In a game-changing move for higher education in the Caribbean, the University of Guyana is now offering free tuition for all new and continuing students — a major step in fulfilling the government’s promise to make tertiary education accessible to every Guyanese citizen.
As of January 1, 2025, tuition fees have been scrapped for all programmes at the university, including Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees. The measure, announced by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his national budget presentation in October 2024, will immediately benefit over 11,000 enrolled students — with thousands more expected to take advantage of the opportunity in the coming academic year.
“This measure will benefit in excess of 11,000 current students at UG immediately, and of course, all the new entrants in the future,” the president declared in Parliament. “The future belongs to all of these young people.”
Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year officially opened at midnight on April 1 and will remain open until May 16, 2025. Prospective students can now apply to Degree, Diploma, or Certificate programmes through the University’s official platforms, including its website at uog.edu.gy and Facebook page.
According to UG officials, the university is currently receiving more than 1,200 applications per week, with interest expected to surge as the May deadline approaches. Students sitting CSEC exams this year are encouraged to apply early, even while awaiting results. Some programmes offer provisional acceptance, and candidates are urged to request that CXC send their results directly to the university to streamline the process.
This tuition-free initiative comes on the heels of the government’s successful Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, which has already provided over 29,000 scholarships and played a key role in expanding access to tertiary education nationwide.
All relevant details — including admission requirements, programme offerings, and updates — will continue to be shared via the university’s website, Student Records Management System (SRMS), and official social media accounts. Official statements will also be published through trusted media partners.
With Guyana leading the region in making university education free for all, the University of Guyana is positioning itself as a powerhouse for academic opportunity and national development.
