Not all tertiary education free

Students pursuing post-graduate studies at local and regional public tertiary institutions, as well as distance learning, will have to put out half the cost of their tuition. Those doing undergraduate studies will also be required to sign an obligatory note to work in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of one to five years, depending on the cost of their tuition.

This was revealed yesterday by Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.

At a press conference at his St James office to outline the free tertiary education policy, the minister said free tuition will be available to all citizens pursuing undergraduate programmes, including distance learning programmes at local and regional public tertiary institutions. These include the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operatives, Corinth Teacher’s College, COSTAATT, Hugh Wooding and Norman Manley Law schools in TT and Jamaica, Metal Industries Company Ltd, National Energy Skills Centre, TT Hospitality and Tourism Institute, UTT, UWI campuses at St Augustine, Barbados, Jamaica and Bahamas.

The minister promised that some institutions will receive documentation giving effect to the policy by today.

With respect to the St George’s College in Grenada, Abdul-Hamid said the existing scholarship arrangement will remain in place and a further 25 additional scholarships will be awarded. Each will represent 50 percent of the tuition fees.

He said the free tuition policy will be extended to undergrad students at private tertiary institutions, subject to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

When will that be signed? The minister said each institution will be approached separately, and he hoped the signing will take place "in the shortest possible time." Fees already paid for this semester will be reimbursed where applicable, he assured.

Concerning the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and the UWI School of Continuing Studies, the minister says because Government plays no role in the institutions, students will continue to get 50 percent of the tuition, pending a review by the ministry.

At the post-graduate level, Abdul-Hamid said programmes being pursued at local and regional public tertiary institutions, including distance learning, will be eligible to access the current Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE). GATE covers half the cost of tuition.

Students pursuing accredited postgraduate programmes at approved local private tertiary institutions will be entitled to 50 percent of tuition fees up to a maximum of $10,000 per year.

However, he said in the case of postgraduate distance learning programmes at private tertiary institutions, the existing 50 percent of tuition fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per year will remain in effect.

In terms of the agreement to be signed by students receiving free tuition, the minister said they will be required to work in TT in either the private or public sector for specific periods, depending on the "cost" of the free tuition.

Up to $50,000 there is a one-year obligatory service; over $50,000 to $100,000 is two years; over $100,000 to $150,000 is three years; over $150,000 to $200,000 is four years and over $200,000 is five years.

The minister said the tax allowance of $18,000 will be maintained for persons studying at foreign tertiary institutions.

And for those students who might be tempted to abuse the system by not applying themselves, the minister said the schools will be asked to monitor students and report under-performing students to the ministry. He said the ministry will have the right to withhold tuition for those who persistently fail.

The minister said he was satisfied that all students would benefit. He said formulating the policy was complicated and lengthy.

Shortly after the announcement of the policy in the Budget, the minister had said tuition would be free for persons pursuing studies up to doctorates.