What You Need to Know
The Malawi government has announced the abolition of fees for public secondary schools effective January 1, 2026. This decision aims to enhance access to education and includes the removal of examination and identification card fees. However, boarding schools will continue to charge accommodation fees, and private schools will maintain their fees.
Africa. The Malawi government has announced the abolition of basic fees in public secondary schools effective January 1, 2026, in a move aimed at enhancing access to education. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the decision includes examination fees and identification cards previously imposed by the National Examinations Board, as well as development fund fees and other charges in public day secondary schools.
Under the decision, students will not be required to pay any fees in these institutions, which the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Kainja Ndala, described as “a significant milestone in the development of human capital according to Malawi Vision 2063.”
However, the decision does not cover boarding schools, which will continue to charge accommodation fees, and private schools will remain obligated to their set fees. Schools under the management of the Christian Educators Association will limit their fees to accommodation, while government grants will cover other costs.
The ministry clarified that the necessary funding has already been released ahead of the second semester starting on January 5, with additional payments expected later in the month. Plans have also been announced to hire more teachers in the 2026/2027 fiscal year to support the expanded system.
Historical Background
Malawi has faced challenges with low secondary school enrollment rates and high dropout rates, compounded by limited resources. Although primary education became free in 1994, secondary education has remained inaccessible for many families due to costs. Experts view this decision as a significant step towards educational equity, yet concerns arise regarding the government’s ability to maintain quality education amid expected enrollment increases.
Concerns include potential overcrowding in classrooms, a shortage of qualified teachers, and inadequate infrastructure, which could limit the effectiveness of this reform if not addressed promptly.
Malawi has faced challenges with low secondary school enrollment rates and high dropout rates, compounded by limited resources. Although primary education became free in 1994, secondary education has remained inaccessible for many families due to costs. Experts view this decision as a significant step towards educational equity, yet concerns arise regarding the government’s ability to maintain quality education amid expected enrollment increases.
