In a major win for students and families across Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies (The UWI) has voted against implementing a planned tuition hike at its St Augustine campus, a decision that has been publicly praised by the country’s Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST).
The final ruling to maintain current tuition rates was formalized during a University Council sitting held on May 8, according to an official statement released by MTEST this week. The outcome came after months of sustained, targeted negotiation and direct lobbying led by the Trinidad and Tobago government through the ministry, which had openly opposed the proposed fee adjustment from the start.
Dr. Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, formally communicated to the St Augustine campus leadership that the government would not back any tuition increase, advising that no changes to fee structures should go forward without explicit government approval. Persad, who also holds the title of Senator Professor Emeritus, emphasized that the government’s core priority is protecting access to post-secondary education for all residents.
In welcoming the council’s decision, Persad reaffirmed the administration’s long-standing commitment to keeping tertiary education accessible and economically viable for both students and their households. The ministry noted that the government remains acutely conscious of the widespread financial strain that many working and middle-class citizens currently face, and it will continue rolling out targeted measures to safeguard access to both higher education and vocational skills training opportunities.
“Students, parents and stakeholders are therefore advised that tuition fees at the St Augustine campus will remain unchanged at this time,” the release clarified. Looking ahead, MTEST says it will maintain open, ongoing dialogue with The UWI administration and other key industry and community stakeholders to ensure all policy decisions related to tertiary education stay aligned with the country’s national development goals and the broader public interest.
“MTEST remains committed to continued engagement with The UWI and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that decisions concerning tertiary education remain aligned with national development priorities and the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” the ministry added.