USP will cover 50% of tuition fees for students facing financial hardship and that meet the criteria

The University of the South Pacific will provide financial assistance to private USP undergraduate and postgraduate level students who are facing financial hardship.

The USP through the Student Bursary Scheme will cover up to to 50% of total tuition fees.

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.

The USP is expected to reveal soon as to how many students will be assisted through this scheme.