The South African Union of Students (SAUS) is committed to represent students of the country in the higher education challenging environment in which all members of its culturally, geographically, racially, politically, socially and economically diverse community can realize their potential. The interests and needs of students are our highest priority and the Union will foster continuously the improvement of all institutions of higher learning the quality services to students. The SAUS invites students to honour their responsibilities to their studies, to the life of their institutions, and to the life of their communities they are coming from. Together with member affiliates, the South African student body, the Department of Education and the institutions of higher learning will strive to ensure that every graduate has been given the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding learning experience which has promoted their academic, social and personal growth.

The Union is pledged to facilitate a situation where all students are provided with equal opportunities, and embraces institutions of higher learning a statutory obligations to guarantee an environment free of racial, sexual, religious, cultural and physical discrimination. In addition, the Union is committed to the values of service, professionalism and the Student Charter is informed by these values. It sets out the standards of provision which students are expected to assume as members of the South African society.