The Tertiary Education Student Assistance Scheme (TESAS) for this year has been cut.
Universities have confirmed receiving part of the TESAS payments. Their students are expecting airline tickets to return home following exams.
DHERST budgeted for an estimated K98 million for TESAS in the 2022 national budget. However, the budget was cut down to K39 million. From the K39 million, K36 million was released.
We are still waiting for the Department of Treasury to release the balance to manage scholarships including students’ travel. The remaining balance will be released before December 2022.
K36 million was used to pay for the first semester. The second semester outstanding will be paid as soon as Treasury releases the remaining balance.
Dr Francis Hualupmomi, acting DHERST Secretary
He said airline tickets will be released this week.
The acting Secretary is correct – we have received the first semester TESAS funds and are in the process of acquitting them.
Once we complete this, we will then receive the second semester TESAS funds.
The first semester funds arrived in the second semester so there is a delay in completing the acquittal process.
We will receive the total 2022 funds before the end of the year.
Professor Frank Griffin, UPNG Vice Chancellor
We are always grateful to the government for their support.
Fr Philip Gibbs, Divine Word University President
We have not received for the second semester which is soon to finish.
Some students on scholarship are also concerned about whether they will receive (airline) tickets on time for their return home.
In sum, total received so far this year (first semester) is K4,254,348.00. Total expected and outstanding for all three campuses (second semester) is K4,070,284.00.
Somehow, we have to pay out bills
Fr Gibbs