As of the latest reports, a minimum of 4,600 university students have formally contested their government funding allocations under the newly implemented university financing framework. Data from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) indicates that a total of 4,621 appeals were lodged by Thursday, following the reopening of the appeals portal on April 1, as mandated by the Court of Appeal.
With the deadline for submitting appeals approaching on April 21, students who are dissatisfied with their funding allocations have a mere four days remaining to voice their grievances.
The appeals process provides students with a secondary opportunity to dispute the classification of their government support within the context of the new Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding Model.
The Ministry of Education has amended the appeals procedure in accordance with directives issued by the Court of Appeal.
Geoffrey Monari, the Chief Executive Officer of HELB, informed this reporter on Wednesday that the appeals process has been broadened to encompass a wider array of issues.
“Previously, students were required to provide a singular rationale for their appeal. Now, they are permitted to submit multiple justifications,” Monari stated.
He further noted that the revised system allows students to present reasons not included in the standard options, thereby offering greater flexibility in articulating their circumstances.
“The court instructed us to engage in public consultation and incorporate feedback to enhance the appeals mechanism. We have enacted these modifications,” Monari remarked.
He also confirmed that HELB has successfully processed 109,000 funding applications from new students, which had been postponed following a temporary suspension of the new model by the High Court in December 2024.
On April 1, HELB, in conjunction with the Universities Fund, called upon the public to participate in a review of the scholarship and loan appeals process, subsequent to a ruling by the Court of Appeal issued on March 26. This ruling had suspended an earlier High Court decision that deemed the funding model unconstitutional and mandated the completion of public consultation within a 14-day timeframe.
At present, HELB assesses appeals based on the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) score utilized during the initial application process. Only new information that was not previously submitted can affect a reassessment.
Significant grounds for appeal include the death of one or both parents, abandonment by guardians, or the presence of family members with chronic medical conditions. Additionally, students with disabilities, those enrolled in government cash transfer programs, or recipients of other forms of social protection support are eligible for reconsideration.
Other pertinent factors include recent loss of parental income, sponsorship during primary or secondary education, or having a sibling in higher education who is also seeking financial assistance.
