Havana, April 4 (RHC)--Cuban education authorities have announced the launch a new short term university studies cycle that will provide
opportunities to students interested in highly prioritized economic and service sectors on the island.

The new cycle, which may take from 2 to 3 years is expected to be implemented in the 2018-2019 school year.

In remarks to Granma, Adviser to the Ministry of Higher Education Francisco Lau Apó, said that legal preparations are underway for the
adoption of the new cycle.

Lau Apo added that pedagogical specialties, technological, healthcare and computing studies will be included during the first stage of the
implementation of the new system.

“Many of these careers are of great importance, and they do not require a university degree, but they do need a higher level than the
one students acquire in technical institutions”, the expert said.

The completion of pre university studies is a must for students’ enrolment in the new courses, although they will not require entrance
exams. Once they graduate they will be allowed to pursue bachelor degree studies in any career of their choice.

The new system  is recognized by UNESCO as short-cycle tertiary education.