Navigating the financial demands of a new academic year requires a strategic blend of early planning and disciplined spending.
As we move further into the year, parents and guardians are facing a landscape of rising costs for essentials like stationery and uniforms, despite ongoing government efforts to standardise secondary school fees.
Managing academic finances effectively involves meticulous budgeting for tuition, housing, food and books.
It requires balancing income from loans, grants and personal savings, while tracking every Lilangeni to ensure funds cover both immediate needs and long-term educational goals.
Knowing your specific term dates is the first step in this journey; it allows you to time your payments perfectly and avoid the unnecessary stress of last-minute rushes.
For the first term, your primary focus should remain squarely on registration fees, uniforms and initial tuition instalments.
Managing school fees
School fees typically represent the largest single expense in a household budget.
For 2026, while government has moved towards standardising secondary school fees to improve affordability, ‘top-up’ fees remain a common reality that parents must account for.
To manage these costs, consider the following strategies:
Always check if your school offers a five to 10 per cent discount for paying the full annual fee upfront. This is usually required by late January or early February.
Most schools allow for a 10-month payment plan (January to October). This is often far easier on monthly cash flow than large, daunting termly lump sums.
Utilise the advantage of Free Primary Education (FPE). While FPE covers basic tuition for public primary schools, you must still budget for ‘hidden costs’ like transport and specialised stationery.
If you are caring for orphaned or vulnerable children (OVCs), ensure you have registered with local authorities for the OVC Education Grant to offset costs.
Budgeting for supplies & hidden costs
The cost of uniforms, books and stationery has seen significant inflation recently.
To avoid this, focus on ‘cost-per-wear’ and buy high-quality basics, such as blazers and shoes, that can withstand multiple years of use.
It is a wise strategy to buy slightly larger sizes for growing children to avoid expensive mid-year replacements.
Furthermore, do not overlook the second-hand market. Look for school-sanctioned thrift shops or active Facebook groups, such as Eswatini Buy and Sell, for used blazers and sports kits.
You can even partner with other parents to buy exercise books and pens in bulk from wholesalers to avoid overspending and save some cash on discounts.
Before heading to the shops, audit what was left over from last year; half-used notebooks can often be repurposed for rough work or specific subjects.
Tertiary education & loans
If your child is heading to a tertiary institution, whether locally or internationally, timing is everything.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security typically opens scholarship applications in May or June. It is vital to monitor the SLAS portal closely for the latest priority course lists to ensure eligibility.
For long-term planning, consider dedicated education policies from local providers like Old Mutual Eswatini or ESRIC to hedge against future tuition hikes.
Quick tips
Automate your savings: Set up a standing order into a separate ‘School Fund’ account immediately after payday to remove the temptation to spend.
Utilise 2026 VAT Relief: The government has expanded the list of zero-rated goods. By keeping a close eye on grocery prices for these essentials, you can redirect the savings directly into your school fund.
Managing academic finances effectively involves meticulous budgeting for tuition, housing, food and books. (INSET) Before heading to the shops, audit what was left over from last year, this will help save you the trouble of buying essential you already have available. (Courtesy pics)
