The Malawi Public Universities Students Union (MAPUSU) says it will seek an
audience with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika following a sharp
increase in tuition fees at public universities.
The union’s president, Wesley Malekano, announced the development in a
statement released on 2 July 2026, following a 100 percent adjustment in fees
across all public universities.
Malekano said the union intends to engage the Head of State, who also serves
as Chancellor of public universities, to push for intervention and possible
review of the decision.
“We will ask the President to intervene and help resolve the matter
affecting thousands of students across the country,” Malekano said.
The issue has sparked widespread debate among students, stakeholders and
political figures.
MAPUSU has also confirmed plans to meet Minister of Education Bright Msaka
to formally present students’ concerns over the fee increase.
The union has, however, urged students nationwide to remain calm and avoid
violence.
“We appeal to all students to maintain peace, avoid demonstrations that may
turn violent, and refrain from damaging university property,” Malekano said.
Meanwhile, UTM Member of Parliament for Soche-Zingwangwa Constituency, Fred
Penjani Kamlepo Kalua, has also weighed in on the matter, saying he is seeking
a meeting with the Minister of Education.
Penjani wrote on Facebook that the engagement would help him better
understand the reasons behind the fee hike and allow him to raise concerns
affecting students and families.
“I believe it is important to understand the basis of this decision and
explore solutions that can ease the burden on families,” he wrote.
He added that he hopes the discussions will lead to “positive and practical
solutions” for those affected.
Education stakeholders have also weighed in on the matter.
Executive Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC), Benedicto
Kondowe, said while the increase appears significant, it reflects the financial
realities facing public universities.
He noted that universities require about K536 billion to operate in the
2026/2027 financial year, but government funding currently stands at only 25
percent of the required budget.
The affected institutions include Mzuzu University, the University of
Malawi, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Lilongwe University
of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi University of Science and
Technology, and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
Tuition fees at MZUNI, UNIMA, MUBAS, LUANAR, and MUST have risen from
K650,000 to K1.3 million, while KUHeS has increased its fees from K1 million to
K2 million.
