Concerns expressed over student grant delays, GSD says

The GSD yesterday said it has received a number of concerns from students and parents in respect of delays in the processing of Scholarship Grants payments for the academic year 2020/2021.

The GSD said it has come to their notice that the Department of Education are unable to provide students with a firm date by when grants will be processed and transferred into their bank accounts.

Opposition MP for Education, Edwin Reyes, appealed for “urgent updates” on the processing of grants.

“I appeal for urgent updates from the Education Department so that students may plan accordingly and commit themselves upon matters such as financial commitments and so ensure that payment deadlines are met without incurring unnecessary penalties,” Mr Reyes said.

“Delays in processing grants could result in students not being able to avail themselves of
lower priced flights as these are limited in numbers and sell like hot cakes during heavy demand dates.”

“Likewise, students are being pressed to make advance payments or deposits in respect of their accommodation arrangements for the forthcoming term, and even for a whole academic year for those who will not reside on campus, resulting in many students having to borrow money from other family members or friends in order to enter into necessary contracts.”