More than K1 million has been set aside for over 14,000 government-sponsored students in tertiary institutions to travel back to their homes for holidays this Christmas.
Dr Francis Hualupmomi, secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, said that they have set aside K1.5 million for students under the tertiary education scholarship assistance scheme (TESAS).
About 12, 000 students will be travelling by air while the rest will travel by sea and road..
We have already raised K1.5m to Air Nuigini today (yesterday) to facilitate all students travel. Once we receive the additional K20m ministerial warrants from the Treasury (department) this week, we’ll raise another K4m to Air Nuigini to complete the end of year travel exercise.
Air transport cost has increased recently due to inflation.
That’s why we’re paying more to Air Nuigini.We are confident that all our students will travel home safely and enjoy their holidays according to their academic calendars.
We will ensure students vacate campuses on time to avoid extra expenses to the institutions.
Dr Hualupmomi told the Post-Courier yesterday.
Meanwhile the higher education loan program (HELP) will be enabled with K23 million to process applications.
About the HELP, K23 million will be released from the initial 2022 HELP appropriation of K65 million by the Treasury (department).
This will enable DHERST to process second and the third batch of loan applicants.
Dr Hualupmomi added