Divine Word University in Madang are yet to receive payment from the TESAS scholarship since the second semester of last year.
President of DWU, Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, confirmed this stating that the Government has an outstanding of over K4 million in which they are yet to pay the Institution.
“Every year, fees are subsidized for TESAS students where a student pays only 70% of the school fees and the rest paid by the Government. We are now waiting for the funds to be released in order for the Institution to operate efficiently this year as we depend mostly on the funds to run the school.”
According to Fr Philip, registrations will start on the 6th to the 10th of February he hopes that the funds will be paid on time before school resumes.
As for students who may make late registrations, the deadline for that is on the 17th of February.
In addition to this, Fr Philip made clear that if the Government through Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology does not pay the outstanding funds from last year on time then the University will not be allowing this year’s graduation to take place in March.
Meanwhile, the Acting Secretary of DHERST Dr. Francis Hualupmomi in responding to DWU concerns raised, has confirmed that the total outstanding of K33.3 million owed to all registered Universities will be paid this week.
“The Treasury Department has already released warrants by instalments as of last week and this week we will commence the process of dispersing the funds to all Higher learning institutions to sort out the outstanding for the second semester.”
“I advise all institutions to allow the continuing students to register and the final year students to graduate as funds will be coming in. This is to ensure that everyone continue their studies and that the students graduate.”
Furthermore, for this year’s 2023 Academic year, TESAS funds will be released this week as well. Dr. Hualupmomi added that the Department of Treasury has already released warrants and will be paid in installments by semester.
“This year’s budget for Higher Education, was allocated a total of K101.5 million, in which was cut down to K47.7 million, however, negotiations were made between the us and the Department of Treasury and the Treasury Department will now be allocating the full amount of K101. 5 million to all institutions.”
DHERST has also advised PNG HAUSBUNG News that the HELP program will continue and DHERST has advised students to apply now for the HELP program if they do face financial constraints.
Dr. Hualupmomi said students should check their nearest Air Niugini office as of next week to obtain their ticket to fly to their respective tertiary institution.