The Cuban government plans to allow students who either fail or choose not to take entrance exams to gain access to university degrees and advanced technical training programs. As reported by the official newspaper Granma on Monday, the entrance exams for the 2025-2026 academic year are scheduled for May 6, 9, and 13, focusing on Mathematics, Spanish, and Cuban History, respectively. Yet, passing with at least 60 points is not deemed essential for securing a university spot.
During a press conference, René Sánchez Díaz, the Director of Admission and Job Placement at the Ministry of Higher Education (MES), elaborated on the phased allocation of university spots. The slots will be assigned in four stages: first to those who pass the exams, then to those who fail, followed by students who do not take the exams in their graduation year, and finally to technical education students, former pre-university students, and other categories defined by provincial commissions.
Sánchez confirmed the availability of over 100,000 university positions, theoretically ensuring a place in higher education for every applicant. However, he cautioned that this does not guarantee students will secure their desired field of study. Additionally, an experimental model previously applied in Pinar del Río, Villa Clara, and Holguín will be expanded to the rest of the country, excluding Havana. This model aims to align available spots with local development interests and vulnerable groups.
Although the official asserted that the process "maintains its rigor and transparency," the decision highlights the diminishing value of academic merit and the inconsistency between the official rhetoric of "educational rigor" and an admissions policy that eliminates the requirement to pass exams as a quality filter.
This relaxation of university entry requirements occurs against the backdrop of mass youth migration, economic turmoil, and academic disinterest, underscoring the deterioration of the educational system. Recently, the Cuban regime announced that pre-university students wishing to pursue medical sciences would not need to take entrance exams, further easing access to higher education.
A publication from the University of Medical Sciences in Holguín revealed that students who complete the tenth grade with an average of 90, and maintain that score in the first semester of the eleventh grade, can finish their final year of high school at the University of Medical Sciences and directly enter the medical program.
FAQs on Cuba's University Admission Changes
What changes have been made to the university entrance requirements in Cuba?
The Cuban government has modified the requirements, allowing students who fail or do not take entrance exams to be admitted to universities and technical programs.
How will university slots be allocated under the new system?
Slots will be assigned in phases: first to exam passers, then to non-passers, followed by those who didn't take exams, and finally to technical education students and others as defined by provincial commissions.
Why is the Cuban government relaxing university admission rules?
The relaxation comes amid widespread youth migration, economic challenges, and decreased academic motivation, reflecting a decline in the educational system’s quality.