The Public Service Commission has extended the deadline for application for those students who wish to seek assistance under the 2010 Student Loan Scheme by a week.

With 431 applications received by the PSC Scholarship Office, PSC Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said applications are still being received from students particularly in the rural areas.

He said it is only fair that a week’s extension be granted as there was not enough time for those in rural areas to respond.

The new deadline for the receipt of applications is now Friday 5th March 2010.

According to Chand both new and continuing students are eligible to apply, however they must be a Fiji citizen, between the ages of 18 and 25 years and fully supported by parents or guardians, whose combine annual income does not exceed $15,000 per annum.

Chand also said they must study in a field considered by the PSC as appropriate to the human resource needs of the nation.

However, he said Form 7 and Foundation Courses will not be sponsored in this scheme.

The Student Loan Scheme is an affirmative action programme by the Government to assist disadvantaged families who cannot otherwise access tertiary training education.