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)
According to UIS data, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes in Nicaragua was 30.36% in 2023. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 34.78% in 2023. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita in Nicaragua is not available.
Tuition-free status
Article 3 of the 2021 Law of Autonomy of Higher Education Institutions (No. 89) states that higher education is tuition-free.
Governance
The central government directly finances all universities and higher technical education centres (Article 7 of Law No. 89, 2021) through the General Budget of the Republic. Article 55 establishes that this contribution must not be less than six percent (6%) of the General Revenue Budget, calculated on total ordinary and extraordinary income. The National Council of Universities (Consejo Nacional de Universidades, CNU), composed mainly of university rectors, is responsible for developing funding policy, proposing distribution strategies, and coordinating the allocation of resources among institutions (Articles 56–61). While universities manage their budgets, they remain subject to oversight and accountability before the Comptroller General of the Republic (Article 8, numeral 4). According to Law N. 1252 (2025), responsibility for university allocations was transferred from the CNU to the Technical Secretariat for Universities (Secretaría Técnica para Atentción a las Universidades). The law further states that all university financial matters must follow regulations of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and be supervised by the Attorney General’s office.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Education in Nicaragua, including tertiary education, is highly centralised. As a result, there are no subnational funding mechanisms.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Article 4 of Law No. 89 (2021) states that the Government of Nicaragua finances only the following private universities: Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) and Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua (UPOLI). Article 4 of Law No. 89 (2021) states that the Government of Nicaragua finances only the following private universities: Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) and Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua (UPOLI).
Allocation and equity
According to Law No. 89 (2021), government subsidies for higher education are allocated as direct transfers from the State budget, with a minimum of six percent (6%) of the General Revenue Budget earmarked for universities and higher technical education centres (Article 55). The National Council of Universities (CNU) is responsible for proposing the distribution of these resources among institutions, taking into account student enrolment and operating costs (Article 58). Universities also generate their own revenues from tuition-related fees, graduation fees, services, and donations. However, the law does not provide equity-based funding mechanisms, such as quotas or targeted subsidies for disadvantaged groups.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no national specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups nor financial support for their admission. However, Article 3 of Law No. 89 (2021) stipulates that access to higher education must be free and open to all Nicaraguans who meet the academic requirements, without discrimination based on origin, economic position, or social status, among other factors.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Scholarships are available for higher education students. According to the Regulations for the Award of Scholarships in National Educational Centres (Agreement No. 45, 1968), scholarships are targeted to low-income families, and recipients must prove that they have limited means (Article 6). Selection also takes merit and the development of desirable fields into account. The Ministry of Education determines the number of scholarships for given fields and it is up to universities to select recipients.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No information was found.
Accommodation
Full scholarships awarded by universities under the Regulations for the Award of Scholarships in National Educational Centres (Agreement No. 45, 1968) cover accommodation and food in addition to tuition.
Textbooks
No information was found.
