Holness suggests review of tertiary education funding model

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is suggesting that the tertiary education funding model be reviewed so that the Government can increase access to financing for students to pay their own fees instead of providing a tuition subsidy.

Holness made the suggestion at his induction into the UWI Honour Park for past students of the institution who are current or former heads of state.

He noted that the model he is suggesting could lead to tertiary students bearing a greater share of the cost of their education.

However, he said it could increase access to higher education at a lower cost for more Jamaicans.

He explained that the model he envisions would see tertiary education being treated in a similar way as a mortgage.

Holness says he intends to start the conversation on a new model for financing tertiary education with his parliamentary colleagues and financial institutions.

The Government this week announced it would provide $9 million in grants to some final year students of the Mona Campus of the UWI who were barred from sitting final year examinations due to outstanding fees owed to the university.

The education ministry says 329 final year students owe the university $45 million.