150 million gourdes for Quisqueya University from the Haitian State: clarifications provided
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 3 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
Quisqueya University (UniQ) has clarified the circumstances surrounding a 150 million gourde funding package, disbursed in three installments, granted by the Haitian State. In a public note published on March 8, 2026, the institution states that this support falls within a legal framework designed to support private higher education and research in Haiti, even though other universities in the country have received nothing.
In response to questions raised by certain recent publications, Quisqueya University deemed it necessary to provide details on the funding received from the Haitian State. In a note made public on March 8, 2026, the institution explained that this institutional support resulted from an initiative launched in December 2022, amidst an economic and security crisis affecting its activities.
According to the university, the funding was granted under a memorandum of understanding signed on May 20, 2025, with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The institution states that the funds were requested to support the continuity of its academic activities, as its resources had been severely affected by the national crisis.
Quisqueya University emphasizes that this financial support is neither opaque funding nor a personal advantage for its leaders. The institution recalls that this type of support is provided for by the decree of March 11, 2020, concerning the functioning and modernization of higher education in Haiti.
According to Article 195 of this decree, published in the Official Gazette Le Moniteur on June 30, 2020:
« Private higher education institutions and legally constituted non-profit research centers or research foundations are authorized to receive equitable financial aid from the State based on their needs and their level of academic excellence, upon the recommendations of the regulatory body. » The university indicates that its funding falls within this framework aimed at supporting academic institutions contributing to training and research. In its note, Quisqueya University recalls that it is a non-profit institution recognized as being of public utility, celebrating 35 years of existence this year. Although it operates under private management, it specifies that it belongs neither to its founders, nor to its administrators, nor to its rector. The institution also highlights the major impact of the crisis on its finances. The number of students decreased from over 3,500 enrolled during the 2018-2019 academic year to just over 850 last year. Concurrently, tuition fee revenues plummeted from 4.3 million US dollars to less than 500,000 dollars, notably due to the depreciation of the gourde, a drop in enrollments, and insecurity in the Turgeau and Pacot neighborhoods, where the institution is located. The university specifies that, in accordance with the terms of the agreement concluded with the State, it has submitted several reports detailing the use of the funds. Narrative and financial reports were sent to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 24 and October 31, 2025, followed by a final report on December 15, 2025. In its note, Quisqueya University emphasizes that state financial support for private universities is a common practice in several countries, particularly when these institutions play a key role in training executives and national development. While Quisqueya University benefits from this funding, a concerning situation is emerging for other universities facing significant difficulties, still linked to the same context of insecurity. For instance, GOC University, nearly 50 years old, lost its Titanyen campus due to the establishment of gangs in the area, reducing its student body by over 70%, but it continues to operate in Port-au-Prince nonetheless. The Editorial Staff
« Private higher education institutions and legally constituted non-profit research centers or research foundations are authorized to receive equitable financial aid from the State based on their needs and their level of academic excellence, upon the recommendations of the regulatory body. » The university indicates that its funding falls within this framework aimed at supporting academic institutions contributing to training and research. In its note, Quisqueya University recalls that it is a non-profit institution recognized as being of public utility, celebrating 35 years of existence this year. Although it operates under private management, it specifies that it belongs neither to its founders, nor to its administrators, nor to its rector. The institution also highlights the major impact of the crisis on its finances. The number of students decreased from over 3,500 enrolled during the 2018-2019 academic year to just over 850 last year. Concurrently, tuition fee revenues plummeted from 4.3 million US dollars to less than 500,000 dollars, notably due to the depreciation of the gourde, a drop in enrollments, and insecurity in the Turgeau and Pacot neighborhoods, where the institution is located. The university specifies that, in accordance with the terms of the agreement concluded with the State, it has submitted several reports detailing the use of the funds. Narrative and financial reports were sent to the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 24 and October 31, 2025, followed by a final report on December 15, 2025. In its note, Quisqueya University emphasizes that state financial support for private universities is a common practice in several countries, particularly when these institutions play a key role in training executives and national development. While Quisqueya University benefits from this funding, a concerning situation is emerging for other universities facing significant difficulties, still linked to the same context of insecurity. For instance, GOC University, nearly 50 years old, lost its Titanyen campus due to the establishment of gangs in the area, reducing its student body by over 70%, but it continues to operate in Port-au-Prince nonetheless. The Editorial Staff
