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)
According to UIS data, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes in 2023 was 4.94 percent. Data on initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita, as well as initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita, are not available.
Tuition-free status
There is no available information on whether tuition fees are charged.
Governance
According to the University Act of 1968 and the NOVA Act of 2007, the Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for overseeing higher education in Suriname. Most funding for higher education, excluding the recently established foreign institutions operating in the country, is drawn from the national budget.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
There are no mechanisms for transferring resources from the central government to local governments for public higher education.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Private universities are not subsided by the government, even in the absence of public institutions.
Allocation and equity
There are no government subsidies allocated to public higher education institutions with specific equity objectives.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no targeted admission criteria or financial support measures for vulnerable groups.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The Student Financing Fund Suriname (FSS), managed by the National Development Bank (NOB) under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, was established in 2009 to provide loans to Surinamese students enrolled in university or higher vocational programmes. Eligible applicants must be Surinamese nationals, or residents born in Suriname who have applied for citizenship, and must be enrolled in an accredited higher education programme. The fund covers tuition and related study costs through low-interest loans, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to higher education. Equity considerations are embedded in the programme, including support for students with financial need, those from low-income or large families, and students living more than 50 kilometres from their institution who face transport constraints.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Through the Student Financing Fund Suriname (FSS), support is provided for transport, accommodation and textbooks.
Accommodation
Through the Student Financing Fund Suriname (FSS), support is provided for transport, accommodation and textbooks.
Textbooks
Through the Student Financing Fund Suriname (FSS), support is provided for transport, accommodation and textbooks.
