The increase in fees to attend the University of Guyana, which reflects a devalued local currency, is justifiable on the basis of the university’s requirement to source resources, both physical and human, from the international market.
This is according to a release from the university in reference to the issue as raised by the media.
The release said that in 1963 students paid $100 per year. This fee was abolished in 1974 and in 1993 fees for the programmes in law and medicine were introduced.
In 1994 the university began a cost recovery mode of operation and an annual tuition fee of US1,000 was introduced for all of its programmes with the exception of law and medicine. With the then rate of exchange, US$1,000 was equivalent to $127,000. However, over the years the rate of exchange has increased, but the university has continued charging $127,000.
“The operational cost of the university is funded from student fees, a government subvention and other sources of income including fund raising. At present levels these are not enough to cover operational cost,” the release said.
It stated that the university needed to improve its ability and capacity to fulfil its obligations to its students and staff, and to deliver the quality of tertiary education that the nation expected and was demanding.
“The university also notes that the tuition fee for private nursery education in Guyana ranges from $105,000 to $130,000 per year for four hours per day, Primary and secondary education fees are $120,00 to $198,000 and $180,000 to $225,000 per year respectively.”