University of Cape Verde: Free Tuition Sparks 50% Growth
The University of Cape Verde (UniCV) is entering a new era this academic year as it rolls out a landmark free tuition policy. Following a mandate from the government elected in May, the university anticipates a massive surge in enrollment, with the student body expected to grow by 50% over a two-year period.
Rapid Growth and Democratized Access
Speaking at the opening of the new academic year, Rector Astrigilda Silveira noted that the institution was already trending upward. “From 2024 to 2025, we increased our student count by 30% without the tuition exemption,” Silveira told Lusa. “With this new measure, I believe we will see a 50% increase across these two years.”
While official figures will not be finalized until enrollment closes on November 10, Silveira—who took office in March—hailed the initiative as a vital step toward democratizing higher education. However, she warned that eliminating tuition fees is only the first step in ensuring student success.
Beyond Tuition: Supporting the Whole Student
Rector Silveira emphasized that for the policy to be effective, the university must address the total cost of living for its students. “The tuition exemption, by itself, does not solve all problems,” she noted. “We must also consider housing, food, transportation, educational materials, and psychosocial support. To guarantee student retention, we have to address these requirements in parallel.”
To support these initiatives and compensate for the loss of tuition revenue, UniCV’s budget has been bolstered significantly, rising from 1.2 billion to 1.8 billion escudos (€10.8 million to €16.3 million).
Financial Autonomy and Global Partnerships
Despite the increased state funding, Silveira is determined to preserve the university’s independence by diversifying revenue streams. She aims to position UniCV as a “strategic partner of the State,” providing specialized services to the government, private companies, and local municipalities.
Quality control remains a top priority. Following a recent mission to Portugal, Silveira announced new international collaborations, including a protocol with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) to conduct external evaluations of UniCV’s courses. “Free tuition brings an increased obligation for quality,” Silveira said. “We want democratization, but that requires retention, success, and ultimately, employability.”
Investing in Talent
To bridge the gap between education and the workforce, UniCV is launching new mentoring and professional integration programs. As part of this effort, the university will hire 50 of its own graduates annually. These graduates will receive administrative training within the university, a move Silveira says will simultaneously develop local talent and improve the institution’s internal services.
Image: Pexels – Zen Chung
