SARUA Membership
The Power of the Network
SARUA’s membership proposition revolves around the concept of collective action and networking, emphasising 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 organisation 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 socioeconomic, and environmental development in the region, while strengthening its capacity to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing higher education environment.
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Balancing affordability and sustainability
At SARUA, we recognise the pivotal role of higher education in contributing to regional development in the 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% and 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.
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 (GNI) per capita. SARUA’s membership falls into the following categories in terms of country band, based on GNI and student enrolment numbers.
Country band and income classification
| Country band | SADC countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Band 4 | Seychelles | High income |
| Band 3 | Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa | Upper-middle income |
| Band 2 | Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Tanzania, Zimbabwe | Lower-middle income |
| Band 1 | Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia | Lower income |
Enrolment categories by student numbers
| Category | Student enrolment range |
|---|---|
| Category 0 | Up to 2000 students |
| Category 1 | 2,001–5000 students |
| Category 2 | 5,001–10 000 students |
| Category 3 | 10,001–20 000 students |
| Category 4 | 20,001–30 000 students |
| Category 5 | More than 30 000 students |
2025 membership fees
| Country band | Enrolment category 0 | Enrolment category 1 | Enrolment category 2 | Enrolment category 3 | Enrolment category 4 | Enrolment category 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 4 | USD2 126.25 | USD2 835.0 | USD5 670.00 | USD8 505.00 | USD11 340.00 | USD14 175.00 |
| Band 3 | USD1 417.50 | USD1 890.00 | USD3 780.00 | USD5 670.00 | USD6 930.00 | USD7 875.00 |
| Band 2 | USD992.25 | USD1 323.00 | USD2 646.00 | USD3 969.00 | USD4 914.00 | USD5 796.00 |
| Band 1 | USD756.00 | USD1 008.00 | USD2 016.00 | USD3 024.00 | USD3 780.00 | USD4 410.00 |
