Ethiopia Moves to Tighten Rules on Private & Foreign-Community Schools
Ethiopia Moves to Tighten Rules on Private & Foreign-Community Schools
The Ministry of Education has rolled out draft regulations — now open for public comment — that bring big changes for non-governmental and foreign-community schools.
Key points at a glance:
Foreign-community schools must prove that 30% of their budget is funded by their home-country government, verified by Ethiopia’s MFA.
All private and NGO-run schools must show sustainable funding sources and have independent management.
The ministry will introduce maximum tuition and service fee ceilings, reviewed every three years.
Schools must consult parents three months before any fee increase.
Transparent fee disclosure becomes mandatory: tuition and registration fees must be publicly posted on notice boards and websites.
Heavy fines introduced — from ~$645 to ~$969, and repeat violations could lead to license suspension.
No “unauthorized fees” allowed; fees not discussed with parents cannot be enforced.
Schools must offer flexible, accessible payment options for families.
Feedback from educators and stakeholders is now being collected before the regulation moves toward final approval.
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