The Ministry of Higher Education, alongside the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), has released the 2024/25 public university selection results today during a press briefing at Golden Peacock Hotel, Lilongwe.
Higher Education Minister, Dr. Jessie Kabwila, underscored the vital importance of higher education in driving human capital development, aligning with the goals of Malawi 2063. Kabwila stated, “Higher education is central to the seven enablers of MW2063, particularly in human capital development. My ministry remains dedicated to advancing the sector.”
This year, 24,582 students qualified for selection into Malawi’s public universities, with 12,819 (7,627 males and 5,202 females) successfully gaining admission into various programs across six public institutions, including the City Campus and Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) at LUANAR. Domasi and Nalikule Colleges of Education also selected 1,356 students, bringing the total selected so far to 14,175 students. The selection saw a gender distribution of 59% males and 41% females, surpassing the 40:60 gender ratio required by law.
These 14,175 selected students represent 58% of all qualified applicants, a 27% increase compared to last year’s selection of 11,122 students. MZUNI is set to admit 2,500 additional students through its ODeL program next month, pushing the total selection to 16,675 students, covering 68% of qualified applicants. More students are expected to enroll through ODeL and Mature Entry programs across various institutions, further increasing access to higher education.
Dr. Kabwila stressed the importance of timely selection processes, aiming for consolidated result announcements going forward. The final list of selected candidates is available on the NCHE website and the websites of individual universities and colleges.
Prof. Estone Sambo, NCHE Council Chairperson, hailed the shift from paper-based systems to a fully digital selection process as a significant milestone in improving efficiency and transparency. NCHE reaffirmed its dedication to working with the government to continue enhancing the higher education sector.
The event brought together vice chancellors, senior university officials, and the Co-Chairs of the Technical Working Group on Public University Selection (TWG).
Meanwhile, President Lazarus Chakwera, Chancellor of all public universities in Malawi, has pledged that no needy student will be forced to drop out due to lack of fees, assuring government support for those in need.
