Education is one of the most important investments for a country’s future, but the cost of schooling can be a major challenge for many families. To make learning accessible, governments around the world, including in Africa, provide various forms of support to help reduce or completely cover school fees. The type of contribution depends on the level of education, the policies of the country, and the resources available. Understanding how the government contributes to school fees helps parents, students, and communities appreciate the role of public funding in promoting equal access to education. Here is how does the government contribute to school fees.

In many countries, including Kenya, South Africa, and others, the government offers free or heavily subsidized primary education. This means that parents are not required to pay tuition fees for their children to attend government primary schools. The state allocates funds to schools to cover teaching costs, learning materials, and sometimes even meals. By removing these fees, the government ensures that every child has the chance to complete basic education, regardless of their family’s income.

At the secondary level, the government often steps in to reduce the financial burden by paying part of the tuition fees. For example, subsidies may be provided to cover teachers’ salaries, infrastructure, and textbooks, while parents only pay for boarding, uniforms, and development projects. This partnership between families and the government makes secondary education more affordable and helps more students transition from primary to high school.

Governments also contribute to school fees through bursaries and scholarships, especially for students from poor backgrounds or marginalized communities. These funds can be distributed directly to schools or given to families to cover tuition, boarding, or examination costs. In some cases, governments work with county or provincial administrations to identify needy learners who might otherwise drop out.

At colleges and universities, governments often provide financial aid in the form of loans, grants, or scholarships. In South Africa, for instance, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) covers tuition, accommodation, and allowances for students from low-income families. In Kenya, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers loans to university and college students to help them pay for fees and upkeep. Such programs allow young people to pursue higher education without immediate financial strain.

In addition to direct fee subsidies, governments sometimes run special programs such as free school feeding schemes, free exam registration, or provision of free textbooks. They may also partner with international donors or NGOs to expand funding. These initiatives reduce the hidden costs of education, making learning more accessible to disadvantaged groups.