The Coalition Government has launched a Hardship Assistance Scheme aimed at supporting private students who demonstrate good academic performance. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro announced in Parliament during the 2024-2025 National Budget discussion that this initiative is already underway.
Radrodro revealed that the entry requirement for students pursuing degree programs from Year two will be lowered from a 65 percent pass rate to a 50 percent pass rate. This scheme will also be available to TVET students at the diploma level.
The program is set to open for applicants following the budget’s approval to provide immediate relief for private students.
Radrodro also mentioned an allocation of $150.5 million to the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service, which will fund 9,940 continuing students and 10,830 new students.
He emphasized the Government’s belief in the power of community and parental or guardian involvement in supporting education. “This budget supports initiatives that encourage greater collaboration between schools, families, and communities, creating holistic support for our students,” he stated.