by Quratul-Ain BandialENROLMENT at the International Graduate Studies (IGS) College has increased by more than 100 per cent after the scholarship scheme for private technical and vocational institutions was introduced last July.
IGS College Registrar Mohamad Abu Bakar said the college had received 347 new students under the government-sponsored scheme.
"Our enrolment has more than doubled since the introduction of the new scheme," he told The Brunei Times during an orientation programme for the new intake yesterday.
Mohamad added that the scheme would give opportunities to school-leavers with only three or four 'O' level credits who have been shut out of government-run technical and vocational schools due to stiff competition for limited places.
"Under the scholarship scheme, school leavers will have a chance to pursue tertiary education," he said. "Under the country's vision 2035 each individual citizen must have some kind of qualification and must be employable. This scheme will give rise to a skilled population and lessen unemployment among school-leavers."
The scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford high tuition fees for higher education in the private sector. Under the scheme, Brunei citizens will enjoy full sponsorship of tuition fees with a monthly transportation allowance of $45, while tuition fees will be heavily subsidised for permanent residents.
IGS College is one of five local institutions selected to house the scholarship students, along with Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology, Kemuda Institute, Laksamana College of Business and Micronet International College.
IGS College offers certificate, pre-diploma, national diploma and higher national diploma programmes in business, computing in finance. Fees can range from $2,400 to $3,600 per annum.
During the orientation, IGS College CEO Pg Hjh Fatimah Pengiran Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin, urged new scholarship students not to squander the opportunity given by the government.
"As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and shaping our students, amongst whom are you; the younger generation of this nation, to become future leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and whatever areas that you are interested in."
The scheme was one out of the three educational schemes announced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during his 65th birthday titah on July 15.
Approximately $100 million has been allocated to the scheme and to date 1,104 scholarships have been awarded.
The Brunei Times
