Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Reporter
State university students can now work for their respective learning institutions in lieu of paying tuition fees under a new initiative meant to assist those from disadvantaged families.
The “work-for-fees” scheme is aimed at assisting students, in the wake of recent adjustments in tuition fees, prompted by the redirection of education subsidies towards development of infrastructure at institutions of higher learning.
In addition, the Government is offering low-cost student loans through CBZ Bank for those in distress.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira said there was depressed uptake of Government-backed student loans.
“The money is there, and we have provided enough funds for the loan facility,” he said.
“Should that be exhausted, we have more money set aside, which can be accessed through CBZ Bank.
“Apart from that, we have also introduced the ‘work for fees’ scheme, which allows learners from vulnerable backgrounds to work for their respective institutions and have part of their fees waived.”
He said the “work for fees” scheme was a common practice at institutions of higher learning globally.
“The scheme is already attracting a lot of students and we are encouraging them to take advantage of it,” said Prof Tagwira.
“On top of that, we have directed the universities to have flexible tuition fees payment terms, which are favourable to both the students and the institutions.”
These initiatives, he said, have addressed students’ concerns following the increase in tuition fees.
“Because of these measures, over 95 percent of students at the University of Zimbabwe are now registered and will sit their examinations without any problems. It is more or less the same situation in other state universities.”
CBZ Bank group marketing and corporate affairs executive Ms Matilda Nyathi said the bank has deployed teams to publicise and promote the loans scheme.
“The bank’s role is to approve and administer the loans subject to the agreed terms and conditions,” she said.
“There is room to increase the fund should demand for the loan facility increase. We are deploying our teams to higher and tertiary education institutions to sell the loans and we are also engaging student unions.”
Ms Nyathi said all students enrolled at higher and tertiary education institutions qualify for the loans.
She said beneficiaries must prove their ability to repay.
“Students who are already working and doing postgraduate programmes are also eligible for this facility provided they get the institutions’ recommendation,” she said.
To apply for the loans, students are required to submit to the bank a completed application form endorsed by their university.
The applicant is then required to deposit a non-refundable loan administration fee. The bank will then process the application and once approved, funds are disbursed directly into the participating university’s bank account.
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