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Nust has previously been offering a credit plan for students unable to pay full fees but it was withdrawn on Tuesday.
The credit plan allowed students to pay their fees in three instalments.
Students who spoke to Chronicle expressed concern over the demand.
“We cannot afford to pay fees in full, what the university is asking us to do is inconsiderate. I won’t be able to raise $525 because I am not the only child at home. I have no choice but to defer my studies and come back next year,” said Tatenda Sekeramayi a fourth year student.
Another student said the demand was unreasonable and many students were bound to defer their studies since they could not afford to pay their fees in full.
“Where do they expect us to get such huge amounts of money from? My parents are not earning much and my fees are $625. I am a parallel student and I have to do temporary teaching to pay fees and the salary is not even enough to pay the fees as I have other expenses,” said a civil engineering student.
Another student appealed to the Government to intervene and save them.
“I came from Gwanda and found a notice on the board at the bursar’s window stating that the university was no longer offering the credit plan. The credit plan was better because I knew I could pay my fees in instalments. As it is I don’t know where l will get the $490 they are requesting.
“Relevant authorities need to intervene and stop the institution from making such an outrageous demand,” said Tichaona Sibanda.
Contacted for comment Nust director of information and public relations Mr Felix Moyo said they were following the university regulations.
“We are not demanding fees but we are simply laying the regulations that students should pay full tuition in order to be registered.
“In the past we defaulted the arrangement, but we cannot postpone the payment of water bills, electricity, chemicals, and all teaching equipment needed by the university. We are just saying together as a community let us contribute to the existence of Nust,” said Mr Moyo.
“We are not going to extend the registration, the deadline remains 28 September so that we are within our university calendar. Students who do not register would not be considered students of the university,” said Mr Moyo.
Tuition fees at Nust range between $450 and $750 for programmes in its six faculties.
Online Reporter