THE Government will now cover 70 percent of tertiary fees for students on the Tertiary Education Students Assistance Scheme (TESAS), while parents will pay the remaining 30 percent, under new arrangements approved by Cabinet.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Feo, revealed the new arrangement in Parliament today.
He said in the past under the Tertiary Education Study Assistance Scheme (TESAS), parents usually paid 70 percent while Government paid 30 percent.
“Cabinet has already given approval to reverse it, so Government will now pay 70 percent and parents will pay 30 percent,” Minister Feo said.
“This Government is serious in helping our young people in our universities and colleges, including increasing HELP.”
He said the decision implements the Prime Minister’s vision of leaving no child behind.
“Given that if kids are not able to afford that 30 percent, HELP will now cover that 30 percent, so making higher education accessible to every kid in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
The Minister also said Cabinet has increased the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) offered by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST),while urging parents and students to also do their part.