Government welcomes halt to UWI fee increase

The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST) has welcomed a decision by The University of the West Indies (UWI) to not increase tuition fees at the St Augustine Campus.

In a media release issued today, the ministry said the decision was taken by the UWI University Council during a meeting held on May 8, 2026.

According to the release, the outcome followed sustained engagement and direct representation by the Government through the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training regarding proposed tuition fee increases at the campus.

MTEST said Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Senator Professor Emeritus Prakash Persad, formally advised the campus administration that the Government did not support any increase in tuition fees.

The release added that Professor Persad also recommended that no adjustments be implemented without the Government’s expressed support.

Persad welcomed the outcome and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring tertiary education remains accessible and affordable for students and families throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

“The Government remains conscious of the financial challenges being experienced by many citizens and will continue to advance measures aimed at protecting access to higher education and skills training opportunities,” the release stated.

The ministry advised students, parents and stakeholders that tuition fees at the St Augustine Campus will remain unchanged at this time.

MTEST added that it remains committed to continued engagement with UWI and other stakeholders to ensure decisions concerning tertiary education align with national development priorities and the interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.