Education Ministry Admits Concerns Over Unanswered Calls, Says $8.7 Million Paid to 7,961 Students
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged concerns about how quickly its Scholarships and Grants Unit responds to calls and emails. This follows a News 5 report in which students said delayed financial aid is leaving them with late fees, loans and unpaid tuition.
The Ministry said it “acknowledges concerns regarding responsiveness to telephone and email enquiries” directed to the unit. It said it “recognises the importance of timely communication and remains committed to addressing applicants’ concerns.”
The Ministry said that for this fiscal year, from April to October 23, 2026, it has disbursed BZ$8,685,055.93 in financial assistance to 7,961 students. The students are at the preschool and primary, secondary, TVET, ACE and tertiary levels, at local and foreign institutions. It said the unit continues to process outstanding applications and payments.
The Ministry said the application portal closed on Friday, October 9, so that staff could continue processing and paying applications for this semester. The portal will reopen on December 1 for applications for Semester Two of the 2026/27 academic year.
The statement does not say how many applications are still outstanding, when those payments will be made, or why payments have been late. It also does not address the students’ concerns about late fees or unpaid balances that stop graduates from collecting diplomas.
As we have reported, a student studying abroad said tuition is paid in instalments and that late fees of 10 to 40 percent are not covered by the grant. A recent graduate said he never received the funding he applied for and still can’t collect his diploma. Both said calls and emails go unanswered.