COST IMPLICATIONS OF FEE-FREE EDUCATION ON THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN WESTERN CAPE

Ethical Clearance # 2019FOBREC702 <br> This study used a mixed-method approach to achieve its set objectives. The quantitative data obtained using questionnaires and qualitative data obtained using semi-structured interviews were triangulated with secondary data. <br> The questions in the questionnaire are con structured in such a way as to answer one problem for each question. In order to reduce bias, the researcher has en-sured that all possible responses are provided as alternatives. A four-point Likert scale was used to achieve this, and the options were: strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree. This type of question enabled the participants to evaluate their level of agreement or disagree-ment with the views provided <br> Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data: 50 questionnaires were distributed and 46 were obtained from individuals who accepted and showed interest in participating in this research. Questionnaires have been filled individually and anonymously. <br> In order to administer 50 questionnaires and conduct three interviews, the purposeful sampling method was used, three interviews were conducted and 46 questionnaires obtained. <br> The intended population was made up of Western Cape universities. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to administer 50 questionnaires to personnel of the finance department, senior management and university lecturers, two universities received 17 questionnaires and the other one received 16 questionnaires. <br>