UG Council approves tuition fees hike

The University of Guyana this afternoon announced that its council has approved a tuition fees increase. The increase in fees had been the subject of several years of discussions and more recently focused consultations with university stakeholders.

The UG press release follows:

University of Guyana adjusts tuition fees

for the 2014/2015 academic year

The University of Guyana Council has approved the proposed tuition adjustment for the institution effective from the 2014-2015 academic year. The adjusted fee applies to both new and continuing students who are pursing programmes which previously attracted a fee of $127,000G.

The application of the new fees was determined following a series of consultations held with current students and other stakeholders in June 2014.

Continuing Guyanese students will pay an incremented increase beginning with $130,000 in 2014, $145,000 in 2015 and $160,000 in 2016, in addition to the $50,000 Facilities Fee, which replaces the various miscellaneous fees, previously paid.           Fees for the following programmes will not be adjusted: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry, Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging, Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Sciences, Bachelor of Science Dental Surgery, Masters of Science in Environmental Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management-Climate Change and Disaster Management & Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Law, Commonwealth Master of Business Administration, Commonwealth Master of Public Administration, Master in Education, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Tourism Studies and the Associate Degree in Tourism Studies. However, students pursuing these programmes will be required to pay the Facilities Fee (see attached).

New students (Guyanese) are required to pay $210,000, inclusive of the Facilities Fee for most programmes, except for those listed above.

ugWhile the fees for foreign students have not been adjusted, they will be required to pay the US$ 250 facilities fees instead of the various miscellaneous fees, which were previously paid.

It is the view of the University’s administration that: ‘The fee adjustment has become necessary due to the rising cost of providing quality education not only in Guyana but worldwide. Additionally, inflation has negatively affected the allocation to the University from the Government, making the current tuition fees paid by students unsustainable and unrealistic.’ It should also be noted that when fees were reinstated in 1994, it was the understanding that adjustments would have been made to reflect the change in the exchange rates. The fee at that time was pegged at US$ 1000, 00.

The university expects that this added revenue will be used to create new academic services and facilities, help hire new faculty and expand and improve programme offerings. In general, to improve the quality of services offered by the University.

The University is aware that many of our students and their families find it difficult to finance tertiary education. However, we can only continue to deliver to our students if the university is able to cover its operational costs. The university has been and continues to absorb as much of its increased operational costs as it can to manage its financial resources.

The University of Guyana administration is seeking the understanding and support of all stakeholders as the university doubles its efforts to provide quality education to our students.