The Admission Procedure ensures that the Academy welcomes those pupils who are likely to be most receptive to the educational ideal of the Founder. The Academy considers many factors in selecting its pupils, both academic and social. At present, some 90 per cent of the pupil body is Malawian, with the rest coming from as far afield as Sierra Leone and South Africa. The Academy welcomes applications from all prospective pupils, regardless of origin.

Fees are payable in Malawi Kwacha at the prevailing rate of exchange. A slightly different table of fees applies to extra-territorial pupils (i.e. non-Malawians resident outside Malawi). Scholarships may be offered to pupils wishing to continue into the Sixth Form who achieve five or more A grades at GCSE level Government Scholars.

Since January, 2006, the Government of the Republic of Malawi has restored Government scholars to the Academy. Two scholars, one girl and one boy, are selected from each District on the basis of the results of the Primary School Leaving Certificate. Government Scholars join the First Form in January and undertake an accelerated programme of studies in order that they should be fully integrated into the Second Form in the following September. Currently, sixty-six scholars are in residence. The Academy has embarked on a programme of expansion in order to accommodate future scholars.