The Ethiopian government has approved a significant increase in tuition fees for private schools, allowing hikes of up to 65 percent ahead of the new academic year.
The Ministry of Education announced that the decision was made in response to growing pressure from school administrators who cited escalating operational costs, including rent, salaries, utilities, and educational materials. The new directive permits private schools to adjust their tuition fees, but only after undergoing a formal consultation process with parents and receiving approval from relevant local education authorities.
According to officials, the fee hikes will vary based on each school’s circumstances, with many expected to raise fees between 10 and 40 percent, while a select number mainly in urban areas have been cleared to implement increases of up to 65 percent.
“This is not a blanket approval,” an education official explained. “Schools must provide clear justification for the increase, and parents must be fully informed and consulted before any changes take effect.”
Parents across the country have expressed mixed reactions. Some acknowledge the financial strain on schools and the need for improved learning conditions, while others worry that the sharp increase could force them to transfer their children to public schools or compromise their household budgets.
“We understand that prices have gone up everywhere,” said Meseret Tadesse, a parent in Addis Ababa. “But a sudden 50 or 60 percent hike is too much for working families. We need balance.”
Education stakeholders have warned that without proper monitoring, such hikes could deepen inequalities in access to quality education. They are calling on the government to set national guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation.
Despite the concerns, school owners argue the increases are necessary to maintain education standards, retain qualified staff, and improve infrastructure. They note that many schools have operated at a loss in recent years due to inflation and rising overhead costs.
The government has pledged to closely monitor the implementation of the new fee structure and intervene where necessary to protect parents from arbitrary or excessive charges.
The new policy takes effect in the upcoming academic term, with all private schools expected to submit revised fee structures for review and registration.
