ABOUT 109 new intakes in the Bachelor of Accounting students at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) are calling on the government to sponsor them this year.
They made the call yesterday after seeing the government approving an extra $17.3 million to meet the scholarships of tertiary students who missed out in the first selection by National Examination and Standard Unit.
Besides, Cabinet has also agreed for the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue Contingency Warrant in the sum of $3.1 million to meet tertiary education expenses of 50 Solomon Islands students who had been offered admission at various Papua New Guinea tertiary institutions in 2016 under the PNG Government-funded scholarship scheme.
The criteria for pre-service scholarships are the attainment of a GPA (Grades Point Average) of 3.00 and above along with a letter of acceptance by the preferred institute of study.
As for in-service scholarships, the criteria are a letter of acceptance by preferred educational institution, job training needs and age.
SINU Bachelor Accounting interim chairman, David Siata said their call was for the government to recognise them and prioritise its own university rather than spending more money at regional institutions.
Mr Siata said the cost of tuition fees is very expensive with $6,000 per semester and $12,000 for full semester.
He said these package is too small compare to students the government sent to study in overseas’ institutions.
“Our next plan is to submit our submission to the government.
“This is to allow the government to consider our application for sponsorship,” he said.
SINU is expected to start its academic year on 2nd February.
