‘To gain entry into GTI, students will need to reach eligibility criteria’ – Principal

In light of the recent announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali to allow Guyanese students to study free at all state-owned technical institutes, the Principal of the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Tiffanie Persaud stated that while that is the case, there is still an eligibility criterion to gain entry into the educational facility.
Persaud emphasised that for applicants to join the technical institute, they must be at least 15 years old for day courses and 18 years old for evening or day-release courses.
Applicants must have completed Part 11 of the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) or have a strong foundation in general education up to Grade 11. Applicants must have at least four subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) or Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

In addition, applicants who have gained qualifications other than those stated will be reviewed by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) to verify the equivalency. The GTI also offers a six-week virtual preparatory course and a qualifying examination for those interested in applying to the institution.
On this note, Persaud relayed that the GTI will not refuse to uphold its eligibility standards.
“We will continue to use our standard entry requirements even with this announcement, so determining the eligibility of applicants to pursue courses at the institution is essential.”
However, she highlighted that due to the announcement of free studying opportunities, she doesn’t think this will make it difficult for people to join, as the institute will be readily available to uphold their standards.
“I wouldn’t say that because of the education being free, it would make it difficult for persons to join. Our standard entry requirements will continue to be the basis for determining the eligibility of applicants to pursue various courses.”
Lending her perspective on the high chances of a grand influx of students come 2025, she mentioned that they are ready for it, as all measures will be put in place to ensure everything goes smoothly.
“We anticipate that there will be a high influx of students as a result of this new announcement by the Government. However, we stand ready and willing to ensure that all measures are in place to have a smooth and seamless integration of these applicants into the institution.”

“This is an excellent initiative by the Government of Guyana; it will give many individuals an opportunity to attend institutions like the GTI and enhance their academic qualifications.”
Preparations are set to begin this year for the rollout of free University education from 2025, according to President Irfaan Ali. He noted that this year’s budget will see funding set aside for major development in the nation’s education sector.
Ali has also announced the abolition of tuition fees not only for the University of Guyana (UG) but also for all Government and technical institutions, including the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Guyana School of Agriculture.
The Head of State has also revealed that, the tuition fees at these institutions will be eliminated starting in January 2025.
According to him, this is part of a broader initiative aimed at making education free for all students in technical and vocational programmes, in addition to university-level education.
This new measure is expected to benefit over 3,000 additional students, expanding the reach of the Government’s free education initiative. The President emphasised that this move is part of a broader effort to provide equitable access to education for all Guyanese citizens.