The interest free loan scheme for students not selected to Sri Lankan universities to pursue higher studies introduced by the previous regime in 2017 has been extended to students facing financial difficulties.
The present government has decided to extend this program to provide relief to students who are facing financial difficulties and to prioritize the courses that create more jobs in the future, Higher Education Ministry announced.
The interest free student loan scheme is being implemented from 2017 for providing opportunity to follow a government recognized degree program at a non-governmental higher education institute.
3731 students have been provided this loan under three stages. 202 students have left the program due to various issues, recent progress review report revealed.
The previous government has decided to implement an launched this interest free loan scheme for the students who have an interest and dedication to pursue higher studies.
An opportunity has been created for the students who have obtained minimum qualifications for university entrance at the G.C.E A/L examination held in the year 2017 (obtained 3 passes in A/L examination) one and the same sitting and not exceeding three sittings.
They should have minimum of 30 marks for the common general test, yet did not get a chance for entering into a State University, to follow a degree course at non-state degree awarding institutes accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Action has been taken to provide an easy procedure to repay this loan, which is granted to follow degree courses designed suitable for local and international job market opportunities, through relevant banks.
This scheme was aimed to expand higher education opportunities for students who are unable to secure a placement in the State Universities although they were qualified to enter State Universities as per their GCE A/L Examination results.
(LI)