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 2024, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes (UIS) was 15.33%. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita (UIS) was 107.53% in 2022. UIS data on initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is not available.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education is not tuition-free according to national laws and policies.
Governance
Financing for higher education is allocated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) and overseen by the Ministry of Finance and Budget (MFB). The MFB designates a portion of the national budget to MESRI for higher education. MESRI, in turn, is responsible for allocating funds for higher education, including subsidies for universities and higher institutes of professional education, as well as direct support to higher education students through scholarships. Under the Public Universities law no. 26 of 2015, public universities are legally and financially autonomous but are subject to the supervision of MESRI. Higher education institutions’ budget provisions are defined by law and approved by the MFB.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Law No. 2013-10 of 28 December 2013 on the General Code of Law Authority establishes general-purpose transfers to local governments through the Decentralisation Endowment Fund (FDD), without a reference to a dedicated higher-education allocation. The Multi-Year Budgetary and Economic Policy Document (DPBEP 2025-2027) reports aggregate transfers through the FDD and the Local Authorities Equipment Fund (FECT), but does not identify a ring-fence higher-education component. No official legal or budgetary provision establishes a specific earmarked sub-national transfer for higher education.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
Due to capacity constraints in public universities, the state previously created public-private partnerships with private higher education institutions. The government paid tuition fees for some students at private universities in order to decrease enrolment pressure in the public system. However, this practice ended in 2019. The MESRI 2020 report indicates the suspension of the State-financed placement in EPES thereafter.
Allocation and equity
There is no specific legislative or policy-defined criteria for the allocation of funds, and, therefore, no enshrined equity targeting. In general, MESRI works to primarily cover recurrent costs such as salaries and operating expenses. With the leftover budget, the ministry makes additional grants to higher education institutions for capital expenditures and other programmes. Official MESRI performance reports identify university operating transfers and student support as major expenditure components. Altogether, state subsidies account for approximately 90% of university budgets, while the remainder is financed through tuition fees, development assistance, and other partners.
MESRI and the World Bank, along with other development partners, have also co-financed results-oriented programme funding for universities. This mechanism established performance contracts between the government and public universities to strengthen teaching, governance, research and efficiency against set targets. Subsequent World Bank operations have supported further reforms in higher education governance, quality assurance, and system management.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
No specific admission criteria or financial support for the admission of vulnerable groups were identified; however, the Public Universities law no. 26 of 2015 prohibits discrimination in admissions by nationality, race, sex, and religion, within the limit of avaialbe places and required qualifications. The number of available seats in each institution is jointly determined by MESRI and the university administration.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
MESRI provides a range of scholarships and study allowances for both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on merit and need. The Direction des Bourses administers the regulatory framework for student allocations. For example, Excellence Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students, and Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships are allotted to students who sufficiently progress in their studies. Mobility Grants support students who wish to pursue higher education abroad. Vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities, orphans, and those from underprivileged families, can also be awarded social scholarships. Scholarships mostly cover registration fees, annual equipment costs, and sometimes also housing and travel expenses. State Aid grants support remaining students not receiving other scholarships based on socio-educational criteria.
Since 2001, the state has provided scholarships or aid to all higher education students at public institutions as well as some enrolled in private institutions. Many local municipalities also offer scholarships for students to study at private higher education institutions.
Decree No. 2014-963 of 12 August, 2014 sets scholarship guidelines.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No information was found on support for daily transportation costs, however, Mobility Grants and State Aid provide round trip tickets for students studying abroad.
Accommodation
Social, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate Scholarships provide a housing allowance. Where housing support is included, eligibility conditions and the modalities of the benefit are defined in the relevant official scholarships notice published by MESRI through the Campusen platform or related calls for application. Where documentation does not specify housing benefits, benefits vary by scheme.
Textbooks
Most scholarships provide support for annual equipment costs. Where learning-materials or equipment allowances are specified, the benefit and eligibility conditions are defined in the relevant official notice issued by MESRI through the Campusen platform.
This profile was reviewed by Abdourahmane Ba, Senior Expert in Evidence, Management, Public Policy Evaluation, and Development Strategy.
