The Caribbean region is falling behind the rest of the Western Hemisphere in tertiary education enrollment, according to Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir Hilary Beckles.
Speaking at the UWI’s 2025 Annual University Council Meeting on Friday, held at the St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad, Sir Hilary revealed sobering statistics about the state of higher education in the region.
“We have to keep growing, and why do we have to keep growing? Because we are not in a comfortable space,” said Sir Hilary. “Less than 15% of our school leavers go on to university. This is far too low. In fact, it is the lowest ratio in our hemisphere. We need to have up to 30, 40%.”
Current data from the World Bank underscores the concern: while tertiary enrollment averages nearly 60% in North America and 52% in Latin America, the Caribbean falls below 25%, according to World Bank data. The disparities within the region are also stark. In Eastern Caribbean states, only about 15% of secondary school graduates pursue higher education, and less than 10% of adults have completed tertiary-level programs, according to the OECS Secretariat.
Sir Hilary also addressed ongoing financial challenges facing the UWI system. He noted that regional governments, once responsible for 90% of the university’s operational budget, now cover less than half.
“We have experienced, as a result of that, a shortfall in our budgetary processes. And this is significant. This is significant. The governments have been carrying this university from the very beginning. In the year in review, the governments have been funding 48% of our operational cost.”
In addition to budgetary concerns, the Vice Chancellor pointed to the need for institutional reform — including a rethink of how the university grants its degrees. Currently operating under a royal charter, UWI grants degrees on behalf of the British monarchy.
“UWI granting degrees on behalf of the British monarchy. That royal charter can be revoked. I do not know what circumstance it will take for a revocation of that royal charter, but theoretically, legally, it can be revoked. And if it is revoked, UWI would not exist.”
Sir Hilary’s remarks come as the region grapples with persistent challenges in access, funding, and institutional reform. With tertiary enrollment trailing far behind the rest of the hemisphere, his call for expanded access and sustainable financing underscores the urgency of higher education reform in the Caribbean.
