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)
The gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes in Gabon was last measured in 2003 at 7.66.
Tuition-free status
While public universities in Gabon are not tuition-free, the Ministry responsible for higher education does need to approve the rates of registration and tuition fees.
Governance
The financing and management of higher education in Gabon is conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The law states that the Ministry acts as the principal authorising officer of the higher education budget. It allocates funds to universities and manages appropriations for construction and rehabilitation. Within the ministry, the National Council for Higher Education is responsible for investment plans for the sector.
Universities have administrative and financial management autonomy. Some public higher education institutions may be under the supervision of other ministries in conjunction with the Minister in charge of higher education.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Subnational funding mechanisms
Funding for higher education institutions primarily comes directly from the central level. No information was found regarding the transferring of resources from the central government to local governments, specifically public higher education.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Private institutions recognised as being of public utility may benefit from state aid.
Private educational, training or research institution located in or outside the Green City of Education and Knowledge (which enjoys the status of "free zone open to private developers") or in one of its dependencies, benefits from tax facilities.
Allocation and equity
Universities and institutions of scientific, cultural and professional higher education prepare their own budget of various components. The university annually sends reports to the Ministry detailing its status and its financial situation.
The financial resources available to public universities include state grants and subsidies from central and local authorities, own funds generated from the provision of services for payment—such as research and continuing education contracts, income from patents and licences, tuition and registration fees paid by students, and revenue from campus accommodation and meals—and gifts and legacies.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
According to the law, higher education is accessible to all who meet the conditions, without discrimination. Admission is by competitive examination.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The Gabonese National Scholarship Agency (ANBG) implements the government’s policy in the management of Gabonese scholarship students. In 2022, there were 22,788 beneficiaries of the scholarship, both within Gabon and abroad.
The Classic Scholarship is awarded for all levels of higher education, both within Gabon and abroad. The scholarships are paid monthly for the duration of the cycle for which they are awarded. The Cooperation Fellowship is awarded by partner public universities and comes with financial support. There are also specific scholarships for high-achieving students.
Order 0023/PR/2007 establishes the government’s social security benefits system. Beneficiaries of the government’s economic safety net include “young people in social difficulties aged 16-25". The state provides for direct and indirect cash transfers to assist with schooling or vocational training. Additionally, the programme provides specialised equipment for people with disabilities. Decree No. 00269/PR/SEAS/UNFG/CAB of 31 May 1971 on social assistance in Gabon grants an annual subsidy of 75,000 CFA francs (US$128) to disabled persons for the purchase of orthopaedic equipment, renewable every five years.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Scholarship students may receive a transport ticket to help them travel outside the country for further schooling. The transport voucher also includes funds necessary for luggage.
Accommodation
No information was found.
Textbooks
No information was found.
