By Rahim Abdul
Private schools in Malawi are considering increasing tuition fees following recent fee hikes by public universities, the Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has confirmed, raising fresh concern among parents and guardians struggling with the high cost of living.
The proposed review comes as private learning institutions say they are facing the same economic pressures that have forced public universities to adjust their tuition fees.
PRISAM President Ernest Karonga said the association is currently reviewing its fee structures but stressed that no final decision has been made on whether schools will implement the increases.
Karonga said most private schools depend almost entirely on tuition fees to meet operational costs, making it difficult to maintain quality education when expenses continue to rise.
He said increasing costs of goods and services have put pressure on private institutions, warning that maintaining current fees without adjustments could affect the quality of education offered.
The development follows recent tuition increases announced by public universities across the country for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has doubled annual tuition fees for generic entry students from K650,000 to K1.3 million.
Mzuzu University (MZUNI) has also raised tuition fees for generic entry students from K650,000 to K1.3 million, while Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES) has increased its annual tuition from K1 million to K2 million.
The proposed review by private schools has already triggered concern among parents and guardians, who fear another increase in education costs will place a heavier financial burden on households already battling inflation and rising living expenses.
Education stakeholders are expected to closely monitor PRISAM’s deliberations, as the association’s final decision could significantly affect access to private education across Malawi.
