Bursary helps poor students

POSTGRADUATE students at NMMU are set to benefit from funds raised by vice-chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz’s campaign last year.

Part of NMMU’s commitment to broaden access to higher education, the R1.1-million raised through Swartz’s ascent of Japan’s Mount Fuji in August will be used for the VC Summit Scholarship programme.

The funds will go to academically deserving but financially needy postgraduate students, specifically honours students.

NMMU spokeswoman Debbie Derry said the scholarship was part of a bigger NMMU initiative to encourage students not only to further their studies after completing their initial degree, but also to grow postgraduate numbers and contribute to the growth of the next generation of academics.

As a recipient of bursary funding himself, Swartz said he appreciated the importance of investing in deserving students.

“I was supported through the generosity of people I did not know. Now it is my turn to encourage funding support so as to ensure that the current and next generations also succeed,” Swartz said.

He stressed the need to retain hardworking students by exposing them to the long-term benefits of postgraduate studies.

Prospective bursary recipients must meet criteria including being enrolled for a full-time honours qualification, being financially needy and academically deserving and having proof of co-curricular activities at undergraduate levels.

Students can apply at room 314, main building, south campus. Applications close on February 18.