The Cuban government declared on Tuesday that university entrance exams for the 2026-2027 academic year have been canceled.
Education Minister Naima Trujillo Barreto and Higher Education Minister Walter Baluja García appeared on the television program Mesa Redonda to discuss changes planned for the final phase of the school year.
According to the announcement, university admission will be based on the cumulative GPA or academic index that pre-university students have earned throughout their educational journey.
"Admission will be determined by the GPA or academic index that students have achieved during their pre-university studies," the officials explained.
The allocation of university courses will follow the same process as previous years, using forms already completed by the students themselves.
The authorities assured that every student has a guaranteed spot: "Their place is assured, the allocation process will determine which place it will be."
This announcement marks a complete reversal from what the government had promised just two months earlier.
In March, the Ministry of Higher Education had confirmed that exams would take place nationwide, with dates set for June 5 (Mathematics), June 9 (Spanish), and June 12 (Cuban History), which were already postponed by a month from the original May schedule.
During that March address, the Education Minister had stated that "no one has considered saying, let's suspend the school year" and that "the school year will continue and conclude in July."
On Tuesday, officials also acknowledged that higher education is facing significant issues as the academic year draws to a close.
"There have been connectivity and transportation issues affecting students' ability to participate in academic activities," they admitted.
Priority has been given to final-year students, with graduations underway for over a month now.
By mid-July, the majority of Cuban university students are expected to complete their courses.
Special education will conclude in May, while preschools will adapt based on each region's circumstances.
Training schools for INDER and Culture have already moved up their closure.
Educational institutions remain open for collective activities and information sessions.
This isn't the first time Cuba has suspended entrance exams; during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a similar academic record-based admission system was implemented.
The crisis in the 2025-2026 school year has also led to the cancellation of final exams in primary schools in Pinar del Río and adjustments to the school calendar in Matanzas, highlighting the ongoing deterioration of the education system after 67 years of dictatorship.
The Cuban government blames these challenges on U.S. policies, failing to acknowledge the internal mismanagement responsible for the system's collapse.
Insights into Cuba's Education Crisis
Why did Cuba cancel university entrance exams for 2026-2027?
The Cuban government canceled the exams, opting instead to use students' cumulative GPA from their pre-university studies for university admission.
What other educational changes have occurred in Cuba recently?
Cuba has also suspended final exams in primary schools in Pinar del Río and altered the school calendar in Matanzas, reflecting a broader educational crisis.
How is the Cuban government addressing the education system's issues?
The government has prioritized final-year students and kept educational institutions open for collective activities, though it attributes challenges to U.S. policies.