Price on higher education

Left: On the same page: VC Dr Max Price addressing the National Press Club of South Africa.

UCT's contribution to 'free' higher education and its difficulties with transformation were two of the topics that Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price tackled when he addressed a National Press Club of South Africa meeting on 2 June.

Price noted his support for the recent split of the national Department of Education into two - the Ministry for Basic Education and the Ministry for Higher Education and Training.

On the recently raised issue of free education up to a first degree, Price explained how, through its own financial aid scheme and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, UCT helps disadvantaged students get into higher education. The current funding system allows universities to "differentiate" their offerings and fees, and compete for students, he argued.

"I don't think there's any difference between Minister Blade Nzimande's position and my position with respect to the goal." Price said. "What we all want is that poor students should have access to higher education.