Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers to common questions. Can't find what you're looking for? .
Free Secondary School Education (FSE) is a Government initiative that abolishes all fees in public secondary schools except boarding fees, ensuring that all eligible learners can access education regardless of their financial background. In 2018, the DPP-led government abolished tuition fees, the General-Purpose fund and text book revolving fund. In January 2026, government abolished School Development Fund (CDF) and examination-related fees charged by MANEB in all public schools.
The policy primarily covers:
• tuition fees.
• Examinations and ID fees that MANEB charges for national examinations
• School Development Fund
Parents and guardians are still expected to pay for boarding fees and open secondary school fees.
• tuition fees.
• Examinations and ID fees that MANEB charges for national examinations
• School Development Fund
Parents and guardians are still expected to pay for boarding fees and open secondary school fees.
The policy was introduced to:
• Increase access to secondary education
• Reduce dropout rates
• Promote equal opportunities for all learners
• Invest in Malawi’s human capital development
• Increase access to secondary education
• Reduce dropout rates
• Promote equal opportunities for all learners
• Invest in Malawi’s human capital development
No. Government continues to fund schools through grants to replace all abolished fees. Disbursements are made through Education Divisions according to approved public finance procedures to ensure accountability and sustainability.
The increase in enrolment has placed pressure on:
• Classroom space
• Teaching and learning materials
• Financial resources
These are transitional challenges, and Government is implementing measures to address them.
• Classroom space
• Teaching and learning materials
• Financial resources
These are transitional challenges, and Government is implementing measures to address them.
Government is:
• Improving resource allocation systems
• Supporting infrastructure development
• Strengthening monitoring and supervision
• Working with stakeholders to enhance service delivery
• Improving resource allocation systems
• Supporting infrastructure development
• Strengthening monitoring and supervision
• Working with stakeholders to enhance service delivery
Yes. Government is working with all categories of schools to ensure coordinated and inclusive implementation of the policy.