About University of Guyana

The University of Guyana, founded in 1963, is the primary higher education institution in Guyana. Its mission is to create, share, and apply top-quality knowledge for the benefit of the community, the nation, and the global community. The university started its operations at Queens College before moving to the Turkeyen Campus in 1970.

Initially, the university offered programs in Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Over time, it expanded to include faculties such as Education, Technology (now Engineering and Technology), Agriculture, Health Sciences, and more. The Institute for Adult and Continuing Education was established in 1976, later renamed the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

In the following years, the university underwent organizational changes, leading to the creation of various faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and professional degrees. These programs are divided among seven faculties and one school, each led by a Dean. The programs cover diverse fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Medicine, Nursing, and more.

Apart from on-campus programs, the university provides extramural classes through the IDCE at multiple locations and offers various online programs. The institution also encourages student engagement in debates, sports, and cultural, religious, and professional activities.

By 2017, the university had enrolled around 8,000 students and had graduated over 20,000 individuals who have achieved success in various fields locally, regionally, and internationally, contributing significantly to the public and private sectors and the national economy.

About Berbice Campus

One of the notable achievements of the University of Guyana was the establishment of the Berbice campus in 2000, aimed at providing more convenient access to university education for residents of Berbice. Before this campus, individuals from Berbice had to travel to the Turkeyen Campus for higher education.

Initially, the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) started by offering two-year undergraduate certificate programs in Education and diploma programs in subjects like Accountancy, English, History, Marketing, Public Management, and Social Work. Over time, it expanded to offer degree programs such as Agriculture and Associate Degree in General Science. Subsequent academic years saw the introduction of degrees in Public Management, Education, and Biology, as well as a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education.

The campus experienced significant growth in terms of facilities and resources. The Computer Laboratory and UGBC library, built in 2000, were expanded to accommodate more students and resources. A teaching block with fourteen classrooms was constructed in 2002 to accommodate the increasing student population. The Johns Science Centre, established in 2006 at the Johnsville Site, was another valuable addition.

Faculty members actively promoted extracurricular involvement by forming student clubs such as the Sports Club, Environmental Club, and UGBC Cultural Club. A sports court was completed in 2008 to facilitate students’ engagement in sports activities.

The University of Guyana – Berbice Campus has played a crucial role in educating both local and foreign students. With support from various sources including the Turkeyen Campus, government, private organizations, alumni groups, and the wider Guyanese community, UGBC remains committed to its mission of producing competent individuals who will serve the community, the nation, and humanity as a whole.

General Students

Entry Requirements For Degree Programmes

• Minimum age of 16 in the admission year.
• Options for admission:
  • At least five (5) subjects at CXC/CSEC General Proficiency (Grades I & II; and III from 1998) or five (5) passes at GCE ‘O’ Level.
  • Three (3) subjects at GCE Advanced Level and two (2) subjects at CXC/CSEC General Proficiency/GCE Ordinary Level not obtained at the advanced level. English Language and, in most cases, Mathematics must be among the subjects obtained.
  • Two (2) subjects at GCE Advanced Level and three (3) subjects at CXC/CSEC General Proficiency/GCE Ordinary Level not obtained at the advanced level. English Language and, in some cases, Mathematics must be among the subjects passed.
• English Language and, in most cases, Mathematics are required subjects.
• Mature age applicants (minimum of 26 years in the entry year) without meeting minimum requirements but with a suitable education may be considered for admission.

Entry Requirements For Diploma/Associate Degree/Certificate Programmes

• For Regular Admission:

• Obtain a minimum of five (5) GCE ‘O’ Level passes or five (5) CXC/CSEC General Proficiency passes.
• English Language and Mathematics must be included among the passes.

• Mature Age Applicants:
  
  • Minimum age of 26 in the calendar year of university entry.
  • Applicants who don’t meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate a suitable education may still be considered for admission.

Transfer Students

You are a student who has successfully gained admission to and is currently enrolled in a recognized university degree program.

If you are in this situation and wish to transfer to the University of Guyana, you have the option to do so as a Transfer Student. As part of your application, you will need to provide a Certificate of studentship from your current university and other relevant information. If you meet the criteria for a Transfer Student, you can be accepted into an appropriate program at the University of Guyana based on the recommendation of the Faculty Board.

As a Transfer Student, you might be granted Advanced Standing, which allows you to transfer credits from your current university to your degree program at the University of Guyana. However, it’s required that you complete at least half of the required courses for your degree, including those in the final year, at the University of Guyana. The transfer of credits is subject to evaluation, and the courses from your current university must be considered equivalent to those offered at the University of Guyana.

If you have successfully completed a degree program at the University of Guyana and wish to apply for another program, you can transfer relevant credits to the new program. Similarly, at least half of the required courses for the new program, including the final year’s courses, must be taken at the University of Guyana. Typically, the original qualification should have been obtained within the past five years.

Candidates interested in admission with advanced standing need to submit a comprehensive transcript from their current university, along with syllabi of the courses they have passed, to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation.

Special Student

If your intention is not to enroll in formal Degree, Diploma, or Certificate programs, but rather to enhance professional skills or update your knowledge in a specific field, you can be classified as a “Special Student” according to the University of Guyana’s guidelines. Here is a summarized version of the information:

• Individuals seeking to enhance professional skills without enrolling in a formal program are considered Special Students.
• Different categories for admission as Special Students:
  • Graduates from other universities can register for up to six (6) semester courses per academic year to work towards a higher degree.
  • Graduates of Diploma and Certificate programs from the University of Guyana can register for up to four (4) semester courses per academic year.
  • Non-graduates can register for up to two (2) courses per semester, based on their certified knowledge or experience.
• There are limitations on the number of semester courses a Special Student can complete:
  • Graduates of Degree programs – up to 12 courses.
  • Graduates of UG Diploma/Certificate programs – up to 8 courses.
  • Non-graduates – up to 6 courses.
• Basic admission requirements or relevant experience in the field are necessary for Special Student admission.
• Admission as a Special Student depends on availability after Regular Students have registered, with approval from the Head of Department and Lecturer.
• Special Students’ performance in exams receives letter grades, but these grades don’t affect their GPA if they later become Regular Students.
• Exemptions might be possible for Special Students later admitted as Regular Students, based on Faculty regulations.
• Students from other universities can be admitted to specific courses with Academic Board approval.
• Applications for Special Student admission should be submitted online by the specified closing date. Original academic documents and birth certificates or acceptable evidence are required.
• In some cases, late applications might be considered.

 Standard Fees

Note:

• Mandatory Facilities Fee:
  • An obligatory facilities fee of $50,000GY or $250US is required annually, in addition to the tuition fees.
• Fee Variability:
  • The listed fees are subject to potential changes.
  • The provided fees represent tuition for the first year of each program.

Non-Tuition Charges

Every student is obligated to make an annual payment of a facilities fee amounting to $50,000 (US$250). This fee covers various aspects, including:

• Lab Fees
• Examination Fees
• UG Students Society Fee
• Sports Fee
• Library Cautionary Deposit
• General Cautionary Deposit
• Student ID Card
• Learning Resource Fee

Late Fees

Late registration or changes to registration at the University of Guyana entail the following fees, summarized as bullet points:

• Late Registration Fee:
  
  • Students registering after the official deadline must pay a late registration fee of $12,000.
• Late Change of Registration Fee:
  
  • Students altering their registration after the designated deadline are also subjected to a late fee of $12,000.
• Submission of Payment Proof:
  
  • If students provide proof of payment to the Bursary after the stipulated deadline, they are still required to pay a late fee of $12,000.

At the University of Guyana (UG), campus life extends beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, recreational activities, and student welfare. The institution places strong emphasis on co-curricular involvement, offering a range of opportunities for students to engage in sports, clubs, and support services.

Co-curricular Activities

Sports: UG encourages students to participate in a variety of sports disciplines for both leisure and professional development. Athletics, basketball, cricket, football, volleyball, table tennis, rugby, and indoor games such as chess, scrabble, and dominoes are among the options available.

Student Clubs/Organizations: UG’s vibrant campus life also thrives through involvement in student government and various student clubs/organizations. Students can choose from existing groups aligned with their interests or even establish new organizations. Some of the notable student organizations include the University of Guyana Chemistry Club, International Affairs Association, Moot Court Guyana, Eco Trust Society, Forestry Society, Agriculture Club, Economics Society, and various faith-based associations such as Rotaract UG, Campus Crusade for Christ, UG Lions Club, UG Bible Club, Seventh Day Students Association, and the University of Guyana Hindu and Islamic Societies.

Student’s Welfare Division

Guidance and Counseling: UG offers free and confidential individual counseling and referrals through the Guidance and Counseling unit. This service is available to students, faculty, and staff members. The unit assists individuals dealing with issues related to concentration during lectures, social networks, financial pressures, family or partner relationships, coping with loss, making major decisions, and managing significant lifestyle changes. It also provides support for test anxiety and situations involving crime, abuse, robbery, or violence. Collaborating with various departments, the unit conducts awareness and training sessions to enhance the well-being of the university community.

Medical Centre: UG’s commitment to student welfare is further evidenced by its Medical Centre, staffed by a medical doctor and medexes. This center, located on the ground floor of the Cafeteria Building on the Turkeyen Campus, offers primary healthcare services to both students and staff. Alongside monthly outreaches to the Berbice campus and regional IDCE centers, the UG Medical Centre provides essential services such as tetanus vaccinations, family planning clinics, counseling, and blood pressure testing.

Recommended Items for First-Time Residents:

• Cooking & Eating Utensils:

• Small pot for boiling water
• Small frying pan
• Kitchen knife, cutting board, small plastic bowls for food prep
• Cooking spoon/spatula
• Dinner plate, cereal bowl, water glass, coffee/tea mug, spoon, fork
• Tightly sealable storage container for non-perishable food items (fridges available for perishables)

Linen and Essentials:

• Bed sheets and pillowcases for a single bed
• Pillow
• Bath towels
• Regular-sized bucket and clothespins
• Clothes hangers
• Iron
• Small basket for clothes storage
• Personal toiletries

Dennis Irvine Hall of Residence:

• Location: Situated at Goedverwagting, close to the Turkeyen Campus, the Dennis Irvine Hall accommodates approximately fifty-three students.
• Facilities: The Hall offers self-contained, standard single and double occupancy rooms. Rooms are furnished with beds, closets, and study desks. Communal facilities include a kitchen, dining hall, laundry, recreational areas, computer room, and study spaces. Students have access to communal amenities like TVs, refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves.

• Selection Criteria: Accommodation is based on factors such as country/region of residence, accommodation history, and conduct.

• Costs:

• Single rooms: USD 240 (foreign students) / GYD 20,000 (local students) per month.
• Double rooms: USD 200 (foreign students) / GYD 18,000 (local students) per month.
• Refundable cautionary deposit: USD 50 / GYD 10,000.

New Building Society Hall of Residence:

• Location: Located on the Turkeyen Campus, this hall accommodates around sixteen male and twenty-two female students.
• Facilities: Standard single occupancy rooms furnished with beds, closets, and study desks. Amenities include sanitary blocks, a kitchen, dining hall, laundry, recreational areas, study spaces, and WiFi access.
• Selection Criteria: Accommodation selection considers factors such as region of residence and accommodation history.

• Cost: All rooms cost GYD 20,000 per month, with a refundable cautionary deposit of GYD 10,000.

Application Process:

• Applications are submitted online through the Students’ Records Management System (SRMS).
• Selection is contingent upon room availability and factors such as residency region and accommodation history.

1.Is Guyana good for MBBS?

Yes, it is good for MBBS because it has low and affordable MBBS with a good environment and it has some universities approved by the NMC and WHO.