Liberia Maintains School Fees Despite Free Education Law

Why this is here: Children entering school at age four complete only 4.2 years of schooling by age 18, illustrating the deep challenges within Liberia’s education system.

Human Rights Watch released a report detailing how school fees in Liberia hinder access to education for many children. The organization found that mandatory fees—despite a law guaranteeing free and compulsory education for grades 1 to 9—create a financial burden for families and violate children’s right to education. Between November 2025 and January 2026, researchers visited 21 schools and interviewed parents, teachers, and students across five counties.

Many children enroll late or drop out because their families cannot afford the fees. Roughly one-third of school-age children, and half of those in rural areas, have never attended school. A 14-year-old boy described leaving school to help his mother sell goods in the market due to financial constraints.

The report notes that Liberia’s education system struggles with low funding—about 2.73% of GDP—and challenges like overcrowded classrooms and reliance on volunteer teachers. While initiatives like the Excellence in Learning in Liberia project aim to improve access, full implementation of school grants is crucial. The organization estimates that eliminating fees would require an additional 4% of the education budget.