On Tuesday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel presided over the national opening ceremony for the 2026-2027 academic year in Higher Education in the province of Matanzas. During the ceremony, the President and the Minister of Higher Education, Walter Baluja, presented the 50th Anniversary Seal to the Indio Jagüey Pasture and Forage Experimental Station, the University of Medical Sciences of the province, and the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant.
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The Rector of the University of Matanzas (UM), Leyda Finalé, extended her best wishes to the country’s student community. “This is a recognition of the work of teachers and students who have not ceased in their commitment to training better professionals,” she commented.
The Minister of Higher Education emphasized the sector’s determination. “Even amidst a complex scenario resulting from the intensification of the blockade policy of the current US administration against our country, the will of educational institutions to begin the academic year prevails,” Baluja stated. He added that the students will be irrefutable proof of what we can achieve. Researchers and professors were also recognized for their contributions to the revolutionary process.
Cuban Higher Education resumed its activities on September 1st in a context marked by fuel shortages in Cuba, caused by the sustained US policy that has intensified the energy, financial, and economic blockade. Faced with this reality, the university system restructured its operations, relying on decentralization and a territorial approach.
Cuba inicia el curso universitario 2026-2027 el 1 de septiembre bajo modalidad semipresencial y a distancia.
El Ministerio de Educación Superior atribuyó la medida al desabastecimiento de combustible por el bloqueo de EE. UU.
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The text reads, “Cuba to start the 2026-2027 university course on September 1 under a semi-presential and distance learning format. 
The Ministry of Higher Education attributed the measure to fuel shortages due to the U.S. blockade.”
In the capital, the University of Havana (UH) announced its reopening for September 7th. Rector Miriam Nicado García presented a calendar structured in three periods of in-person instruction: until December 19, 2026; From February 1 to May 29, 2027; and from June 7 to July 24, 2027, dedicated to defenses and graduations. The strategy prioritizes the in-person return of first-year students.
The University of Havana (UH) expects to serve more than 15,000 students. The blended learning and distance learning options will begin on staggered dates in mid-September. The plan authorizes departmental groups to teach courses in their communities, coordinating with municipal governments and employers.
In addition, practical procedures were detailed, and transportation will be prioritized for scholarship recipients from remote provinces. University students will participate in socioeconomic activities through the Community Youth Network.
Referring to shared responsibility, the official UH statement quoted Antonio Machado: “Traveler, there is no path, the path is made by walking.” With this design, Higher Education in Cuba reaffirms its commitment to the Revolution and comprehensive training, adapting the academy to the country’s logistical demands to guarantee the nation’s future.
Students in Havana are returning to classrooms as a new academic year kicks off on Prado Street, marked by student exhibitions and interactive projects.
Despite economic difficulties and energy challenges stemming from the U.S. blockade, Cuban educators, including Amparo… pic.twitter.com/r8Glx8Lx3z
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 1, 2026
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