Financing for equity in higher education

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

In 2018, for tertiary education, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes was 24,29%. There is no data regarding 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

Article 16 of Decree-Law No. 20/2012 (Legal Framework for Higher Education Institutions), amended in 2015, authorizes public higher education institutions to set tuition fees, with criteria defined by government ordinance.

Governance

The Minister of Education presents the budget proposal for the Ministry of Education. However, the National Assembly is responsible for approving the budget, which occurs annually as part of the General State Budget. The Ministry of Education (within the Council of Ministers) sets strategic priorities, while the Minister of Finance authorizes specific budget increases through executive decree.

1. Education resources to subnational governments

The financing of public higher education institutions and support for students is provided directly through the State Budget.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

Legislative Decree No. 2/2010 redefines the financing and control system, allowing State subsidies for private higher education institutions based on the principles of a) State financial contribution; b) co-management; c) universality; d) cost socialization; e) non-exclusion; f) equity; g) autonomy; and h) sustainability.

Allocation and equity

Recently, the Cape Verdean education system has been consolidating and expanding, focusing on digital transition and enhancing social action in schools and universities. These initiatives aim to modernize education, ensure equal access, and dignify the careers of professionals in the sector.

Since the Legislative Decree No. 2/2010 (Article 46), mentions that the State establishes appropriations in the Budget Law for financing teaching, training, research, and extension activities at universities and public higher education institutions, based on objective criteria for assessing course and project relevance, quality, and excellence, as well as indicators of institutional efficiency and effectiveness, and the principles of sustainability and equity. More specifically, the higher education funding system is based on the following principles: i) non-exclusion, allowing students with limited financial resources to access funding mechanisms and social programs for higher education; ii) equity, defined as the right of institutions and students to receive support tailored to their specific situations.

Thus, HEIs operate on the basis of direct subsidies received from the State (only for the two public institutions) and tuition fees paid by their students, some of whom are financed by scholarships awarded by FICASE (a public foundation that manages scholarship policy and other educational benefits). HEIs can also mobilize additional resources of their own, but these are still relatively limited.

Additionally, the Ministry exercises supervisory powers over FICASE (Cape Verdean Foundation for School Action), which aims to implement social policies that promote equal opportunities for all in terms of access to and success in education.

Finally, the Strategic Education Plan (2022-2026) has a focus on equity across all education levels.

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

Article 35 of Legislative Decree No. 2/2010 defines that access to higher education is governed by the principles of democracy, equity, and equal opportunities, and that working students benefit from special arrangements for access to and attendance at higher education.

Furthermore, starting in 2017, all Cape Verdeans with disabilities will have free access to higher education.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

The Government of Cape Verde, through the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES) and the Cape Verdean Foundation for Social and Educational Action (FICASE), both under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, awards scholarships to candidates to finance their studies. The scholarships awarded by the Government aim to integrate socially vulnerable young people, reduce regional disparities, and promote academic merit in access to national higher education.

Loans and repayable grants conceded by the State of Cape Verde under Article 6 of Decree-Law No. 6/97 of February 3, and regulated by Decree-Law No. 7/97 of February 3, are considered non-repayable scholarships and grants. Since 2010, all those who benefited from loans and repayable subsidies are exempt from the obligation to repay. The Government must now ensure the granting of scholarships and subsidies through the State Budget.