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 (UIS) in 2015 was 23.62%. There is no data for the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita (UIS) or the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita (UIS).
Tuition-free status
Higher education is not tuition free in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
Governance
Education, including higher education, in SVG is governed by the 2006 Education Act, giving license to private institutions. PART IX of this governs scholarships.
According to the 2005 St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) Act, the SVGCC is an autonomous organisation managed by a board which receives a direct grant from the government, administered by the Ministry of Finance. This level of funding is negotiated with the institution and set by governing political party according to their strategic objectives and financial constraints.
The government also directly contributes to the University of the West Indies (UWI), whose courses are available online to SVG citizens. Their contribution is agreed between the finance ministries of the 17 participating states in the UWI at budget meetings informed by reports by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
The Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information organises other non-tertiary adult education programmes such as basic computing and food preparation.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
No subnational funding mechanisms were found.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
No evidence of funding for private universities was found. Published admissions criteria for SVGCC are based on academic criteria.
Allocation and equity
Levels of grants to public education providers (SVGCC and UWI) are based on agreements between the government and the educational provider. No evidence was found of equity considerations in this funding.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Levels of grants to public education providers (SVGCC and UWI) are based on agreements between the government and the educational provider. No evidence was found of equity considerations in this funding.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Scholarships are available through the government and are administered by the Service Commissions Department (Personnel Department). They are restricted to Vincentian nationals and awarded based on academic performance.
Student loans are available from the National Student Loan Programme (NSLP) established in 1994 as a subsidiary of the National Insurance Service. Loans are applied for through the Ministry of Education and approved by the National Student Loan Advisory Committee. This committee includes representatives from National Insurance Services, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The loans are executed by commercial banks and credit unions. Loans are available to all credit-worthy nationals who are resident in SVF and apply for approved courses.
In 2002, the government introduced the Special Loan for the Economically Disadvantaged. The loan is secured by the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Applicants are recommended by the Ministry of Education to Financial Institutions. Applicants are eligible if they meet most of the following characteristics: annual income of below $10,000, asset poor, informal occupation, large households, single parent households, female headed household, children of disabled or indigent parents. 50 such loans were granted in 2024.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Scholarships cover transport between SVG and the place of study. No evidence of general policies supporting tertiary student travel was found. In 2020, the government provided ad hoc payments for travel to students studying abroad.
Accommodation
Scholarships cover living cost maintenance for the student. No evidence was found of general policies supporting accommodation for students.
Textbooks
Scholarships cover books and instruments for study. No evidence of general policies supporting buying textbooks was found.
