Graduating is a wonderful moment at the end of a number of years of hard work. You have done it! You have your degree. However, in some instances, students also have the added stress of student debt.

Universities have for many years struggled with historical debt which cannot be recouped. As a result, institutions have been forced to implement budget cuts and forgo projects and programmes for the current cohort of students to recompense on finances lost. The monies owed by one graduate may be a few thousand Rands, but combined, they equate to millions of Rands for the university - a truly crippling situation for all parties. All universities withhold certificates of graduates until student debt is paid, making available the students' study record in an effort to assist the graduates to succeed in finding employment.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) in partnership with Feenix, a public benefit organisation and online student crowdfunding platform, is proud to announce the launch of the #CrowdfundCUTGraduates campaign. Spearheaded by the CUT Alumni Association, #CrowdfundCUTGraduates is a crowdfunding campaign that will assist CUT graduates to clear their historical university debt, and assist the university in its efforts to recoup much needed funds.

About the campaign, Professor Henk de Jager, CUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal said “I would like to encourage all CUT stakeholders and external partners, to join hands with us to support the #CrowdfundCUTGraduates campaign, which is spearheaded by the CUT Alumni Association. The purpose of this campaign is to assist CUT graduates to clear their historical university debt, and to enhance the financial sustainability of the university. Let us all join forces to support the next generation of leaders in our country, by allowing them to enter the world of work without any hindrances. Your support is greatly appreciated!”

How much are we trying to raise through the campaign?

The #CrowdfundCUTGraduates campaign aims to fundraise R46,758.00 towards the debt of the current cohort of CUT graduates to access their degree certificates.

What is CUT's contribution?

In 2020, CUT wrote off R125 313 210.94 for students that registered for the last time prior to and including 2015. The institution is committed to assist graduates as much as is possible and welcomes the Alumni Association project to assist graduates.

How does it work?

The university invites the CUT community, business and industry partners, as well as Alumni, to show their support for this initiative and donate towards the campaign. 

The public can make donations from as little as R100 on Feenix’s safe and secure online platform by visiting CUT's Feenix campaign page.

 #CrowdfundCUTGraduates aims to release engineers, teachers, technologists in medical fields, and entrepreneurs from a crippling burden and allow them to take their rightful place in our society as contributing members of South Africa.