Senior Minister within the Office of President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service Dr Ashni Singh yesterday announced additional measures to improve ease of access to the Student Loan Write Off Programme initiative by prospective beneficiaries.
A release from Minister Singh’s office urged prospective beneficiaries to submit their applications as soon as possible, so as to facilitate timely processing of the applications in the interest of ensuring that everyone eligible benefited from the write-off of their outstanding student loans.
According to the release, online submission of applications is now possible through the Ministry of Finance website at https://studentloanwriteoff.gov.gy/apply/new. Further, drop boxes for hard copy submissions of applications will be placed at all ten Regional Democratic Council offices countrywide with immediate effect, as well as the Ministry of Education at 26 Brickdam, and the University of Guyana Tain Campus, Berbice.
The release said that applicants may also mail in their application via any post office to the Student Loan Agency. They are advised to address the envelope to: Student Loan Agency, PO Box 101544, Georgetown, and state their name and address on the back of the envelope. in addition, application forms will also be available at all RDC and NDC offices countrywide
According to the release, applicants can download the application form using the link: https://finance.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Student-Loan-Application-Form-2024-Final.pdf. Hard copies of this form can also be submitted to the Student Loan Agency at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen.
In May the government announced its intention to commence phase one of its planned Student Loan Write-Off Programme for past UG students. Initially, the criteria for benefitting from the programme included individuals being able to demonstrate completion of their studies, having graduated and being subsequently employed for a minimum of three years in Guyana as well as having proof of a minimum of 156 NIS contributions. However, the last criterion was removed a few days later.
This first phase could potentially benefit more than 13,000 Guyanese who have $11 billion in student loan debt. Past-students have already commenced their submissions.
Later it was further announced that eligible candidates will have to present proof of residency in Guyana. This proof, it was specified, can be in the form of a utility bill or registered mail, a bank statement that has been issued within the last six months (in the applicant’s name), or a driver’s licence.
Further, it was explained that current non-residents of Guyana must provide proof that they worked in the country for three years following graduation.
