Published: 2015-08-04 11:50:46

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona has put a smile on the faces of many students with an announcement that it will not increase 2015-2016 tuition fees for undergraduate programmes.

Last school year, UWI increased undergraduate tuition fees across most faculties by 3.07 per cent.

The institution says although it needs the extra cash, the decision was made because they understand the economic challenges faced by students yearly.

"We have been trying to meet our students half way, because in the past, students could not sit exams without paying their fees. Since the 2014-2015 academic year we have decided that as long as there is no outstanding balance coming forward, you will be able to do exams and complete a semester without being blocked," said campus registrar Dr Camille Bell-Hutchinson.

The UWI's announcement comes just weeks after disgruntled students of the University of Technology (Utech)took to social media to complain about a new policy which bars them from registering for courses unless part of their tuition is paid.