50,000 places still available

SEMARANG: Despite the financial difficulties faced by many parents throughout the country, university students have apparently forgotten that some 50,000 government scholarships are still available.

"Out of the 70,000 university scholarships made available, only 20,000 have so far been taken up," the director for private universities in the education ministry, Joetata Hadihardaja, said here yesterday.

He pointed out that the scholarships would be very useful for students who were facing financial difficulties.

"I don't know why students have not taken advantage of the schemes.

"I hope every private university will publicize the existence of funds to help students financially," he said.

All interested parties can register for scholarships through their universities. Selected students will each receive Rp 700,000 (US$48) per year. (har)