University enrolment down in Cuba

Cuban universities have slashed enrolment by a quarter as budget cuts sink in.



Reports out of Cuba indicate that several foreign investors have also left the country resulting in a blow to the Raul Castro government's reforms to promote commerce and shrink the state's hold on the economy.



According to Cuba’s National Statistical Office, overall university enrolment has dropped by 25.8 per cent in the 2011-2012 school year compared to the 2010-2011 period.



The Office said the largest group of students, 118 thousand 914, was enrolled in medical sciences, reflecting the government’s continued heavy investment in educating doctors, dentists and nurses for the socialist island’s highly acclaimed health care system.



Cuba’s Ministry of Higher Education sets admission quotas, depending on the skills needed, but government officials say universities are turning out too few scientists who can help modernise the economy and open new production lines.