By Edwin Mauluka
Student loan beneficiaries in Malawi are set to rise from 32,000 to 38,000, a move hailed as a significant step toward expanding access to tertiary education.
University of Malawi (UNIMA) council member Abigail Dzimadzi described the development as “very monumental,” noting that it aligns with government policy shifts such as free secondary education, which have already increased student enrolment and will likely drive demand for university spaces.
“We are expecting more students to seek tertiary education. This is a fundamental strategy that will help government support policies introduced at lower levels,” said Dzimadzi.
Announcing the development during his State of the Nation Address on Friday, President Peter Mutharika said the increase is aimed at supporting students who cannot afford university education.
Mutharika also pledged continued investment in higher education, revealing that in the 2026/2027 financial year, government will allocate resources toward the completion of Mombera University, whose construction had stalled.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education at all levels.
“We will continue introducing learners to digital skills and e-learning at an early age. We will also roll out pre-primary education and continue constructing primary schools under the Malawi Education Reform Programme, supported by the Global Partnership for Education,” he said.
Mutharika also highlighted progress in the implementation of free secondary education in public schools — excluding boarding institutions — saying the policy has already eased the financial burden on families.
He noted that more than 1,800 students who previously dropped out due to financial challenges have since returned to school.
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