The four former University of Free State students known as the "Reitz four" were sentenced to a R20 000 fine or 12 months imprisonment in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's court on Friday.
RC Malherbe, Johnny Roberts, Schalk van der Merwe and Danie Grobler on Tuesday pleaded guilty to a charge of crimen injuria.
The charges relate to their humiliating five black workers in an initiation-type ceremony in 2007, which they filmed while living at the University of the Free State's now-closed Reitz men's residence.
The defence counsel of the former students asked the court after sentencing for a deferred fine order.
Counsel Christo Dippenaar asked the court if the students could pay off the fine over a certain period.
The court adjourned so that the State and defence could consult. - Sapa