The cost of education plays a critical role in determining both the quantity and level of education individuals are able to pursue. These costs encompass all expenses associated with the provision and receipt of educational services and can be categorized into several key components. In the 2024/25 financial year, South Africa allocated approximately R491,4 billion to the education sector, reaffirming its strategic role in national development. This expenditure accounted for about 21% of the national budget represented 6,7% of the country’s GDP. Household education expenditure patterns further reveal a persistent imbalance in education-related costs. According to data from the 2022/23 Income and Expenditure Survey (IES), total household consumption on education services amounted to approximately R43 billion. Of this total, spending on early childhood development (ECD), primary, and secondary education fees accounted for R27,5 billion, while tertiary education fees absorbed a comparatively smaller share of R12,3 billion. Beyond fees, households incurred substantial additional costs, with expenditure on uniforms, stationery, textbooks, sport, and other education-related items estimated at R27,1 billion. Transport-related costs alone amounted to a further R11,3 billion, highlighting the significant indirect expenses associated with education participation.