Antigua and Barbuda’s government has announced plans for a major EC$300 million expansion of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, marking another significant step in the country’s push to transform tertiary education access across the nation and the wider OECS region.
The announcement, made during the 2026 Throne Speech, outlines an ambitious programme aimed at expanding academic facilities, student services, and programme offerings at the rapidly growing campus. The investment is expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a regional hub for higher education.
The expansion plan comes just weeks after Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that citizens of Antigua and Barbuda would receive free university education beginning in September 2026. The policy is expected to remove one of the largest barriers to tertiary education for many families and significantly increase student enrolment at the Five Islands Campus.
Together, the two initiatives signal what government officials describe as a long-term strategy to build a highly educated workforce while reducing the financial burden traditionally associated with university studies.
The UWI Five Islands Campus, established in 2019, has steadily expanded its role within the region, offering programmes in business, education, health sciences, computing, and artificial intelligence. Government officials say the latest investment will allow the institution to broaden its academic reach and improve infrastructure to accommodate growing demand.
Officials also indicated that the development is intended to benefit not only Antiguan and Barbudan students but also students from across the Eastern Caribbean who may seek more affordable and accessible university education within the OECS.
The government has consistently promoted education as a key pillar of national development, arguing that expanded access to tertiary education is essential for economic diversification, innovation, and future job creation.
The EC$300 million expansion plan is expected to unfold in phases over the coming years, with further details on construction timelines and programme expansion expected to be announced later.
Sources:
Antigua.news – Government Announces EC$300 Million UWI Expansion Plan
Antigua.news – PM Announces Free University Education From September