Education has always played a vital role in the national development of countries, both on an individual level and for their overall socio-economic growth. The 2026 Union Budget further supports this view by providing funding for education, skills development and training for students.
The benchmark budget provides a larger amount of money towards ensuring that students receive quality education through improved access, employability and strengthening institutions of higher learning.
This is realized through various measures in the budget, all of which directly benefit students of higher education and institutions of higher education.
Strengthening Education Funding
For Budget 2026, the government has committed to improving the quality of education in all parts of the country, by allocating more money to the education sector. The increase will be used to:
• Maintain and improve academic/campus facilities
• Strengthen/classroom-teaching/learning-resources
• Support research (academic) and provide funds for that purpose
• Increase the number of students who have access to quality education
This funding will provide students with Improved learning environments, better facilities for learning More support (academic) than ever before.
Advancing Inclusivity and Women’s Education
The most significant investment in the Budget 2026 is the creation of one girl’s hostel in each district in the country. Not many of girls go to school in some districts, this new hostel program will help to solve one of the significant challenges this group of students face (i.e., finding secure and affordable accommodation).
The main outcome of this decision will be to:
• Increase the number of women attending higher education
• Support students living in rural/semi-urban areas
• Develop a safer and inclusive academic environment for all.
This program highlights the importance of ensuring everyone, regardless of gender has an equal chance and access to education.
Education with a Strong Employability Focus
As part of Budget 2026, the government has laid out its objectives for aligning education with employment and entrepreneurship so that all students will leave their institutions prepared to meet the expectations of today’s employers.
The main focus areas of the budget are:
• Outcome-based, skills-based learning
• Academic programs that are relevant to industry
• Providing students with more opportunities for real-world learning and internships.
This type of educational preparation will produce graduates who are ready to confidently, competently and positively impact on society.
Emphasis on Skills and Practical Learning
The budget also emphasizes the role of skills development and hands on, practical education in supporting successful postsecondary education.
Educational institutions are encouraged to:
• Enhance initiatives that support technical skills development and vocational programs
• Encourage experiential, applied learning opportunities
• Update laboratories, libraries and other training facilities.
The intent of these initiatives is to ensure students acquire the technical competencies necessary to succeed in achieving their career goals.
Supporting Diverse and Creative Career Paths
The Budget for 2026 recognizes that many people have different career aspirations. The Budget plans to encourage students to pursue their interests through creative subjects or applied disciplines such as:
* Media and Communication
* Design and Visual Arts
* Content Creation and related areas
This will support students in identifying new and emerging career paths within an academic framework who desire to develop their skills.
Support for Students Aspiring to Study Abroad
For students planning higher education overseas, the reduction in Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on foreign education expenses offers important financial relief. This step makes international education more accessible for students and their families.
People’s University Perspective
People’s University welcomes the principles and intentions of the Union Budget 2026; that it prioritizes quality education and is committed to developing skills, providing students with equitable access to educational services and improving student welfare in accordance with the values of the institution. The Union Budget 2026 will provide numerous opportunities for the university:
* Develop Student-Centered and Skill-Oriented Academic Programming
* Improve Infrastructure and Learning Resources
* Provide Hands-On Learning Experience and Career Readiness
* Foster A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment for All Students
Looking Ahead
Education is at the heart of an effective and inclusive future according to Union Budget 2026. The budget supports student development and institutional growth; it provides the framework through which well-rounded students will develop skills, have resources available to explore job opportunities and obtain a quality education.
The mission of People’s University is to implement the National Education Vision with a focus on making a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of all learners; helping equip these learners with the necessary tools, knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for the 21st century workforce; and encouraging these learners to make a positive contribution to their community. We are continually working to improve our services using a student-centered approach to ensure that the education we deliver is both empowering and impactful.
