Financing for equity in higher education

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes was measured in 2020 as 4.4%. That same year, the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 119.07%. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was last estimated in 2009 at 19.76%.

Tuition-free status

Public tertiary education is not tuition free. However, the tuition fees are set by the central government. In 2024, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Vocational Training set the tuition for a bachelor's degree cycle at FCFA 100,000 (USD 180) and a master's degree at FCFA 200,000 (USD 360).

Governance

The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Vocational Training is responsible for the management of higher education institutions.

According to Law No. 6-016 2006-03-13 PR on the orientation of the Chadian education system, public higher education institutions are established by law. These institutions possess financial autonomy. Their statutes are defined by a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Funds for tertiary education institutions primarily come from the central government.

No information was found regarding the funding mechanisms for local governments for public higher education.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

According to Law No. 6-016 2006-03-13 PR on the orientation of the Chadian education system, private universities may benefit from state subsidies under the conditions laid down by regulation. For example, the State may grant aid or a subsidy to private institutions that contribute to the achievement of its objectives and that request it. This assistance can take the form of land allocation, equipment, tax exemptions, human resources, direct financial assistance, facilitation of access to credit, etc. Research funds are also set up by the State or with the participation of the State.

Allocation and equity

Public higher education institutions may receive funds from the following sources: budgetary allocations from the state; competitive research funds established by the state; tuition fees collected from students; income from the production of goods and services; donations; contributions from bilateral and multilateral cooperation; and loans.

Ordinance no. 004/PR/2024 ratified the framework agreement for the financing of higher education development projects. EUR 82.59 million will be used in four provinces and four universities by taking into account the geographical distribution.

No other information was found regarding the equitable distribution of funds.

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

At the initiative of education authorities at the central and local levels, displaced or refugee persons in the Sahel strip may have their school fees abolished. They may also receive an exemption from presenting certain administrative documents.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

The Education 2030 Strategy states that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and private universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding offering a 50% reduction in tuition fees to refugees.

According to Decree no. 11-858, scholarships awarded to students in educational and vocational training institutions are managed by the National Centre for University Services (CNOU). The rate of assistance is set by the CNOU Board of Directors. Scholarships awarded to students in institutions not under the Ministry of Higher Education are managed by the relevant ministries. The National Scholarship Commission is responsible for determining the eligibility of scholarship candidates.

Scholarships for refugees have been funded with the support of outside organisations.