The Ethiopian Higher Education Cost Sharing Scheme: Exploring the Policy, Practice, and Challenges

Abstract

The Ethiopian Higher Education Cost Sharing Scheme, introduced in 2003, represents a fundamental policy shift aimed at supplementing public funding for higher education through non-governmental and customer contributions. This review analyses the cost-sharing policy of Ethiopian higher education and its implementation by synthesizing various evidences from peer reviewed studies and policy documents. Utilizing a systematic literature review approach, the study highlights that the cost-sharing scheme serves as a crucial tool for balancing rising educational expenses with the growing demand for education. Despite the slow progress in cost recovery, some graduates have begun to pay their lent expenses. Therefore, this review recommends the need for increased efforts to generate non-government revenue to support the necessary government funding for the expansion of the system.