Griffin clarifies UPNG’s position on higher education loan programme

The National Main Stories

By JINA AMBA
THE University of PNG has clarified that the higher education loan programme (Help) is administered by a government department and not the university.
Vice chancellor Professor Frank Griffin said the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) looked after the loan programme.
He said UPNG had no control over it.
Prof Griffin was responding to queries on why the university was telling students to pay the compulsory fee of K2,939 to register before applying for the loan.
Parents and students were hoping to pay the K2,939 from the Help loan.
But Prof Griffin said DHERST had informed UPNG that a student had to register first at the university before applying for a Help loan.
He said registration was based on paying the compulsory fee – something UPNG had no control over.
“Last year, we were advised by the Government to leave no one behind,” Prof Griffin said.
“So we went ahead and registered all students.
“But this year, the policy was changed by the department (DHERST).
“Last year, we did not get all of the Help funding.
“It’s a programme done by DHERST so who they give the money or decide to give the money to is a question you have to ask the department.”

10 comments

  • What about the 1000 + UPNG Open college students ? Can UPNG & DHREST Clarify. Last year 2020 Most applied for the but this year they they said they are not Eligible to apply again.

  • One of many things that will seem to be attractive but is too good to be true isn’t it? Always strings attached and problematic as always in this country.

  • Yes. UPNG is right. HELP is a good program for disadvantaged students but the money is not going to the university. University of Goroka is saying the same thing. People in authority need act so that students benefit from the HELP program

  • Very interesting response from the UPNG VC, just how affordable is this loan thing especially by those financially disadvantaged students who can’t afford to register first? How much time is left for DHERST and UPNG to put their acts together to enhance a favorable outcome?

  • Students must register first before they apply and approved for the HELP loan program. Which means there is a avenue for both parents and students have to show a responsibility to partake in the learning and development of a learners wellbeing.

    Nevertheless the DHERST is doing a tremendous job to relieve the burden of those struggling parents and students in such needy times.

    Anyway congratulations for a new academic year 2021 to everyone.

    Wari Kondowa (LLB1)

  • UPNG and DHERST please sit down and talk and reach a common understanding instead of getting students to run around and creating unnecessary apprehension in students whether they can register on time to study. Nothing seems to be getting better for students because each one wants to control their turf.

  • Thank you. My child was a victim of this last year. She was left out from school due to payment of compulsory fees including full payment of accommodation and meals. This really put a lot of pressure on us parents especially us from the province who needs board and lodging for our kids and more to this, I have two children to cater for and a mother parent who is a breadwinner. I also have to cater for my other children who is attending secondary school too. Fees is something University has to consider with parents who are in the same category as I am and be flexible with consideration. Thank you.

  • HElp scheme does not even serve its purpose so funds allocated should be channelled to receiving tertiary institutions. Students can then pay their tuition fees at a reduced rate

  • That help thing, is it for UPNG only or for all the tertiary institution in Papua New Guinea.
    And the other thing, is it for HECAS and AES students only or for every tertiary students who is a PNG citizen and study in one of the PNG institution. Please I need clarification.

  • We need consistency in addressing this important issue. Don’t forget that about 80% plus of our population is rural based.Coming up wirh that type of money for compulsory ,accomodation and other pocket expense is a big ask. All we ask for is consistency with the policy so parents, guardians are well aware of their portion year in year out.

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