My friends, if you are to pursue your college studies abroad, then consider Cuba, one of the biggest Island countries in the Central America which is nested in the Caribbean Sea. It has rich culture and scenic beauty and serious education and health-care systems and the beautiful city Havana is the capital of it. Let’s learn about ‘Is College Free In Cuba?’.
Is College Free In Cuba?
Cuban colleges and Universities are among the top-ranking educational Institutes in the world. Every year lot of international students come here to pursue their under-grad and post-grad courses. Cuban Govt. has made primary education free – up to the seventh standard, thereafter, education is not free for the citizens of Cuba and same goes with the foreign students. Depending on the courses, and choices of colleges and Universities, estimated cost of education ranges between USD20000-40000. But mostly the teaching medium is in Spanish however some of the handful top-notch institutions of the international repute provide education in English as medium.
Application & Eligibility Criteria
There are several good universities and colleges in Cuba. Colleges mostly arrange entrance tests depending on the subject and stream and interviews are taken to complete selections.
After shortlisting the colleges or Universities, some documents are needed along with the application letter. For under-grad programs, high school marksheets (Xth board Exam.) and certificate, signed online application form, medical report and international passport are needed whereas for post-grad programs, Bachelor’s Degree Certificate, Academic transcript from an under-grad program, signed online application, medical report and international report are the essential documents.
Academic Transcript is btw, a certificate record of a student throughout a course of study having full enrollment history including all courses attempted, grades earned and degree and any award conferred.
More than 60 public universities for international students are there for pursuing post-grad courses and several standard colleges for under-grad courses.
Which Colleges To Choose And Courses And The Fee?
- Out of 60 universities, 12-15 universities’ teaching medium is English for foreign international students. Out of which some of the best Universities are listed below.
- Universidad de La Habana is considered as the best University. Other Universities need to be chosen according to the courses offered. Apart from the best college mentioned, Universidad de Oriente Santiago de Cuba, Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas, Universidad de Cienfuegos Carlos Rafael Rodriguez etc. are also counted among the top-notch Universities.
- Cuba, being a communist country, offers unique challenges for students coming from different political systems. Students, particularly international students, need to understand this and should go easy about the Cuban culture, lifestyle and religion.
Why Do You Choose To Study In Cuba?
Study in Cuba has solid reasons if one chooses to study abroad.
More or less, these can be jotted as follows –
Education is a priority here and a high annual budget is allotted by the Cuban Government for higher education.
Cuba has an exceptional reputation in the area of public health-care.
Its politics and history are fascinating, one can improve his/her Spanish skills as the official language in Cuba is Spanish.
And last but not the least, Cuban Music and scenic beauty are to die for. Students normally have a fun-filled time apart from studies.
Where To Stay And Eat, Monthly Cost For Living?
As an international student, one should choose how they want to lead life during their studies. As Cuba has an excellent public health-care system, any international student can take benefit of it.
Main areas of expenditure are staying, food, transport and communication.
Typically, renting out for a single bedroom apartment cost around USD115 per month, for utilities, USD 4.49 per month, around USD115 for internets per month, for other daily articles, another hefty amount needed to be allotted as milk is very costly in Cuba. Public transport in Cuba is little costly.
Other Activities
For a foreign international student, doing part time job to earn while study is a good opportunity in Cuba. This way monthly expenditure can be controlled.
Cuba has a breath-taking coastal scenic beaty one can always explore and has rich music which has a Caribbean flavour.
Moreover, Cuba has a collaboration with the USA as far as sports are considered. Students can opt for pursuing outdoor games in their pass time too.
You see, there are several extra-curricular activities one can opt for and enjoy.
Conclusion –
Now We’ve learnt about ‘Is College Free In Cuba?’, Personal development is the main thing when a student wants to pursue education in abroad. A country like Cuba which is historically and culturally so rich, one can always explores and learn those, learning different language like Spanish, making friends forever and building contacts etc. are some perspectives a person can be enriched with a very positive frame of mind which all are very attractive to the future employers.
