“School fees in public universities will NOT be reduced” -Govt

Minister of Education Bright Msaka says the increase in tuition fees at public universities is intended to improve the quality of higher education and ensure the institutions operate sustainably.

Speaking in Parliament, Msaka said 20,000 students have been selected for admission into public universities for the 2026/27 academic year, the highest intake recorded so far.

He said the government is continuing to expand access to higher education by introducing distance learning programmes, constructing lecture halls, laboratories and student hostels, as well as providing student loans and scholarships to learners who need financial assistance.

Msaka added that the government has allocated K234 billion to public universities in the 2026/27 national budget to support their operations, development projects and debt repayment.

He further said the government’s goal is to reduce universities’ dependence on public funding by requiring students who can afford to pay to contribute fees that reflect the actual cost of their education, while student loans will be targeted at those who are unable to pay.