Harare — THE University of Zimbabwe has advised all its students to pay their full fees before they can attend lectures.

In a statement yesterday, the institution said the new semester would open on Monday.

The statement read: "As the new Semester opens on Monday 10 May 2010, students are advised to pay fees in full up front as they register."

The statement said sponsored students would be required to produce confirmation of payment.

"Fees remain the same as last semester unless advised otherwise."

Last semester, students paid from US$400 to about US$600 depending on the programme.

Many students failed to pay the money and many are understood to still be in arrears. Dozens of students were left stranded after travelling to Harare only to be turned away by university authorities who were demanding payment upfront.

However, the staffing situation at the institution has improved in recent months though some faculties are still in urgent need of key personnel.