The issue of delays in remitting bursaries and loan money given to government-sponsored students in public universities took centre stage during a stakeholders’ meeting that was organised by the Students Financing Agency for Rwanda (SFAR).

The meeting was called to exchange views and ideas on the management of students’ bursary/loan application and disbursement so as to ensure efficiency in service delivery.

In the meeting, students representatives kept wondering why the monthly allowance given to them always comes late making it difficult for them to meet their financial needs.

The Rwf 25,000 per month given to every student through SFAR in all public universities in the country covers accommodation, feeding and facilitation expenses.
This year was characterized by delays of relaying the money to different public institutions.

According to the Director of SFAR Emmanuel Muvunyi, the delays were caused by changing of the financial year which was adjusted to conform to the East African budget calendar hence leading to the delays in the first months of the year.

During the meeting, it was discovered that various stakeholders were to blame especially the schools for their slow pace in providing the list of students to SFAR for approval by the Finance Ministry.

Students were also blamed for late registration.
After discussions, it was agreed that all stakeholder do their part early enough to avert the occurrence of a similar situation next academic year.

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