Overview
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique and Lake Malawi. The population is 13,931,831 and the literacy rate is 62.7%. English and Chichewa are the official languages.
The earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers of the Khoisan tribe. The area of present day Malawi was called Maravi and was founded by the Chewa people in the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, Scottish churches established missions in the area. The most famous visitor was David Livingstone in 1859. In 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland was established. In 1964, independence was granted and the country became known as Malawi.
Education
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology serves as the country’s ministry of education.
Primary and Secondary Education
Education is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 13. Primary school is 8 years beginning at age 6. Upon completion, students sit for the Primary School Leaving Certificate examination.
Secondary Education
Lower secondary school is 2 years and, upon completion, students sit for an examination leading to either the Junior Certificate of Education or the Junior Secondary School Certificate. Upper secondary school is also 2 years and, upon completion, students sit for an examination leading to either the Malawi General Certificate of Education or the Malawi School Certificate of Education.
Post-Secondary Education
First Cycle
Post-secondary studies are offered at training institutes and 2 universities. Diploma programs are 3 years and require the Malawi General Certificate of Education or the Malawi School Certificate of Education for admission. Bachelor’s (Pass) programs are 4-5 years, depending on the program of study and require the Malawi General Certificate of Education or the Malawi School Certificate of Education and an entrance examination for admission. Some programs accept students who hold a 3-year Diploma. Bachelor’s (Honours) programs are 5 years and require the Malawi General Certificate of Education or the Malawi School Certificate of Education and an entrance examination for admission.
Second and Third Cycles
Graduate programs include the Postgraduate Diploma which is a 1-year program, and Master of Arts and Master or Science programs which are 1 or 2 years. Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
Doctor of Philosophy programs are 3 or more years of study and, the degree is awarded upon successful defense of a thesis.
Teacher Training
Teacher training colleges prepare primary school teachers. Junior primary school teachers are trained in a 1-year program leading to the Teachers’ Certificate T3. This program requires a Junior Certificate of Education or Junior Secondary School Certificate for admission. Senior primary school teachers are trained in a 1-year program leading to the Teachers’ Certificate T2. This program requires a Malawi General Certificate of Education or the Malawi School Certificate of Education for admission. Secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelor of Education or a bachelor’s degree in education.
