The Malawi Public Universities Students’ Union (MAPUSU) has planned to pursue talks with Government over the 100 percent tuition fee increases announced by public universities.
In a memo seen by this publication, MAPUSU Secretary General Daniel James Mark and President Wesley Malekano said the union expressed serious concern over the fee hikes across public universities, which have caused financial strain and anxiety for students, parents, and guardians.
After holding an emergency meeting, MAPUSU decided to approach senior government officials to present a detailed and evidence-based argument against the fee adjustments.
The union said it is working to secure immediate meetings with the Minister of Education and the State President, who serves as Chancellor of Malawi’s public universities.
“Our goal is to find a sustainable and fair way forward regarding these adjustments,” the memo reads.
Despite the current tension, MAPUSU cautioned students and the public against vandalism, violence, and early protests.
The union noted that damaging university property and public infrastructure would weaken the credibility of student concerns, extend academic disruptions, and shift public attention away from the core issue of affordable education.
“We urge all students to maintain peace and order on all campuses while leadership actively engages the state authorities,” MAPUSU said.
Several public universities in Malawi have announced a 100% increase in tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, doubling fees from MK650,000 to MK1,300,000 per annum.
