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)
There is no recent data regarding the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes, the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita, or the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita.
Tuition-free status
Since 2023, a Free Tuition Programme has been available to all citizens or permanent residents of Grenada, provided they meet the entry requirements for their chosen institution (TAMCC or NEWLO) and programme, and have not previously attended either institution.
Governance
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development is responsible for the education system in Grenada; they oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of the education system. However, it is the Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economic Development & Cooperatives that is responsible for the overall government budget process.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Resources are managed and distributed at the central level.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
No funding for private universities when no public university is available has been identified.
Allocation and equity
Public tertiary institutions receive government support primarily through the national budget managed by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development. However, allocations seem to follow annual budgetary appropriations determined by Cabinet and Parliament. No equity dimension has been identified.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
No specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups have been identified.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Scholarships and grants are offered to students based on need or financial assistance. Funding assistance is made available through several private businesses, NGO’s, and the Government of Grenada. At St. George's University, partial scholarships of up to 90% are available, determined by a combination of need and academic success.
Additionally, the Government of Grenada, in partnership with the Grenada Development Bank, has launched a student loan programme for 'poor and vulnerable' students. Eligible students must come from low-income households with an annual income under EC $24,000 and family assets valued below EC $40,000. They should also belong to a vulnerable group, receive social assistance, or be in a household with a high dependency ratio (at least four dependants per wage earner).
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No support for student transportation has been identified.
Accommodation
No support for student accommodation has been identified.
Textbooks
The School Uniform Assistance is a voucher assistance programme launched in 1997 by the Government, with international support from Taiwan. The programme’s scope has expanded to cover both school uniforms and additional school supplies. Assistance is provided in the form of digital vouchers, which can be redeemed at authorised vendors for items such as uniforms, shoes, school bags, lunch kits, stationery, and mathematical tools.
