Cuba adapts its education system under mounting economic pressures, advances the school year’s closure and safeguards access to higher education.

Cuba’s education authorities announced Tuesday a series of measures affecting both general and higher education as the country faces worsening fuel shortages, transportation difficulties and the tightening of the United States blockade.

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Appearing on the television program Mesa Redonda, Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto said the current school year for general education will close gradually between June 15 and June 30, earlier than initially planned, following adjustments to evaluation methods under current national conditions.

The minister said Cuba’s education system had relied on individualized strategies to support students facing greater difficulties during the academic year. Authorities prioritized students in sixth, ninth and twelfth grades to facilitate their transition to the next educational level despite disruptions affecting the school calendar.

Text Reads: The minister referred to the process of admission to Higher Education, highlighted the transparency and better rights of the students. He explained the sharpening of the current context and the analyses carried out. It was exceptionally decided not to conduct the admission exams.

Trujillo Barreto also confirmed that special education institutions will conclude the academic year during May because of mobility-related challenges. In early childhood education, daycare services and institutional support for working families will continue adapting according to national decisions and local conditions.

Regarding higher education, Walter Baluja García said universities shifted during the second semester toward hybrid and distance-learning formats to ensure continuity under current conditions.

He added that graduating classes have been prioritized and that graduation ceremonies have already begun in several university programs across the country. Most higher education programs are expected to conclude during the first days of July.

Key points

Baluja García also announced that university entrance examinations will not be held this year. Instead, admissions to higher education programs will be based primarily on students’ academic records and grade averages.

• Cuba will gradually close the general school year between June 15 and June 30.
• Authorities flexibilized evaluation systems within existing academic regulations.
• Priority was given to sixth, ninth and twelfth grade students.
• Special education institutions will conclude the school year during May.
• Universities shifted toward hybrid and distance-learning formats during the second semester.
• Graduation processes have already begun in several university programs.
• Most higher education programs are expected to conclude in early July.
• Cuba will not hold university entrance examinations this year.
• Admission to higher education programs will be based mainly on academic records and grade averages.
• Authorities linked the measures to transportation problems, fuel shortages and the tightening of the U.S. blockade.

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