Cuba universities to adopt decentralized learning due to fuel crisis

Cuban universities will begin the 2026-2027 academic year on September 1 using a decentralized model that combines in-person, blended, and distance learning. This structural shift is a response to the country's ongoing fuel shortages, which the Ministry of Higher Education attributes to United States policies.

To reduce the need for travel, educational activities will be distributed across central campuses, municipal university centers (CUM), municipal university branches (FUM), and various production or service entities within students' home territories. For example, at the University of Matanzas, daytime course students will alternate between periods of in-person attendance at the central campus and curricular activities in their places of residence.

Enrollment processes have also been adapted; new students may enroll at universities, while continuing students can complete ratification or re-entry procedures from their home territories, either in person or online. Specific course formats, such as the 'curso por encuentro,' will maintain in-person meetings at least once a month.