Presidential scholarship window for disadvantaged varsity students

GOVERNMENT has invited disadvantaged but academically gifted citizens to apply for Presidential scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes amid calls for learners from Matabeleland region to capitalise on the opportunity.

Hundreds of less privileged students have over the years benefited from the programme, which has taken them to study in foreign universities.

In a recent statement, Chief Director in charge of Presidential and National Scholarships, Dr Wadzanai Kachere, said qualifying aspiring students at both undergraduate and post graduate level should apply and submit their documents through courier services or registered mail before the 26th of February 2024.

She said physical applications are to be submitted in person from 26 February 2024 to March 1, 2024 during working hours at the offices of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in all the country’s 10 provinces.

According to the statement, applicants should have obtained 10 points at Advanced Level for the disciplines they want to undertake.

However, students who want to take up science-related courses at undergraduate level should have obtained A and B in their Advanced Level classes.

Those intending to enrol for post graduate programmes should have Upper-Second Class Degree classification in their programmes.

Programmes on offer are in the Faculties of Engineering, Health Science, Science and Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Management Sciences, Sports and Social and Human Sciences at both undergraduate and post-graduate level.

Dr Kachere, said the Government is targeting disadvantaged but gifted learners for the scholarships.

“The Presidential and National Scholarships Department in the Office of the President invites applicants to register with the Department for Scholarship Nomination for the 2024/2025 academic year.

“The registration process targets able but disadvantaged and academically gifted qualifying students mainly from rural areas of the country’s 10 provinces, intending to pursue undergraduate and post-graduate studies at foreign universities,” reads the statement.

Commenting, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Judith Ncube, said the academically gifted students in Matabeleland region and across the country should take advantage of the opportunity that has been availed.

“The call for applications has been made open and I want to encourage those who qualify to ensure that they submit their applications so that they benefit from this opportunity,” she said.

“The details of how they should apply have been publicised in the media, they should use that information and apply for the scholarships in the field of their choice. So many programmes are on offer.”

The minister said the scholarship programme was a fulfilment of the President’s call that no one should be left behind in provision of equal opportunities.

“The President is on record saying no place and no one should be left behind. The scholarships are an opportunity of not leaving anyone behind as far as access to higher education is concerned,” said Cde Ncube.

Meanwhile, Dr Kachere said masters’ programme applicants should be below 35 years of age while PhD applicants should be below 40 years by the end January next year.

She said applicants should be in possession of a valid passport or proof of application, write an application letter, as well as writing a motivational letter as part of the requirements.

She said applicants should also reference two letters from different persons or institutions and certified copies of A-level and O-level results slips or certificates.

Dr Kachere said post-graduate applicants should submit certified copies of transcripts of their universities. Applicants are also required to produce certified copies of their birth certificates and IDs.

They should also produce a CV showing the district of origin as shown by the birth certificate and ID and three functioning phone or cellphone contacts.-@nqotshili