Jamaica to eliminate additional HEART tuition fees up to level 5

The HEART/NSTA Trust is set to become fully tuition-free up to Level Five beginning in fiscal year 2026/27, as the Government moves to expand access to skills training across Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during his contribution to the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 19, signaling what he described as the completion of a longstanding national objective.

Holness noted that his administration had already removed tuition fees up to Level Four, a move that opened access to more than half a million Jamaicans. He said the new measure builds on that progress and aligns with the vision of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, who championed expanded access to technical and vocational education.

“I shall now complete that mission,” Holness said, emphasizing that Level Five certification is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. “HEART will become free from Level One to Level Five for those who need it most, because my Administration understands how important it is to continuously improve access to skills training and give every Jamaican a clear pathway to prosperity.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing demand for skilled labour, particularly in light of the work to be undertaken by the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). He noted that thousands of tradespeople—including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons and roofers—will be needed to support reconstruction and resilience initiatives.

In response, the HEART/NSTA Trust is expected to scale up training in construction-related fields to meet national development needs and support expansion across key sectors.

Additionally, the Government will introduce a Contractor Incubator Programme aimed at accelerating workforce development and entrepreneurship. The initiative will place selected graduates from HEART and the University of Technology Jamaica on structured career pathways.

Participants will receive technical support, advanced training and access to concessional financing through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), allowing them to acquire equipment and expand their operations.

“The intent is to have Jamaicans gain experience on high-value public infrastructure projects and transition faster into sustainable employment and enterprise,” Holness said.