Public education in Cambodia is officially designated as tuition-free for basic primary and lower secondary levels under government policy aimed at improving national literacy rates. However, in practical terms, families frequently encounter various indirect expenses, such as mandatory school uniforms, textbooks, writing supplies, and contributions for extracurricular activities or supplemental tutoring. While the government strives to eliminate financial barriers to schooling, these hidden out-of-pocket costs can still pose economic challenges for impoverished rural households trying to keep their children enrolled.