Barrett, Shermaine A.UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC)2024-09-052024-09-052023https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000387473https://hdl.handle.net/2139/56915Jamaica’s ambition is to increase the percentage of its population that has access to and completes higher education to a range of between 50 and 70% by 2030. However, the country continues to struggle to meet this goal: the gross enrolment ratio has decreased to just under 30% and one of the main challenges is the persistent inequity in access to quality secondary level education that prepares graduates to access further education and training, including higher education. Another challenge is lack of access to funding for higher education. Against this backdrop, the government’s plan to address the primary barriers to accessing higher education includes developing alternative pathways into higher education, which is directly linked to the development of the National Qualifications Framework of Jamaica (NQF-J) and the related Flexible Pathways policy. Parallel to this, the government’s Tertiary Students Assistance Programme (TSAP) has been increasing higher education financing (via scholarships and grants) to eligible students. Through these policies, the country seeks to provide an education system, including higher education, that is equitable and accessible by all Jamaicans.en-UShigher educationpolicy initiativesOther