University of Belize
The University of Belize, founded in 2000, is a private higher-education school located in the urban setting of Belmopan (population range of 10,000-49,999), Cayo. A branch campus of this university is located in Belize City. University of Belize (UB) is a small (enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational Belizean higher education institution that is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Belize.
The evolution of Belizean higher education can be traced over a 23-year period, beginning in 1977 with the formation of the Committee for Sixth Form Studies in response to emerging concerns about the relevance of existing tertiary education and ending in 2000 with a second attempt to coordinate and rationalize Belizean higher or tertiary education. During this time, the university evolved and three institutions were founded: the Belize College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology, the University College of Belize, and the University of Belize.
Belizean nationalists have long desired to decolonize the educational system and rely less on foreign universities. The Belize College of Arts, Science, and Technology (BELCAST) was founded in 1979 by the ruling People's United Party (PUP) as a state-run university with no religious affiliation. The government received financing from the European Economic Community to build a campus in Belmopan, but it was never completed. At a meeting of the National Council on Education on February 24, 1986, it was declared that BELCAST would be shut down. In December 1984, the United Democratic Party took power, and in July 1986, Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan, established and managed the University College of Belize.
The fact that the new University of Belize, which is one of the best universities in Belize, would be run by non-Belizeans alarmed nationalists. When it was discovered that the institution had not been properly accredited, the value of its degrees was called into question, a heated political debate erupted in 1991. The arrangement with Ferris State College was terminated by a new PUP government, and the state of Belize took full management of the university.
The University of Belize offers courses and programs that lead to legally recognized higher education degrees such as pre-and bachelor's bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields. This Belizean higher education institution, which is 20 years old, has a selective admission process based on entrance exams and students' previous academic records and ratings. This Belizean higher education school is somewhat selective, with admission rates ranging from 70 to 80 percent. Students from all around the world are welcome to apply for admission. Students have access to a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aid and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services at UB.
The institution is divided into four faculties, each with its own set of departments. Associate degrees (1st undergraduate degree) to bachelor's degrees are available in each department (undergraduate degree). The Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Development master's degree (graduate) program is offered in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, the University of Guyana, and Anton de Kom University of Suriname.
Name: University of Belize
Acronym: UB
Founded: 2000
Motto: Education Empowers A Nation
Colors: Purple and gold
Website: https://www.ub.edu.bz/
Country rank: 1
World rank: 6910
