The students parents, most of whom are employed as civil servants on a paltry US$200 salary, have up to May 26 to raise the fees.
The students have been told that those who do not pay in full will not be able to sit for their finals despite assurances from mines minister Obert Mpofu that no students would be sent away.
The situation is particularly desperate for so-called direct students, who have to foot the exam bills on their own. Other students attached to mines have their fees paid by their employers.
One heartbroken final year student told The Zimbabwean: They are asking us to pay US$3,000 dollars so that they can allow us to register. Registration is closing on the 26th of May, which means they have given us less than two weeks to come up with the US$3,000. We hope the minister will keep to his word because this might mean a lot of guys being sent to the streets.
The ministry of mines, Chamber of Mines and government subsidises 50 per cent of the students fees, but not exam fees.
Students on work related learning are also being asked to pay the full fees, which according to one student was unfair since they would not be using the college resources.
Post published in: News