As the new academic year began on September 8 with students returning to schools after a long holiday, The New Times learned that some schools have raised their fees. ALSO READ: Back-to-school: Students share expectations for new school year The fees adjustments vary from school to school due to different reasons. For instance, a headteacher at a private school based in Gasabo district, who preferred anonymity, admitted that his school has raised its fees, but explained the rationale behind the move. “There is a need to retain qualified foreign teachers, who may otherwise be recruited by better-paying institutions due to high external competition. Additionally, the adjustment in fees also accommodates staff insurance coverage, which is now a growing priority, he noted. “Moreover, infrastructure development is another driving factor, for example, transitioning from chalkboards to digital screens as part of efforts to reduce dust exposure and promote a healthier learning environment for students,” he added. Another headteacher in Kigali said fees increases at his school were driven by specific needs and improvements, for example the establishment of daycare services for nursery students, which was done at the request of parents who are unable to pick up their children at 1 p.m. “The fees increase is also due to the rise in commodity prices, which has significantly affected our operational costs, he noted. Theoneste Bizimungu, headteacher at École Notre Dame de Guadaloupe Nganzo in Muhanga, noted that a new charge of Frw11,000 has been introduced at the start of the academic year to cover essential student needs. He however clarified that the tuition fees have not increased. “The Frw11,000 charge was introduced based on a parents’ committee proposal whereby Frw7,500 will go towards purchasing a water filter for students, as some children faced challenges bringing drinking water, he said. “The remaining Frw3,500 is allocated for social support, such as assisting families during bereavements or contributing to charitable causes, he added. What parents say One parent who spoke to The New Times said her child attends a private school that raised tuition from Frw300,000 to Frw400,000 for the 2025/2026 academic year. She reflected on the consequences of the fee hike for her family. “The increase in school fees makes us cut back on personal needs, even denying our children some of the things they want,” she noted. ALSO READ: Rising back-to-school costs ignite social media debate Jared Byukusenge, a parent residing in Nyamasheke district, called for the involvement of parents when it comes to decision making around school matters. Our school did not raise fees this year. We held a meeting, involving parents and school administration, and agreed there should be no change until the next academic year, he said. In Rubavu, some schools also saw an increase in the cost of uniforms and school materials. We paid so much money for school materials that it makes no sense, and the school uniforms are too expensive, said Vincent Habumugisha, complaining of a private primary school uniform costing Frw 43,500.
