As self-funded students at the Harare Institute of Technology, we are facing severe financial constraints. We barely manage day-to-day expenses let alone the full fees for our exams up front. Without the aid of guardians or scholarships, we find ourselves in a dire situation, risking our very futures.

The insistence on 100% fee payment before taking examinations is an unsustainable policy for many students like us. We propose a more flexible approach, where students are allowed to register for exams with at least 50% payment of the fees, along with an opportunity to create payment plans that can be adhered to over time.

This is not an unfair demand. Various institutions globally recognize the numerous financial burdens students face and have adopted similar measures. For example, according to a study by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in the United States, nearly 52% of institutions offer tuition payment plans.

By implementing this flexibility, Harare Institute of Technology not only supports its students in the short-term but also invests in their long-term success. Therefore, we kindly urge the institution to consider our proposal seriously and rethink its policies around fee payments. Please join us by signing this petition to show your support for fair and flexible payment policies at the Harare Institute of Technology.