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)
In 2018, for tertiary education, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes was 7.46%. There is no recent information regarding the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita, nor the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita.
Tuition-free status
Public higher education institutions once had no tuition fees, but with rising enrollment from 2000 to 2006, particularly due to evening classes, fees were introduced for these classes. In 2005, five public polytechnic institutes were established, charging tuition for both daytime and evening classes.
Governance
The National Council on Higher Education (CNES) is a consultative board for the Council of Ministers and serves as a forum for overseeing planning processes in higher education. CNES advises the Council of Ministers on approving new institutions, funding public HEIs, and making sector policy decisions. However, each institution negotiates its budget directly with the Ministry of Finance.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Subnational funding mechanisms
The financing is centralised, and the government allocates a fixed amount for each student, regardless of equity considerations.
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 found.
Allocation and equity
Public institutions are funded from four different sources: government funding, donor support, student fees, and income-generating activities. The government’s budget is the public institutions’ largest source of revenue, allocating the same amount for each student, regardless of their socio-economic position. About 97% of public institutions’ budget is supported by the government, and the rectors now advise the Council of Ministers on policy and directly negotiate financial matters with the Minister of Planning and Finance. This change was facilitated by the Higher Education Act 1/93, now Act 27/2009, which granted higher education institutions autonomy while limiting government roles to staff payment, facility maintenance, and institution management.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
According to Law 1/2023, universities are required to ensure that individuals with disabilities and special educational needs can enroll in and remain in higher education.
Presidential Decree No. 5/19 establishes special access regimes for public, public-private, and private higher education institutions. These institutions must allocate 3% of approved numerus clausus places for former combatants, war-disabled persons, and children of fallen or deceased combatants. These candidates must provide documentation to verify their status. Additionally, 3% of places are reserved for candidates with disabilities, in accordance with the access requirements and procedures for higher education, and they must receive necessary support based on their disability.
No financial support for their admission has been identified.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Article 5 of the Higher Education Act addresses social support for students regarding scholarships. It states: “To enable attendance at higher education and to mitigate the discriminatory effects of economic and social inequalities, the State guarantees scholarships with pre-established quotas and other forms of support.”
The Scholarship Institute was established by Decree 30/2007 on August 10 and revised by Decree No. 24/2017 on June 10. It is a national public institution responsible for managing, coordinating, and awarding scholarships for academic and professional training, both domestically and abroad. The Institute is supervised by the Minister responsible for Higher Education.
There are several types of scholarships, including those for studying abroad, as well as equity-targeted scholarships that prioritise women and students with special needs.
No grants and loans for specific groups in higher education have been identified. The existing loans are privately managed.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Although there is no national governmental policy supporting student transportation, some cities have issued student bus cards that provide discounts.
Accommodation
Although there is no national policy supporting student accommodation, support mainly comes from university-level residences and specific scholarships that include accommodation.
Textbooks
Although there is no national policy supporting the purchase of student textbooks, support primarily comes from specific scholarships that include them.
