Government has disbursed K19 billion in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) education bursaries to councils across Malawi, ahead of schools reopening this September.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, said the funds will enable needy students to access education without delays once the term begins.

"We expect eligible students to access the bursaries in their respective districts and report to school on time," Phiri said.

According to the minister, the initiative forms part of government's broader push for equal access to education, especially for learners from vulnerable households. He added that the programme is also designed to ease the financial burden on families struggling to cover education-related costs.

Councils remain responsible for implementing the bursary scheme at local level, as government continues to rely on CDF funding to support students facing financial hardship in their studies.

The 2026/27 school calender is expected to roll out on Monday 14 September 2026 to August 2027.