UNIMA leads in NCHE 2025 public university admissions

Annually, the University of Malawi selects, through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), students who have performed exceptionally well in their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations. On 27th February 2025, NCHE released the names of students selected for various public universities and colleges in Malawi.

The selection announcement ceremony was held at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe and was presided over by the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Dr. Jessie Kabwila. The event was attended by vice-chancellors of various public universities and representatives from different government departments. The University of Malawi delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, accompanied by the University Registrar, Mr. Martin Matululu, and the Chair of Executive Deans, Professor Cosmo Ngongondo.

During the ceremony, Dr. Kabwila announced the results and expressed her delight at the number of students enrolled in six public universities and two colleges. She stated that the results reflected the government’s strong commitment to increasing access to higher education. Out of the 24,582 students who applied, 8,890 qualified and were enrolled in public universities and colleges. Among those selected were students with special needs.

The ceremony comprised a session in which vice-chancellors explained some of the projects that universities are undertaking and the activities in which students are involved. Professor Sajidu highlighted that UNIMA provides comprehensive training in all aspects including natural and applied sciences, education, and other fields. “Students are equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory work. This is why, when our graduates pursue further studies abroad, they excel, earning various awards and securing top positions in different fields, which reflects the high quality of our training,” he said.

He further emphasized the need for collaboration with the industry to enable students to apply and showcase the knowledge they acquire in class. He emphasized the importance of internship opportunities during students’ studies, as these experiences expose them to practical industry understandings before they formally enter the job market.

The University of Malawi has selected 2,898 candidates, comprising 1,743 males (60%) and 1,155 females (40%). These candidates represent 30.9% of the total admissions to public universities in Malawi. Among them, 42 are Special Needs Education (SNE) students.

The minister concluded by expressing gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the selection process and extended special thanks to FDH Bank for its financial support.