Student allowance not meant to cover living costs, says Minister

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) allowance is "just assistance" and was never intended to cover students' everyday living expenses, as criticism grows over the new four-instalment payment system.

Mr Immanuel defended TSLS today after it announced that student allowances would be paid in four instalments of 25 per cent each, instead of two, from Semester 2 and Quarter 3 of 2026.

"TSLS normally does the consultation with all the institutions and universities," Mr Immanuel said when questioned by this masthead about whether consultations had been held before the decision was made.

"However, as we are aware, all those are just assistance. We can't cater for students' everyday needs.

"Just assistance to ensure that their programmes are paid for, plus some assistance, as you mentioned, allowance."

The changes, approved through the 2026–2027 National Budget process, have drawn criticism from students and Opposition MP Ketan Lal, who said many students skip meals and struggle to pay rent, transport and other upfront costs.

Mr Immanuel also linked the payment changes to funding pressures caused by a surge in student enrolments.

"The number of students that went in the first semester doubled," he said, adding that this meant less funding was available heading into the second semester.

He said the Government would consider additional funding to ensure continuity of courses once next week's Budget debate had concluded.

Mr Immanuel said TSLS conducted consultations with institutions before making the changes, although students have said they were not directly consulted.