Medical dreams get expensive

The dream of becoming a doctor or other health professional in Malawi is about to become more expensive, with students at the Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) facing higher tuition fees from November 2026.

Some students will have to pay more than K1 million per semester under the new fee structure, adding pressure on families already struggling to meet the cost of education.

In a press release, MCHS announced revised fees for both basic and upgrading programmes, with the amounts varying according to the course.

Students pursuing generic bachelor’s degree programmes will pay K847,500 per semester, while those upgrading their bachelor’s qualifications will pay K925,000.

Generic certificate and diploma programmes will cost K750,000 per semester. Students enrolled in diploma upgrading programmes will pay K825,000, while economic diploma programmes will attract fees of K1.075 million.

The college has clarified that the new charges will not immediately affect students already attending classes when the changes take effect in November.

They will continue paying the previously approved fees for their ongoing semester.

However, the revised fees will apply when they begin their next semester or academic year, meaning they will eventually have to meet the new costs.