Tunisian Parliament Begins Discussion of 2026 Budget for Higher Education and Scientific Research
The members of the People's Representatives Assembly and the National Council of Regions and Districts started discussing the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Monday. The proposed budget shows an increase of 3.47% compared to last year, with a total of approximately 2,397,180 million dinars (MD), up from 2,293,393 MD in 2025, representing an increase of 85,787 MD.
Allocation of Funds
The budget for the Higher Education and Scientific Research Mission for 2026 is allocated as follows:
- 1,636,763 MD for the Higher Education Program
- 215,524 MD for the Scientific Research Program
- 477,476 MD for the University Services Program
- 49,417 MD for the Leadership and Support Program
These allocations are based on the programs, nature of expenses, and funding sources, excluding the institutions' own resources.
Ongoing Projects
The ministry is currently working on 144 projects related to the infrastructure of higher education institutions, including:
- 74 development and maintenance projects
- 70 construction and expansion projects
Additionally, the ministry is focusing on several projects, particularly the expansion of university dormitories, which will increase capacity by approximately 7,000 beds in ongoing projects and 1,200 beds in new projects included in the budget.
Human Resources and Infrastructure
As of the end of 2026, the mission will have a total of 40,606 agents. According to statistics for the 2024-2025 academic year, the number of students is estimated to be around 324,000, with 22,297 teachers and researchers, and 7,814 administrative and technical staff.
Overview of the Tunisian Higher Education System
Tunisia has:
- 13 universities
- 209 higher education and research institutions
- 90 private higher education institutions
- 175 university dormitories
- 84 university restaurants
- 544 research structures, including 40 research centers and 42 doctoral schools
