The Ministry of Education has officially announced that parents will now be responsible for all educational expenses for students in grades 11 and 12 enrolled in private schools, ending years of government-funded support for higher secondary education in the private sector.

This significant policy change was detailed in a circular issued by the Ministry on 15 July 2025. The new directive outlines updated guidelines for student admissions, transfers, and other administrative procedures across all schools in accordance with the Education Act, which guarantees the right to education for all children.

According to the circular, all schools must begin complying with the new regulations from July 15 onward. While the policy maintains the focus on equitable access to education, it notably removes state-sponsored financial assistance for senior students in private institutions, raising concerns among parents who say the move places a heavy financial strain on families already facing rising living costs.

The ministry has not commented on whether any alternative support mechanisms will be introduced to assist affected families, yet.

Section 11(f) of the circular, which deals with school placement, states that for students sent to other schools without requesting a place in a government school, all expenses will be settled by the parents. Similarly, section 11(g) states that if a student is offered a place in a government school but chooses to attend a different school, the student's fees and other expenses will be paid by the parent.

The circular further states that for students who apply for a place in a government school but are not accommodated and are subsequently placed in another school by the ministry, the ministry will pay the fees for the duration of that placement.

In addition to this, the circular states that such students must transfer to a government school when a place becomes available. If a student does not transfer when instructed to do so, the parent will be responsible for the student's fees and other expenses.

The decision has been made just as students are about to receive their O-level results and as they are approaching entry into grade 11. Some parents have expressed concern about the decision.

One parent who spoke to RaajjeMV noted that schools had previously informed students and parents that the government would pay fees for students who pass with five or more subjects. However, this week, schools informed parents that if their children are currently studying in private schools, they will have to pay the fees themselves. The parent went on to reveal that this was when parents learned about this circular.

Another parent who spoke to RaajjeMV said they believe this is a great injustice to students. They stated that previously, the government had assured that if students went to grades 11-12 and achieved a certain percentage in their O-levels, their fees would be covered. They said that the sudden change is a financial burden on parents as well.

Parents who spoke to RaajjeMV went on to highlight that this is a matter of great concern and that making such a decision without consulting parents indicates that the ministry wanted to keep this matter secret.

As a result of this change, many parents will have to spend at least MVR 3,000 as an entrance fee and MVR 3, 000 monthly for private schools. Therefore, implementing such a change without giving time to prepare is a major concern for parents.