Parul University of India, in partnership with Mtendere Education Consult, yesterday held an education expo at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, offering Malawian students a rare opportunity to pursue international studies through a 50 percent scholarship and a free one-way air ticket for successful applicants.
The expo drew strong interest from students and parents seeking affordable pathways to quality tertiary education outside Malawi. Representatives from Parul University conducted one-on-one counselling sessions and processed on-spot admissions for eligible applicants.
Mtendere Education Consult, established in 2016, has so far facilitated the placement of more than 600 Malawian students in India, Italy, Malaysia and other countries. The consultancy says its collaboration with Parul University has widened access to academic programmes not offered locally.
Speaking during the event, Parul University Compliance Officer Vandit Anjaria said the institution aims to make international education more accessible by offering incentives that match the financial realities of Malawian families.
“Parul University is offering a 50 percent scholarship to Malawian students. This year, we have also introduced a unique incentive where students who are admitted will receive a free flight ticket to India through our partner,” he said. He added that the university has launched online programmes for individuals balancing work or family responsibilities.
Anjaria said students with MSCE grades between 1 and 6 stand a strong chance of securing the scholarship, especially in programmes such as engineering that require strong passes in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
“We want to attract quality students and give them quality education at an affordable cost. Our goal is not to chase large numbers, but to provide meaningful, transformative opportunities,” he said.
Mtendere Education Consult Lead Consultant Brenda Kumwembe said the partnership has opened doors to specialised programmes not offered in Malawi’s public universities.
“The partnership is helping advance the education sector because Parul University offers unique programmes such as Aerospace Engineering, which you won’t find at any public university in Malawi,” she said. “When students passionate about such fields go to study there, they return home with expertise that contributes directly to national development.”
Kumwembe said the collaboration, now in its eighth year, has already produced hundreds of graduates who have secured employment locally and abroad.
“The results speak for themselves. Parents are pleased because their investment has not been in vain. Students are graduating and finding meaningful work,” she said.
Among the alumni is Antonio Nyirenda, who received a scholarship in 2017 and studied Business Administration at Parul University. He described the experience as transformative.
“At first, I should say it was very beneficial. I got the scholarship in 2017 and studied for three years. The experience was quite good — Indians are very smart, kind people,” he said. “After graduating, I returned home and worked for several organisations, including NGOs and the Football Association of Malawi as an accountant.”
Kumwembe urged parents and guardians to seize the opportunity, especially given the limited spaces in Malawi’s public universities, which leave thousands of qualified students without placements.
“This is a chance for parents to secure a better future for their children. The burden of buying an air ticket has been lifted, and the scholarship makes education affordable. My plea is for Malawians to take this opportunity seriously,” she said.
She said admissions for the July intake will continue until May or June next year and encouraged prospective students to begin preparations such as acquiring passports. She also highlighted online learning options.
On Malawi’s ongoing forex challenges, Kumwembe said both the consultancy and the university are working closely to ensure payments are processed smoothly so students do not miss classes or examinations.
Yesterday’s expo forms part of a long-term effort by Parul University and Mtendere Education Consult to expand international education opportunities for Malawian students while easing financial barriers that have historically limited access.
