Financing for equity in higher education

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Introduction

Key financing indicators (UIS Data)

In 2019, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes for Niger was measured at 4.15%. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 182.52% in 2018. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was last measured in 2004 at 53.53%.

Tuition-free status

Public tertiary education in Niger is not tuition-free. The supervising ministry of the institution must be notified in advance of all increases in tuition fees. Fees are different for nationals and for foreigners, though some universities offer national fees to neighbouring countries.

Governance

Tertiary education in Niger is managed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Public universities are under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the financial supervision of the Ministry of Finance.

1. Education resources to subnational governments

Niger is in the process of decentralizing the budget of the various Ministries. The Ministry of National Education is a pilot ministry for this initiative. No information was found regarding the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.

2. Education resources to institutions

Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions

About half of all tertiary students are enrolled in private higher education. The state may grant private universities financial subsidies. The state may grant aid to private schools to cover teacher salaries.

Allocation and equity

The university Rector prepares the draft budget, which is then voted on by the university council. The budget is submitted for approval to the Minister of Higher Education and Research and the Minister of Finance. Universities receive funds and resources from a range of sources, including allocations from the state budget, matching funds from the state, public authorities, legal entities or individuals, and external aid funds; competitive funds; fees from tuition, registration, examinations and related charges; income from assets; remuneration for services; and authorised donations and bequests. Resources allocated by the state to public universities are deposited within the National Treasury.

3. Education resources to students

Admission for vulnerable groups

Public universities are open to all students without distinction of nationality, race, sex, or religion. “Irregular recruitment of students” may result in a sanction up to and including the closure of the schools (Decree No. 96-210/PCSN/MEN, 1996). No information was found in regard to specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups.

Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups

According to the 1998 Law on the Orientation of the Education System (LOSEN), students may benefit from financial assistance from the State. Scholarships are awarded based on the applicant's social background and academic performance, as well as national priorities. The number of scholarships awarded by the State depends on the allocated budget. These scholarships are awarded by the National Agency for Allowances and Scholarships (ANAB). Students must renew their scholarships annually.

There are four national scholarships which students may apply to: the literary series, the excellence series, the social assistance scholarship, and the cooperation scholarships. The first two are based on academic performance. Social assistance is reserved for candidates who do not meet the usual conditions for scholarships but wish to enroll in public universities. They are provided FCFA 150,000 per year. In 2020, the ANAB registered 25,000 for this type of scholarship. The cooperation scholarship comes from external country donors. Annually, the country budgets FCFA 19 billion for scholarships, social assistance, and other accessories.

The 2020-2030 National Strategy for Accelerating the Education and Training of Girls and Women identifies key measures for improving access to and retention of girls and young women in education. The sector plan opens up the possibility of scaling up and expanding pre-identified social interventions such as scholarships and cash transfers.