07 May 2024

Government has availed over P3 billion for tertiary education sponsorship to cater for new, progressing and re-sponsored students for the period 2024/25.

Of the 36 000 candidates who sat for the Form Five examination last year, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said only 11 880 new students would be sponsored by the Department of Tertiary Education Fund this financial year.

Dr Letsholathebe, who was briefing the media at the launch of the 2024/25 tertiary financing sponsorship in Gaborone yesterday, said the remaining 24 120 learners who did not attain the 36 cut off point, would be enrolled under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

He said the sponsorship budget had been increased by 11.45 per cent in the current fiscal year compared to the previous year.

Also, he said from the amount, over P300 million would sponsor a total of 5 568 progressing and re-sponsored students.  

The ministry sponsored about 10 070 new students last year while 1 836 were re-sponsorship, Dr Letsholathebe said.

He said for the past three years, the ministry was unable to provide for progression sponsorship but this time around and with resources permitting, they would.

Dr Letsholathebe said progression sponsorship targeted those willing to proceed to the next level of their qualification such as a diploma holder looking to pursue a degree.

As for the re-sponsorship cadre, he said these were learners who faced challenges that hindered them to complete their education, but were left with a few months to finish their studies.

Special needs students (orphaned, vulnerable and underprivileged children), Dr Letsholathebe said the ministry would maintain the cut off point at 31.

He encouraged students to use e-services platform set by the ministry, to avoid travelling to Gaborone to tender their applications. 

As for students looking to enrol under TVET, he urged education and training providers to be ready to assist hastily before sponsorships were closed. ends