By Ncaba Ntshakala
Thousands of aspiring students in Eswatini had their hopes pinned on the 2024/25 scholarship interviews conducted by the Pre-Service Tertiary Education and Training (Scholarship) Board,
which evaluated applications for funding across various local and regional tertiary institutions.
The highly competitive selection process, which drew 6,838 applicants, resulted in 4,550 successful candidates receiving study loans, which has been hailed as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to support higher education.
This was reported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on their Annual Performance Report for 2024/25.
The interviews, scheduled according to the ALMANAC and academic calendar of each tertiary institution, assessed candidates for study at institutions including Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU),
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Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences, Royal Science Technology Park-Advanced School of Information Technology (RSTP), Botho University,
Emergency Medical Rescue College (EMRC), Gwamile VOCTIM, Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT), William Pitcher College, Ngwane Teacher Training College, University of Eswatini (UNESWA), and the Institute of Development Management (IDM).
Scholarships were also awarded to students pursuing studies in South African and Namibian universities.
The report highlights that the selection process adhered to strict academic criteria, with the cut-off point set at 27 Admission Point Score (APS) for diploma programs, 30 APS for degree programs, and 33 APS for international study.
A total of 4,735 applicants met or exceeded these benchmarks, demonstrating their academic eligibility. However, due to budgetary constraints, not all qualifying students could receive funding.
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To determine recipients, the means test tool was applied, assessing applicants based on financial need, with scores ranging from 1 to 10 points, where 10 represented the highest level of financial need.
Only those scoring the highest points in this evaluation were ultimately recommended for scholarships.
Again, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting students, the scholarship unit has continued disbursing student assistance loans (allowances) and study loans (tuition fees).
For the reporting quarter, a total of E298,316,533.02 was expended on student funding.
Tuition fees for local institutions are set to be finalized in the last quarter of the financial year, coinciding with second-semester registration and the consolidation of the academic year.