Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In 2015, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes was 5.13% and the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 175.66%. In 2002, UIS gave initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita as 12.99%.
Tuition-free status
Under the Education Law of 1999, public education is free, which includes public higher education. Students are expected to pay registration fees and educational costs.
Governance
Under the Education Law of 1999 and other statutes, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS) is responsible for the oversight of higher education and administering budgets. These cover institutional operating subsidies, capital investment, research subsidies and policy work. Duties also include governance of public sector universities and the licensing and oversight of the private sector.
Higher education policy is embedded within the broader strategic framework of the Ten-Year Education and Training Development Programme (PRODEC 2, 2019–2028), which defines national priorities in terms of equity, quality, and system performance.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No funding mechanisms for resources to subnational governments were found.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
No evidence was found of government funding for private universities.
Allocation and equity
Programme 3 of PRODEC 2, the ten-year education sector plan of 2019 promotes a policy of equitable and inclusive education. No evidence was found of funds allocated to universities for specific equity purposes.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
No evidence was found of specific admissions processes.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Created by ordinance in 2001 and supervised by the Ministry of higher education, the independent and financially autonomous National Centre for University Services (CENOU) is responsible for administering the “bourse” scholarships. This is contingent on a formula of allocating points. Six points are necessary to qualify for a “half-bourse”. Points are awarded for academic performance, years taken to complete high-school and the choice of scientific fields of study. Orphans, the disabled and the care-experienced receive two extra points, and female students receive one extra point. According to the Ministry, for the 2024/25 academic year, out of the incoming bachelor's students, 16,298 will receive the full scholarship, 4,965 will receive the half scholarship, and 11,702 will receive no scholarship. 2025 budget documents indicate that university scholarships amount to approximately XOF 18.5 billion, representing around 4.5% of government transfers and subsidies and less than 1% of total government expenditure.
CENOU also has responsibility for student health and assisting students with social difficulties.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
CENOU offers transport at reduced cost. This includes buses in the capital and requires a yearly subscription. Available capacity remains limited relative to demand.
Accommodation
CENOU provides student accommodation in dormitories. This is of limited supply and granted considering students’ financial situation, geographical situation and their family situation.
Textbooks
No evidence was found of specific support for textbooks.
This profile was reviewed by Étienne Fakaba Sissoko, Centre de recherche et d'Analyses Politiques, Economiques et Sociales du Mali, Université des Sciences Sociales et de Gestion de Bamako.
