Government recovered over E57 million in scholarship repayments during the 2025/26 financial year, marking a decline from the previous year.
According to the annual performance report released by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Eswatini), a gross total of E57 083 843.12 was collected between April and December 2025.
This amount was collected from three government collection points.
Of the total amount, E51.9 million was recovered through the consortium, E4.9 million through the civil service salary system and E174 827 from the government scholarship recovery account held with First National Bank.
The figures reflect a drop from the E62.6 million reportedly collected in the 2023/24 financial year, where E53.2 million was recovered through the consortium, E8 million through the civil service salary system and E1.4 million via the scholarship recovery account at First National Bank.
The ministry further reported that the Scholarship Unit was grappling with an overwhelming number of applications for study loan support, with many qualifying students left unassisted due to reduced scholarship awards.
ALSO READ | Rejected DPM’s mansion to be converted into safe house
The number of scholarships has reportedly been cut from 4 500 to 3 550, while the country continues to produce approximately 20 000 high school graduates annually since 2020.
On average, the unit reported that it received around 6 000 scholarship applications each year, yet only 3 550 awards are available.
“The unit is going to receive more applications from students who were enrolled for the four-year programme. Also anticipated in the coming financial year is a further influx of applications and appeals for scholarship support considering the piloted year duration of high school education,” read the report.
Therefore, the ministry anticipates a surge in scholarship appeals and study loan applications in the coming financial year, warning of possible public outcry if funding is not increased to accommodate the growing number of eligible students.
