PPS opens entries for R1m worth of scholarships and bursaries

Entries for the PPS 2013 Scholarship and Bursaries, worth a total of R1 million, have now opened.

A recent study by the Council for Higher Education revealed that 40% of students who enroll at higher education institutions will never receive a qualification, often for financial reasons.

“We understand the financial pressures that exist among many students in completing their studies and with this in mind we aim to assist students through the annual PPS Bursary Awards,” says Mike Jackson, Chief Executive at PPS.

He says the bursaries also play an important role in addressing South Africa’s skills shortages. “Given the severe skills crisis South Africa is currently experiencing in a range of critical professions, it is essential that talented students, who may not be able to afford their education, are given the same opportunities as their peers.”

PPS bursaries are awarded on financial need basis and scholarships on academic excellence. This year, PPS awarded scholarships to the value of R100000 to three astute South African university students as well as bursaries to the value of over R900 000 to 24 outstanding students as part of an ongoing effort to provide much-needed financial assistance to university students across the country.

Jackson says the PPS 2013 Bursary Awards are granted to promising students across the country who are in real need of financial aid to complete their studies. “Education is a vital tool in the creation of a fair and democratic society and we are privileged to be in a position to provide financial assistance to outstanding students through these bursaries.”

The bursaries are paid directly to the university where the recipient is studying and is administered by the university to cover university fees and textbook costs.

2011 statistics published in The Economist, reveal that while black South African students account for nearly half of all university students (and 80% of the whole population), less than one in 20 of the relevant black age group, will graduate with a degree, compared with almost half of all whites as a result of their disadvantaged backgrounds. PPS aims to improve this statistic with 75% of bursaries having been awarded to black students in 2012, a significant increase to the 2011 bursaries.

Jackson says the PPS Scholarship Awards, which have been running for over a decade, have assisted many outstanding students with notable academic records to further their studies, towards graduation and beyond. “It is extremely gratifying to be part of a process that not only rewards promising young talent in South Africa but also ensures that those students who otherwise may not be able to continue their studies can do so without fear of financial constraint.”

To be eligible for the 2013 awards, the student must be registered at a South African university registering for a fourth academic year of study or post-graduate degree and must be studying towards a profession, which on qualification, would be eligible for PPS membership such as medicine, commerce, science or engineering. The student must also be a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa. Recipients of the PPS Scholarship and Bursary awards will be required to become PPS Student members at no additional cost.

Students who are interested can visit the Student Zone webpage on http://www.ppsinnercircle.co.za// from 18 September 2012 to apply. Applications close on the 15 January 2013.

“We are confident that the promising young learners who receive the PPS Bursaries and Scholarships will go on to contribute to the improvement of our society and make great strides in whichever career they choose,” concludes Jackson.