Approximately 130 students have already signed up for the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus’ new law degree programme, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Saturday, citing the strong response as evidence of growing demand for tertiary education in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne said the level of interest in the programme has exceeded initial expectations and may require the university to examine its capacity and funding requirements.
“I am told, we have about 130 people already signed up for the law programme,” Browne said.
The prime minister noted that the number of applicants is significant for a new programme and suggested that demand could place pressure on available space and resources at the campus.
He said the government remains committed to expanding educational opportunities but acknowledged that growth comes with additional costs.
According to Browne, the administration continues to subsidize higher education for Antiguan and Barbudan students, making university studies more accessible while placing a substantial financial burden on the state.
The prime minister used the discussion to highlight the broader challenge of funding tertiary education as enrollment at the Five Islands Campus continues to rise.
Browne said the government is currently investing heavily in the institution and remains committed to supporting its expansion, but added that additional funding mechanisms may be needed in the future.
Among the options under consideration, he said, is the possibility of requiring highly profitable companies to contribute more directly toward education financing.
The prime minister referenced the existing windfall tax imposed on commercial banks and suggested that the principle could potentially be extended to other businesses generating substantial profits.
“I believe that those companies that are making significant profits should make a contribution towards education,” Browne said.
He argued that businesses benefit from a skilled workforce and therefore have an interest in ensuring that educational institutions are adequately funded.
The law degree programme is one of the newest additions to the academic offerings at the Five Islands Campus, which has experienced rapid growth since opening in 2019.
Government figures show enrollment at the campus has increased from fewer than 350 students during its early years to nearly 2,000 students today. The government has also announced plans for a major expansion that will include new academic facilities, student housing and supporting infrastructure.
Browne said the popularity of the law programme demonstrates the value of providing professional education opportunities locally, allowing students to pursue legal studies without necessarily having to travel abroad.
He added that the continued expansion of UWI Five Islands is central to the government’s vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a regional center for higher education.
The prime minister’s remarks came as the government continues to explore long-term funding options for tertiary education while advancing plans for the next phase of development at the Five Islands Campus.
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