CUBA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM

Cuba's educational system has undergone significant improvements over the years. By the early 1900s, although the country had a strong educational system, its benefits were limited to only half of the children in Cuba. Unfortunately, the poorest Cubans were unable to access schools, resulting in a low literacy rate, especially in rural areas. Prior to 1959, a staggering 22% of Cubans over the age of 15 were illiterate, and an additional 60% were semi-literate due to limited education.

However, after the Cuban Revolution, the new government prioritized the reconstruction of the education system. They established a comprehensive list of five key objectives, which served as the foundation for Cuba's educational reforms. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of mandatory elementary education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, had the opportunity to receive an education. This particularly benefited children living in poverty, as they now had access to education completely free of charge, a privilege that was previously beyond their reach.

In Cuba, school attendance is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 15 or 16, encompassing basic secondary education. Notably, all students, regardless of age or gender, are required to wear school uniforms, with the color representing their grade level. Primary education spans a duration of six years, while secondary education is divided into basic and pre-university levels. The primary and secondary school curricula are built upon principles of "hard work, self-discipline, and love of country", ensuring a holistic approach to education.

Upon completion of basic secondary education, students have the option to pursue pre-university education or technical and professional training. Those who choose the pre-university track are awarded the Bachillerato qualification. On the other hand, technical training offers two levels of qualification - skilled worker and middle-level technician. Graduating from this program grants access to technological institutes.

Higher education in Cuba is primarily provided by public universities, higher institutes, higher pedagogical institutes, centers of higher education, and higher polytechnic institutes. The Ministry of Higher Education (Ministerio de Educacion Superior (MES)) oversees undergraduate and postgraduate education, governing aspects such as teaching methods, courses and programs, student allocations, and specialization courses offered by various higher education centers. It is worth noting that all institutions hold equal status. Currently, Cuba boasts 47 universities, with an approximate enrollment of 112,000 students.

Furthermore, Cuba extends its educational offerings to foreign nationals through state-subsidized programs. Notably, U.S. students have the opportunity to study medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine, where they receive full scholarships, including accommodation. The aim of this program is for graduates to return to the U.S. and provide affordable healthcare services to underserved communities.

Overall, Cuba's educational system has made significant strides in ensuring accessibility and quality education for all, even beyond its own borders. The reforms enacted after the Cuban Revolution have played a crucial role in expanding educational opportunities and narrowing the literacy gap in the country.

A 1998 study by UNESCO reported that Cuban students showed a high level of educational achievement. Cuban third and fourth graders scored 350 points, 100 points above the regional average in tests of basic language and mathematics skills.

The report indicated that the test achievement of the lower half of students in Cuba was significantly higher than the test achievement of the upper half of students in other Central and South American countries in the study group.

How does Cuba literacy rate compare?

Literacy rates of 15-24 years old, both sexes, percentage. Higher is better. Year 2008

Cuba 100% | Argentina 99.10% | Mexico 98.40% | Brazil 97.80% | Colombia 98.00% | Honduras 93.90%

Cuba Themed Tours

If you’ve got an idea of which style of trip will suit you best, take a look at our different trip themes below, as there’s something to suit everyone. Not only are there themed tours to fit any budget and interest, each Authentic Cuba Travel® experience immerses you in the authentic Cuba so hard to explore while just staying in full packed beach resorts.

Festival Tours

Our festival tours give travelers VIP access to all venues and happenings of Cuba’s famous international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Book Fair, Ballet Festival and others.

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Study Tours

Through peer to peer interaction, our Cuba Study Tours® transcend ordinary tourism by immersing American students in the local culture, history, politics, music and contemporary arts.

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Cultural Tours

Cuba Pathfinder® is your gateway to discover the unique Cuban cultural heritage, a set of traditions & memories not showcased in museums but much alive & thriving.

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Architecture Tours

An architectural passage through Cuba’s best preserved colonial cities and unique architectural heritage, our architecture tours visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.

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Photography Tours

Capturing stirring pictures of authentic Cuban destinations it is not the only mission of our photography tours. Capture the essence of the Cuban culture and the kindness of its people.

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Educational Tours

Our educational tours represents a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, university & college professors to explore Cuba’s education system while exploring colonial cities, towns and villages.

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Nature Tours

An odyssey into Cuba's tropical paradise, our nature & bird watching tours gain access to the most pristine natural sites, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to National Parks.

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Jewish Tours

A journey into the Jewish history in Cuba, our tours will strengthen the ties between Cuban Jewish communities and North American Jews. All while visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

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Sports Tours

What sets our sports tours apart are the private exchanges with players, coaches & staff as well as sports journalists & personalities. Then you have best seats at the games!

CUBA TOUR FINDER

Select your authentic Cuba trip from over 70 Cuba tours in seconds. Sort by departure date, price, destination and even Cuba travel theme.

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Bella Travel Group Ltd. (Federal Corporation number: 765324-7) owns and operates the following registered trademarks: Authentic Cuba Travel® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA975677 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA997988 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5498353 | Cuba Study Tours, Make Cuba Your Classroom® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5833051.

LIVE CHAT

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Authentic Cuba Travel® offers travelers a $100 referral discount per person in all our Cuba tours to make it more affordable for friends and families travelling together.

Couples traveling together automatically get a $200 discount ($100 per person).

You will also receive a $100 discount per each person that joins you on the trip. Invite 1 friend to join you and pay $100 less. Invite 2 friends and pay $200 less. Invite 3, and pay $300 less, and so on.

The people that travel with you will be grateful as they will also get an additional $100 per person discount.

For example, if you invite 8 people to join in, you will receive an $800 discount. Your friends also receive a $100 discount per person, for a total group discount of $1,600.

If you happen to recruit 2 more travelers, for a total of 10 people besides you, you will receive a complimentary ground package! Yes, if you are able to recruit 10 travelers, you will pay nothing, cero, nada for your ground package!