The government is living up to its promise of making education accessible and affordable to students of Antigua and Barbuda as part of its commitment to have an educated society with at least one degree-holder in every home in the country.
In presenting the 2026 National Budget for Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, dubbed: People-Centred Budget, 2026, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne outlined a number of initiatives aimed at fulfilling that commitment.
“As one of responses to reduce the cost of living, our Government has decided to introduce a tuition-free study programme at UWI Five Islands for eligible citizens. This will commence upon the expansion and upgrade of the physical campus to accommodate more students. Effective from the 2026 school year, students at Antigua and Barbuda College of Continuing Studies (ABCAS) will enjoy tuition free study,” he declared.
Additionally, PM Browne announced that the government will cover all CXC exam fees for our students. He said the government’s mission is unwavering: to provide easy access to post-secondary and university education; to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and creativity to shape the Antigua and Barbuda of tomorrow.
According to the prime minister The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus is central to the government’s vision for education.
“As the newest member of the UWI family, it has grown from 173 students in 2019 to 1,403 in 2025—clear proof of our commitment to expanding access to tertiary education, innovation, and regional leadership. Its growth will continue in the year ahead with new programmes, including a BSc in Software Engineering in partnership with Guangdong University in China; a Bachelor of Laws delivered with UWI Mona; and a Food and Agriculture Programme with UWI St. Augustine,” the country’s leader noted.
He explained that to widen access, the Government—through the Board of Education and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme—will continue to provide scholarships to Antiguan and Barbudan students at UWI Five Islands, nurturing local talent and investing in our future leaders.
