional higher education sector to contribute positively to socio-economic, and environmental development in the region, while strengthening its capacity to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing higher education environment.
Download our Membership Proposition
Membership: Balancing Affordability and Sustainability
At SARUA, we recognize the pivotal role of higher education in contributing to regional development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Our commitment to this cause is unwavering, and it is reflected in our approach to membership.
From 2013 to 2020, we maintained our membership fees at a constant level, despite various economic challenges. This was a conscious effort to ensure that all member institutions could continue to benefit from the diverse opportunities and resources that SARUA offers, without financial strain.
In 2021, we took a bold step forward. Understanding the financial pressures faced by higher education institutions across the SADC, we decided to reduce our membership fees substantially – by between 30% to 50% depending on specific membership bands. This decision was not taken lightly; it reflects our deep commitment to making SARUA’s membership more accessible, while still ensuring the sustainability of our operations and initiatives.
This fee reduction is more than just a number – it’s a testament to our belief in the power of collective action and shared knowledge. By lowering the financial barriers, we aim to encourage broader participation, foster greater collaboration, and facilitate the sharing of best practices across the region.
Our members are our strength, and by making SARUA more accessible, we are not only investing in individual institutions but also in the educational and developmental future of the SADC region. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to balancing affordability with the operational vitality needed to support our shared goals.
Join us in this journey towards a stronger, more interconnected higher education landscape in Southern Africa.
Membership Fees
SARUA membership fees are calculated using a fair and equitable fee formula based on student numbers (headcount enrolments) and the World Bank’s Classification of Countries according to GNI per Capita, as agreed by members at the SARUA Triennial General Meeting.
1. Categorisation of SADC Countries according to GNI
The Classification of SADC countries follows the method used by the World Bank which identifies four country bands according to the Gross National Income per Capita:
| GNI Range | |
|---|---|
| Country Band 1: Lower Income |
$ 1085 or less |
| Country Band 2: Lower Middle Income |
$ 1086 to $ 4255 |
| Country Band 3: Upper Middle Income |
$ 4256 to $ 13 205 |
| Country Band 4 High Income Countries |
$ 13 205 or more |
Country Band
| Country Band | SADC Countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Band 4 | Seychelles | High Income Countries |
| Band 3 | Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia South Africa | Upper Middle Income Countries |
| Band 2 | Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Tanzania, Zimbabwe | Lower Middle Income Countries |
| Band 1 | Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia | Lower Income Countries |
2. Illustrative Fee Range for SARUA Members
SARUA Membership Fees 2024
| Category 0 | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country Band | <2000 Students | <2001 – 5000 Students | 5001 – 10 000 Students | 10 001 – 20 000 Students | 20 001 – 30 000 Students | > 30 001 Students |
| Band 4 | $2025 | $2700 | $5400 | $8100 | $10800 | $13500 |
| Band 3 | $1350 | $1800 | $3600 | $5400 | $6600 | $7500 |
| Band 2 | $945 | $1260 | $2520 | $3780 | $4680 | $5520 |
| Band 1 | $720 | $960 | $1920 | $2880 | $3600 | $4200 |
