USP to confirm later on how many students will be financially assisted

The University of the South Pacific says it cannot confirm now as to how many private undergraduate and postgraduate level students will be financially assisted.

The USP through the Student Bursary Scheme will cover up to 50% of total tuition fees for students who are facing financial hardship.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Jito Vanualailai says the numbers will not be known until later in the year as the bursary has just opened.

Vanualailai says in the past, the bursary has assisted between 250-300 students per semester. The University says that applicants must pay their fees prior to fee payment deadline and will be subsequently refunded if their application is successful.

It says all registered students are eligible for the bursary assistance, with the exception of students supported by sponsorship or scholarships schemes and students who are eligible for TSLB Schemes.

The applicants will need to have a GPA of 2.5 or better in the most recent semester/trimester and have a combined family income of not more than $25,000 a year.

The USP says the bursary will cover one student per family between sibling and parents.