Update: Officials Praise Merit-Based Public University Selection Results

Update: Following the release of the 2026/2027 public university selection results, education officials and school operators have praised the government decision to base admissions on academic merit and programme capacity rather than bed space. Secretary for Education Ken Ndala and Chairperson of Vice Chancellors for Public Universities Professor Emmanuel Kaunda stated that the policy change has significantly increased access to higher education, according to the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Out of 32,527 applicants, 20,682 students successfully secured places in public universities. Nyasa Times reports that Maranatha Private Schools Managing Director Ernest Kaonga endorsed the shift, noting that the new system rewards student effort and academic performance instead of limiting opportunities due to accommodation constraints.