During a recent update from Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) Minister Don Polye and Secretary Fr Jan Czuba, Prime Minister James Marape lauded the achievements of the Higher Education Loan Programme (Help). Introduced by the government in 2020, the initiative has significantly aided students, surpassing an expenditure of K177 million.
Marape revealed that more than 35,000 students have reaped the benefits of the Help scheme. The report highlighted disbursements totaling K177,371,936 in student loans from 2020 to 2023, with 35,615 approved student loans distributed by December 31, 2023.
Breakdown by year:
- 2020: K28,588,354 (5,204 students)
- 2021: K27,688,365 (6,743 students)
- 2022: K47,093,604 (9,840 students)
- 2023: K74,001,613 (13,828 students)
Marape specified the distribution among various educational sectors:
- 17,440 undergraduate students at universities benefited from 2020 to 2023.
- 405 post-graduate students at universities benefited from 2021 to 2023.
- 6,477 students at teachers’ and nursing colleges benefited from 2020 to 2023.
- 11,293 students at business colleges, technical colleges, and private providers benefited from 2020 to 2023.
Minister Polye outlined that repayment for the Help programme is set to commence the following year. He emphasized that the delay in repayment initiation is part of the government's commitment to granting graduating students extended time to secure employment. This decision aims to ensure that beneficiaries possess the financial capacity to fulfill their repayment obligations amid economic uncertainty.
Polye emphasized that this strategic delay acknowledges the unique challenges faced by graduates entering the workforce during these extraordinary economic times.
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