Ethiopian University Students: Repaying Education Debt

Ethiopia's education system has been historically dominated by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, with secular education only being adopted in the early 1900s. The country has faced challenges in providing universal primary education, with a net enrollment of 88.7% in the 2021/22 school year. While most children enroll in school, only 33.1% make it to secondary school, with rural settings presenting additional barriers.

The quality of education is a significant concern, with 90% of 10-year-olds lacking basic reading and comprehension skills. The COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change have also disrupted education, contributing to at least 13 million children being out of school.

Ethiopia's higher education system has expanded rapidly, but it struggles to accommodate the increasing number of students. The cost of university presents challenges for students, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who face acute financial problems that affect their daily educational activities.

The Ethiopian government provides cost-sharing programs and covers tuition fees for public university students who pass the Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination. However, students must still bear additional expenses, including transportation, food, stationery, and internet access.

The challenges of obtaining pocket money and managing limited funds impact students' learning activities and their ability to socialize and build a support network. These financial difficulties can lead to stress, depression, and a negative impact on academic performance and attendance.

Addressing financial hardships and improving access to quality education are crucial to ensuring the success and well-being of Ethiopian university students.

Scholarships and grants

Ethiopian Government Scholarships

The Ethiopian government offers scholarships to support the nation's growth, and these can be used to study in Ethiopia or internationally. The government also participates in giving financial aid to Ethiopian students, including fully-funded scholarships.

International Organization Scholarships

Several international organizations also provide financial aid and scholarships to Ethiopian students. These include:

• The World Bank
• The Italian Government
• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• The British Council
• The African Development Bank

University Scholarships

Many universities and colleges in Ethiopia and abroad offer scholarships to Ethiopian students. Some examples include:

• Jimma University
• Debub University
• Addis Ababa University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Manitoba
• Queen Mary University of London
• Monash University Australia
• University of Gothenburg
• University of Bristol
• University of Geneva
• University of Leuven
• University of Nottingham
• Uppsala University

Private Organization Scholarships

Private organizations and companies also provide scholarships to intelligent and deserving Ethiopian students. These include:

• Women Techsters Cohort Bootcamp
• Cranfield University
• Swansea University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Maynooth University
• Swinburne University of Technology
• Flinders University
• Auckland University of Technology
• Asian Institute of Technology

Other Scholarships

Other notable scholarships for Ethiopian students include:

• Fulbright Program
• Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD)
• KYTESOL ESL/LEP Student Scholarship
• Men of Principle Scholarship
• University of California Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Student loans

Ethiopia is one of the least developed countries in the world , with a booming economy and a rapidly growing population. The country's education system has historically been underdeveloped and plagued by low participation rates and quality issues. However, in recent years, there has been a massive expansion in the educational system, with increasing enrolment rates in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Challenges Faced by Students

Ethiopian undergraduate students, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, face challenges in obtaining pocket money from their families or other sources. This lack of financial support negatively impacts their learning activities and daily lives. Students struggle with basic needs, such as transportation and food, and often have to compromise on educational resources. The lack of pocket money also affects their social lives and ability to form connections with peers.

Impact on Learning Activities

The lack of pocket money has direct and indirect impacts on students' learning activities. Students may miss classes or arrive late due to a lack of transportation funds, leading to decreased concentration and performance. They also face challenges in accessing educational resources, such as stationery and internet access, which are necessary for their studies. Additionally, the stress and depression caused by financial difficulties can further hinder their learning abilities.

Recommendations

To address these challenges, the authors of the study suggest improving public awareness about university expenses and clarifying the cost-sharing system. They also recommend redesigning the cost-sharing policy to include loans or scholarships and improving university services. Teaching students self-management skills and financial planning is another area that could enhance student success.

In conclusion, Ethiopian undergraduate students face financial challenges that directly and indirectly impact their learning activities. Addressing these challenges through policy improvements and increased support can help improve the overall student experience and increase their chances of success.

Part-time work

Ethiopia's booming economy has not been enough to develop its education system, which remains underdeveloped and plagued by low participation rates and quality issues. The country's education system is ranked 173rd out of 189 countries on the United Nations' Human Development Index.

Photography and modelling are other options for international students, and internships are also available at some universities.

Sales, start-ups, and the food and hospitality industry are other sectors that offer part-time work for students.

Family contributions

The Impact of Family Income

Family income plays a crucial role in a student's ability to pursue higher education in Ethiopia. While primary education is provided free of charge at public schools, the costs associated with secondary and tertiary education can be a burden for many families. This is especially true for families in rural areas, where access to education is limited, and those with lower economic status. The Ethiopian government has implemented policies to address this issue, such as abolishing school fees for grades 1 to 10 in 1994. However, hidden costs, such as books, transportation, and school supplies, can still pose a financial challenge for families.

The Influence of Family Education Level

The educational level of a student's family can significantly impact their academic achievement. Studies have shown that the level of parental education is positively correlated with a child's academic success. This may be due to the fact that educated parents are more likely to value education and provide a supportive environment for their children's studies. Additionally, parents with higher educational attainment may have greater resources and knowledge to support their children's academic pursuits.

Addressing Gender Disparities

Ethiopia has made efforts to improve girls' access to education, but early marriage and cultural attitudes against educating girls still pose challenges. Affirmative action policies, such as admitting women to higher education with lower GPA requirements, have helped increase female enrolment rates. However, these policies have also led to higher attrition rates, with female students facing various challenges during their studies, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and lack of support from instructors and peers. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to pursue higher education.

The Role of Family in Career Choices

Supporting Students' Basic Needs

For many university students in Ethiopia, family contributions are essential in meeting their basic needs. This includes providing accommodation, food, and other necessities during their studies. In some cases, family support may also extend to helping students secure internships or job opportunities after graduation. This type of family contribution is particularly crucial for students from low-income backgrounds or those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Government cost-sharing programs

In 2003, Ethiopia established a loan program where students borrow to cover food, lodging, and 15% of tuition costs. The loans require repayment to start a year after degree completion. This is a form of cost-sharing, which serves as an alternative non-governmental source of funding, opening more opportunities and making students responsible citizens and customers. It also improves the management and academic efficiency of higher education institutions.

A modified model of the Australian type Graduate Tax has been adopted in the Ethiopian higher education landscape. This scheme ensures equitable access to students of any background, as there is no need to stipulate the income of parents to arrive at the repayment amounts.

To successfully implement cost-sharing in Ethiopia, the following improvements are essential:

• Immediate removal of all subsidies to food and room.
• Calculating appropriate tuition fees and costs.
• Providing every citizen with a tax identification number (TIN).
• Decentralization and strengthening of the tax collection and information system.

These improvements enhance the confidence of both the public and the university community and improve cost recovery.

Frequently asked questions