Resolved: Student reinstated after deregistration by MCAST over colour blindness

Resolved: Student reinstated after deregistration by MCAST over colour blindness

Published July 17, 2025

The complaint

A student who had been accepted into the Advanced Diploma in Electrical Systems course at MCAST lodged a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman after he was deregistered on the grounds of colour blindness. Despite having commenced the course, he was informed a month later that students were required to undergo a colour blindness test. Based on the test result, MCAST deregistered him from the course, citing safety concerns related to colour-coded wiring in the profession.

The complainant challenged the result with a private medical assessment, which confirmed only a red/green colour deficiency, not a complete impairment. Despite this, MCAST stuck to its initial decision, effectively barring him from continuing his studies.

The facts and findings

The Commissioner for Education found that MCAST had no legal basis to exclude the student on the grounds of colour blindness, as neither the course requirements nor any regulation having the force of law set such a condition for admission to, or continuation in, the course in question. MCAST had argued that its approach was preventive, given the licensing requirements set by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) for wireman authorisations. However, the Commissioner pointed out that academic study and professional licensing are distinct matters.

Importantly, MCAST’s own course prospectus only mentioned colour blindness in a footnote, with no clear indication that it would affect eligibility. The online application process made no reference to this requirement either. The Commissioner concluded that the student was wrongly deregistered and should not have been excluded from the course on these grounds.

Conclusion and recommendations

The Commissioner upheld the complaint, recommending that MCAST reinstate the student immediately, subject to two reasonable conditions:

• that the student or his guardians sign an indemnity to cover potential risks due to his condition; and
• that the student consent to MCAST informing his lecturers and any apprenticeship employers of his eye condition.

Outcome

MCAST accepted the Commissioner’s recommendation and re-enrolled the student, allowing him to resume his studies. The student submitted all requested documentation and fulfilled the conditions imposed by the institution.

The case highlights the importance of distinguishing between academic access and professional licensing, and of ensuring that education remains accessible even in the presence of manageable disabilities.