The Coalition Government has introduced a new Hardship Assistance Scheme aimed at supporting private students with strong academic records.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, while addressing the 2024-2025 National Budget in Parliament, announced that this initiative has already been implemented. Under this new scheme, the entry requirement has been adjusted from a 65 percent to a 50 percent pass rate for students pursuing degree programs from the second year onward.
Additionally, the scheme will be extended to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students at the diploma level. Applications for this assistance will open after the budget is passed, providing immediate relief for private students.
Radrodro also highlighted a budget allocation of $150.5 million for the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service, designed to support 9,940 continuing students and 10,830 new students.
He emphasized the government’s belief in the importance of community and parental/guardian involvement in education. “This budget supports initiatives that encourage greater collaboration between schools, families, and communities, creating holistic support for our students,” he stated.