East Sepik Governor gave a brief report of the East Sepik Provincial Government Tertiary Education Subsidy for 2024 and announced the opening date for online applications this year. Governor Bird announced on his social media page, a total of 1,297 students from various DHERST approved institutions qualified through the online process last year. “Each student enjoyed a subsidy of K3,500 for a total cost of K4.54m. Our budget was K6.0m for this program.” Of the total allocated funds, K66,000 was used for programme management. Divine Word University’s Kaindi Teacher’s College in Wewak was paid K445,500 for outstanding subsidies owed to students from 2023, and this will be done also for other institutions who missed out on last year’s subsidy, and any remaining funds from this year will go back as savings according to Governor Bird. The online application system was introduced last year, and new students not yet registered on the system will be given the opportunity to register when applications open. Students who are continuing can indicate that on the system and their records will be updated for subsidy support. “The application period will remain open for up to 10 weeks, after which applications will be closed to allow for payment to be finalized and processed.” He added that a decision will be taken to either pay out all funds equally to all the qualifying students or expand the scope for other students to benefit. Bird also advised parents and students that this scholarship is a privilege, and they must not place too many expectations on it. “Remember, this is a privilege and not an entitlement." "It is intended to assist parents by giving back some of the taxes we collect in the province to share the burden of education costs,” he said. Bird said they will also provide tablets in his office for students who need help registering. “We are building this system for the future to ensure full transparency and equal opportunity for all." The target date set for the opening of the online applications is the 20th of January 2025.