Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize MoE

Overview

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (commonly abbreviated as MoECST) is the central government authority in Belize responsible for developing, implementing and regulating policy for all formally recognised education systems—pre‑primary, primary, secondary, tertiary, technical and vocational. Headquartered in the West Block Building on Independence Hill, Belmopan, MoECST also oversees scientific, technological and teacher‑licensing functions on behalf of the Government of Belize.

History and Legal Framework

Education in Belize has evolved through multiple stages: the colonial “Board of Education” era; the 1979 establishment of the Belize College of Arts, Science and Technology (Belcast) to reduce reliance on foreign tertiary providers; and the 2000 merger of five institutions into the national University of Belize. The Ministry derives its statutory authority from the Education and Training Act, Chapter 36:01 (2010), which consolidates earlier Education Acts and Regulations. This law authorises the Chief Education Officer—appointed by the Minister—to approve establishment of new universities or degree programmes, contingent on adequate infrastructure, human resources and financial sustainability. Policymaking and funding guidelines are set through the Belize Education Sector Plan 2021–2025 and associated subordinate legislation.

Mission, Vision and Objectives & Role in Higher Education

Mission: To empower every Belizean to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for personal development and active national participation.

Vision: An education system that is inclusive, accessible, equitable, technologically‑driven and capable of fostering productive and engaged citizens.

Policy Objectives:

• Rationalise and restructure Ministry services to respond efficiently to national needs;
• Improve equity in public funding—especially through needs‑based financial aid;
• Strengthen legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks to enhance accountability and performance.

In the area of higher education, MoECST administers:

• licensing and chartering of universities, colleges and vocational institutes;
• programme approvals for associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees;
• curriculum standards and teacher education oversight;
• recognition of national awards (e.g. University of Belize degrees) in coordination with international recognition bodies.

Governance, Structure and Independence

Operationally, MoECST combines both technical planning and administrative authority under a civil service structure supervised by the Cabinet of Belize. At the political level, the Ministry is led by a full Minister (as of 2025, the Hon. Oscar Requena), supported by a Minister of State. Key decisions—such as naming Chief Education Officer, approving budgets and major reforms—are taken by the Ministry within Cabinet-approved mandates.

Its permanent leadership structure includes a Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Education Officer; two Deputy Chief Education Officers (for service‑area delivery and for the network of six District Education Centres); and units covering Policy, Planning & Research; Curriculum; Science & Technology; Assessment & Examinations; Project Execution; Early Childhood & Literacy; Teacher Services; Licensing and Registry; and National Resource Centres such as NaRCIE and BEMIS.

While MoECST exerts central control over funding and policy, the emergence of semi‑autonomous bodies—such as the recently launched National Accreditation Council and the forthcoming Higher Education Council—supports a degree of administrative independence in quality assurance functions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

Historically, Belize lacked a fully independent accreditation body for tertiary education. Until 2024, quality assurance was exercised directly through the Ministry: the Chief Education Officer reviewed proposed programmes and University of Belize and St. John’s College managed internal curriculum audits semi‑annually. For professional programmes such as medicine, the Ministry’s Medical School Accreditation Committee served as the approving body.

In August 2024, the Government formally launched the National Accreditation Council, which implements accreditation and continuous programme evaluation jointly with representatives from academia and the private sector. The Council’s mandate includes reviewing institutions, accrediting new degree‑level courses, auditing quality controls and safeguarding standards across both public and private higher education providers.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

• Belize is an active member of CARICOM and the Central American Integration System (SICA), negotiating regional mobility and mutual recognition policies in tertiary education.
• MoECST participates in global initiatives via UNESCO (notably in curriculum optimisation trials) and the Global Partnership for Education (supporting the 2021–2025 sector plan).
• Belize’s Erasmus+ “National Policy Review 2024” recommends establishment of a Higher Education Council for setting national standards and emphasizes improving alignment between degrees and labour‑market needs.
• The European Union’s Multi‑Annual Indicative Programme (2021–2027) includes support for education reform and scientific research in Belize.
• France Éducation international currently supports pilot programmes integrating music education at secondary level within the MoECST system.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

The launch of the National Accreditation Council is a pivotal step in formalising quality assurance mechanisms for both public and private universities. Emerging regulations aim to improve transparency around faculty qualifications, infrastructure and programme outcomes. Concurrently, the Ministry’s “MoRE Campaign” (“Make Education Work for Belize”) is rolling out accreditation‑aligned school recognition schemes that promote national standards.

The 2021–2025 sector plan emphasises science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and digital skills aligned with Belize’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) ambitions. This is accelerated by international grants and partnerships targeting equity of access and capacity building in underserved regions.

Additionally, higher education providers are expected to integrate applied research, innovation and sustainable development into curricula. Proposed legislation for a Higher Education Council reflecting model frameworks used in the region will deepen reforms, empower institutional autonomy and encourage academic mobility.

Summary

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is the principal architect and regulator of Belize’s education system, spanning from early childhood through to degree‑level studies. Anchored in statutory mandates and guided by a five‑year sector plan, the Ministry plays a direct role in licensing, curriculum design and quality assurance—though its authority is increasingly supported by semi‑autonomous bodies such as the National Accreditation Council. With international partnerships and reforms promoting digital readiness and regional integration, MoECST is shaping the trajectory of higher education in Belize, aiming for inclusivity, relevance and accountability.

FAQs

• What is the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Belize?
  It is the national ministry overseeing education (pre‑primary through tertiary), scientific research, curriculum, teacher services and vocational education. It also regulates degree‑granting institutions and administers financial aid, examinations and licensing.
• Which law governs education in Belize?
  The principal legislation is the Education and Training Act, Chapter 36:01 (2010) along with associated Education Rules and regulations. These set the legal framework for Ministry functions, teacher licensing and approvals for higher education programmes.
• How are universities accredited in Belize?
  As of 2025, accreditation is administered by Belize’s National Accreditation Council, jointly with MoECST. New or existing institutions must satisfy programme, faculty, infrastructure and outcome standards to receive or maintain recognition.
• How many universities are currently recognised in Belize?
  According to uniRank, there are three higher‑education institutions in Belize that meet national chartering and accreditation criteria—including the University of Belize (public), Galen University (private) and Central America Health Sciences University.
• Who is the current Minister of Education, Science and Technology?
  In 2025, the Hon. Oscar Requena serves as the Minister, assisted by a Minister of State. Their decisions are subject to Cabinet‑level approval and guided by policy objectives aligned with the national development agenda.
• What international partnerships does MoECST engage in?
  The Ministry collaborates with UNESCO, EU Erasmus+, Canada, France Éducation international, CARICOM, SICA and the Global Partnership for Education on curriculum reform, education financing, teacher training, digital education and regional student mobility.

Organization Name

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize

Acronym

MoE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1981

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

West Block Building - Third Floor
Belmopan
Cayo Belize

Phone

+11 501 822 2380

Fax

+11 501 822 3389

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize's YouTube channel

Instagram

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Belize's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Not available

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other Belizean higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Belize.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.