The Revolution for Economic Justice (REJU) has warned to mobilize peaceful nationwide student demonstrations if authorities do not reverse a 100 percent increase in university tuition fees.
REJU leader Prince David Mattaka said in a statement that the hike announced by institutions including LUANAR and Mzuzu University for the 2026/27 academic year will lock thousands of Malawian students out of higher education.
Mattaka said the timing of the hike worsens financial pressure on households already strained by the economy.
He argued that the increase comes as families are already battling rising costs of food, transport, and housing.
He therefore urged government and university management to reverse the decision and engage students, parents, and other stakeholders to develop a more inclusive solution.
The reaction comes after several public universities announced a 100 percent increase in tuition fees, effective for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) all revised annual fees from MK650,000 to MK1,300,000.
MUST also adjusted ODeL fees from MK550,000 to MK1,300,000, while KUHeS increased fees from MK1,000,000 to MK2,000,000 effective the 2027/2028 academic year.
In addition to tuition, MUBAS, UNIMA, and LUANAR introduced an annual medical cover fee of MK60,000 for ordinary students.
All five institutions said the adjustments are intended to support and sustain the quality of teaching and learning.
