Malawian students encouraged to embrace new scholarship opportunities

Malawian students have been encouraged to embrace a new scholarship programme expected to ease the financial burden many families face in accessing university education while opening doors to international learning opportunities.

The initiative, offered by India’s Sharda University in partnership with Maranatha Academy, has been expanded to benefit students from all schools across the country.

Speaking on Thursday, at unveiling ceremony in Blantyre, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Technology Mutani Tambala said the development comes at a critical time when both access and affordability remain major challenges in Malawi’s higher education sector.

“As a committee, our role is oversight on all education matters. This initiative is commendable. Our universities are doing well, but they have limitations and are already overwhelmed,” said Tambala.

She noted that the growing number of secondary school graduates continues to put pressure on available university space.

“With more students coming out of secondary school, the demand for university education will keep rising. This partnership provides an important alternative for those who may not find space locally, while also easing the financial pressure on parents,” she said.

Tambala urged students to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a practical solution to both access and affordability challenges.

Sharda University representative Rahaul Paul said the programme has now been opened to all Malawian students following a successful initial phase.

“This year, after the success we saw, we decided to extend the opportunity to all Malawian students. The scholarship is not limited, it is open to everyone,” said Paul.

He added that the initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills that are often lacking locally.

“There is a lot of talent in Malawi, but the practical aspect is missing. Books are available, but laboratories are limited. Our goal is to produce professionals with hands-on experience,” he said.

Maranatha Academy Managing Director Ernest Kaonga said the institution pushed for the programme to be inclusive and accessible to all.

“We are Malawians, and this is our country, so we said this opportunity should benefit the whole nation. We are glad that this has been accepted,” said Kaonga.

He revealed that more than 500 Malawian students are already benefiting from the programme, with expectations that the number will continue to grow.