Free public education remains theoretical for many families. While official statements indicate that registration and re-registration fees are zero ariary, the reality on the ground is quite different. “There is a sum to pay at the time of registration,” testifies Miharivola Randriamanana, a parent.
The amounts required vary from one school to another: 30,000 ariary per student in a public primary school (EPP), 70,000 ariary per parent in a general secondary school (CEG), and 85,000 ariary in a high school. Schools refute any illegal pricing. According to a public school principal, these sums do not constitute official registration fees, but financial contributions set by the parents themselves during their general assembly.
“These financial contributions from parents aim to ensure the remuneration of non-civil servant teachers, whose presence is essential to maintaining school activities. Another part of the money is used to carry out school projects, such as building a computer lab,” explains a high school principal. Another school director confides that part of this parental contribution is used for the operating budget. “The school fund only arrives around February, so for the purchase of certain teaching materials that are necessary until this disbursement, we use a portion of the parental contribution,” the source indicates. These amounts represent a heavy financial burden for many parents.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-05 06:23:46 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/education-les-ecoles-publiques-soumises.html