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Palau National Scholarship Board administers government assistance for Palauan students seeking post-secondary education and seeks additional source of scholarship opportunities to help fill high priority jobs in the Republic. Section
I: General Information & Eligibility Requirements RPPL 2-5 created the Palau National Scholarship Board to carry out the duties of this Act. The national programs are funded by the Republic of Palau national government. Basic Requirements are as followed
General Documents Required
Section
II: Types of Programs Available The following programs are available thru the Palau National Scholarship Office. Following are descriptions of each program and requirements that must be met in order to quality as a recipient. Conditions / Obligations ·
All recipients of scholarship, grant,
and student loans are required to work in the Republic for the duration
of at least three (3) years, commencing two (2) years after completion
of graduate degree studies, for graduate students or commencing two
(2) years after completion of all other degree studies.
If scholarship, grant and/or loan recipient ceases his degree studies and
fails to obtain his degree, he/she is required to pay back 50% of the
grant or loan within two years time. All grant and loan recipients regardless
of completion of studies must work in the Republic for not less than
three (3) years after the two-year grace period. If scholarship, grant
or loan recipient fails to return and work in the Republic within the
allotted time period, said recipient shall be liable to pay back to
the Scholarship Fund the total amount of the scholarship, grant and/or
student loan received with interest. (RPPL
7-13). · Undergraduate students may receive financial assistance from PNSB for a maximum period of five (5) years regardless of program. Students enrolled in a two-year college may receive financial assistance for a period of not more than three (3) years. 1. Congressional
Scholastic Award 1.1. Description Pursuant to 22 PNC 230, this scholarship was created to award the top ten (10) Palauan High School senior student graduating from high school in Palau or else where each year. 1.2 Eligibility (a) Must be a high school graduating senior. (b) Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75 or all four year of high school. (c) Must have been accepted to a college or university for the upcoming Fall semester. (d) Must have taken SAT & TOEFL test. 1.3 Limitation This is a one-time award of $5,000.00 1.4 Other Documents Required In addition to the general documents required, the applicant must also provide the following: (a) CSA application form (completed). (b) Copy of birth certificate AND valid Palau passport. (c) Copy of Diploma or certificate of graduation. (d) Copy of SAT & TOEFL scores. 2.1. Description General grant provided to eligible applicants of PNSB programs and intended to defray basic costs of post-secondary education. 2.2. Eligibility (a) Awards are available for undergraduate students. (b) Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 if he/she is a high school senior. (c) Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 if he/she is a continuing undergraduate college student. 2.3 Limitation Grants are limited to a period of not more than five years. 3.1. Full Scholarship 3.1a Description This scholarship provides full funding for tuition, housing and expenses to a limited number of recipients through specifically identified educational institutions majoring in priority fields. 3.1b Eligibility (a) Must be at least junior or senior level in college. (b) Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. 3.1c Limitation A recipient of this scholarship may not be at the same time a recipient of another scholarship program. 3.2. Partial Scholarship 3.2a Description This scholarship provides tuition funding to defray part of students’ educational expenses at a wider number of institutions. 3.2b Eligibility (a) Must be at least junior or senior level in college. (b) Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5. 3.3. Limitation Scholarships are limited to a period of not more than 5 years. 4.1. Description Not less than twenty-five percent of the Scholarship Fund is available each year to undergraduate and graduate student as supplemental assistance based on financial need. Not less than ten percent of the Scholarship Fund is reserved for loans to students in medicine, law, and engineering as required under RPPL 6-37. 4.2. Eligibility Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. 4.3 Conditions 4.3a Maximum Amount of Loan Loans are limited to the following amounts for the cost of tuition and other fees, room and board, books, transportation insurance and miscellaneous expenses: $5,000.00 per academic year for undergraduate studies for a period of not more than five (5) academic years of study; and $20,000.00 per academic year for graduate studies or professional study for a period of not more than three (3) academic years of study. Upon a showing a good cause and in consistent with the criteria set forth in these regulations, the board may authorize additional loan amounts that may exceed the maximum set forth in this section. The total amounts of any loan is contingent upon the availability of funds and the merits of an application. 4.3b Interest on Loan No interest will accrue on loans issued herein until six (6) months after completion of the program for which the loan was issued, at which point, interest will accrue at the rate of 5% per year. Such interest shall not be compounded. However, in the event the loan is forfeited pursuant to section 1.7, interest shall begin accruing immediately at the rate of 5% per year. 4.3c Selection of Loan Recipients The Palau National Scholarship Board shall review each loan application, and based on the merits of the application and the availability of funds, determine whether to issue the loan. Determination of the merits of an applications for a loan shall include the following: (a) The applicant’s scholastic record, aptitude and financial need. (b) Palau’s need for professional personnel in the applicant’s intended field of study. (c) The applicant’s demonstrated intent to remain in or return to Palau for employment. 4.3d Obligations of Loan Recipients The recipient of loan (hereinafter “Recipient”) must fulfill the following obligations: (a) Comply with all Palau Student Loan Program criteria and conditions of the Scholarship Board as set forth in this manual; maintain a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0. (b) Submit a copy of his/her grade report at the end of each semester/quarter. (c) By accepting the loan, the student agrees that the Scholarship Board, may obtain any or all information from his/her respective institution as needed to comply with the Scholarship Board regulations. 4.3e Promissory Note The Recipient shall execute a Promissory Note with the co-signer, who must reside in the Republic of Palau. The Promissory Note shall be in the form as shown in Exhibit B. The Recipient and the co-signer shall execute a separate promissory note for any amounts loaned pursuant to Section 4.3f below. 4.3f Conditions for Renewal of the Loan A recipient may apply for additional amounts under this program to complete his/her studies (hereinafter “loan renewal”). To be eligible for a loan renewal, the Recipient must comply with the following: (a) Submit his/her loan application by July 31 every year. (b) Maintain his/her status as a regular full-time student at the institution. (c) Maintain satisfactory academic standing in accordance with Section 4.3(d) of this regulation. (d) Comply with all regulations governing Palau Student Loan Program as referenced in this manual. The decision to renew a loan, and the amount of any loan renewal, shall depend upon the availability of funds and the merits of an application, based on the criteria identified in Section 4.3c above. No loan shall be continued beyond a period of five (5) years for undergraduate studies or three (3) years of graduate/professional studies in the specific academic/technical degree program for which the original loan was granted except as provided for in Section 4.3a. 4.3g Forfeiture of Loan Forfeiture of a loan shall result form any of the causes listed below, and any loan found to be forfeited shall be immediately due and payable on the terms set forth in the Promissory Note executed in accordance with receipt of the loan. (a) Suspension or dismissal for academic deficiency, disciplinary reasons, or conviction of a felony. (b) Withdrawal from the institution in anticipation of any action under (a), above, or for any other reason(s) not authorized by the Scholarship Board. (c) Failure to maintain status as full-time student. (d) Failure to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 as provided in Section 1.4(b) above. (e) Violation of other Scholarship Board regulations. 4.3h Service Credit In accordance with the purpose for which these loans are being granted, a loan recipient may receive credit toward repayment of his/her loan as provided for in this Section. For each consecutive 12-month period the recipient is employed full-time in Palau and otherwise complies with the requirements for obtaining Service Credit under this section, the recipient shall receive a credit (hereinafter “Service Credit”) of (1) $3,000.00 toward repayment of principal on the loan, and (2) an amount equal to any unpaid interest on such principal. (a) If a recipient returns to the Republic, re-establish residency and notify PNSB of the same within sixty days of their return, he/she will receive a fifteen percent immediate credit against his/her total awards. (b) If the recipient returns to Palau within (6) months after graduation or completion of his/her last term of school whichever is sooner, five percent of the total award he/she received will be credited against the student’s account. When he/she begins full-time employment in Palau, he/she will receive Service Credit for the period beginning on the date of such employment. The recipient shall continue to receive Service Credit of (1) $3,000.00 toward repayment of the principal on the loan, and (2) an amount equal to any unpaid interest on such principal, for each year thereafter that he/she remains employed full-time in Palau, until the loan is repaid in full. (1) If the recipient wishes to temporarily terminate employment in Palau to continue his/her studies on a full-time basis at an accredited institution of higher education, he/she may appeal in writing to the Scholarship Board for authorization to do so. (2) If the recipient requires specialized training in his/her field, he/she may suspend or postpone his/her employment in Palau while undergoing such specialized training. Repayment of the loan will be deferred while recipient undergoes such training, provided that the training is verified by the director/authorized official of the training program on at leas an annual basis. (3) If the recipient ceases his/her employment in Palau for any reason other than that specified in (a)(1), or (2) above, then he/she shall no longer be eligible for Service Credit and shall begin repayment of the outstanding balance on the loan plus the interest of 5% on the terms specified in the Promissory Note. In the even that the recipient subsequently recommences work full-time in Palau, then repayment of any outstanding loan amount due and owing at the time recipient recommences work in Palau shall be deferred during the time recipient continues to work full-time, and recipient shall be eligible for Service Credit as provided for in (a)(1) above. However, if the recipient is in arrears with his/her repayment or has otherwise failed to meet the obligations set forth in the Promissory Note, then there shall be no deferment and he/she shall not be entitled to nay Service Credit until he/she makes all payments due and owing under the Promissory Note. (c) If the recipient fails to return to Palau and begin employment within six (6) months and has not otherwise obtained authorization from the Scholarship board to do so, then he/she must begin repayment of the loan on the terms specified in the Promissory Note. If, prior to repaying the loan in full, the recipient commences full-time employment in Palau, then repayment of the remainder of the loan shall be deferred and he/she shall be entitled to Service Credit as provided for in Section (a) above. However, if the recipient is in arrears with his repayments or has otherwise failed to meet the obligations set forth in the Promissory Note, then there shall be no deferment and he/she shall not be entitled to Service Credit until he/she makes all payments due and owing under the Promissory Note. (d) It is the responsibility of the recipient to provide the scholarship Board with documentation of employment qualifying for Service Credit und this Section. The initial documentation must be submitted within six moths after graduation, or if the recipient commences work in Palau, the first day of employment. Five percent will be credited against a student’s account when a student provides a copy of his/her diploma or certificate of completion. Thereafter, documentation shall be submitted every 12 months. Forms are available at the Palau National Scholarship Office. (e) For good cause and consistent with the purpose for which these loans are granted, the Scholarship Board may defer repayment of the loan under the Promissory Note or otherwise make accommodations for the receipt of Service Credit under this Section. (f) Students who return to the Republic may receive credit for balances outstanding after their return. 5. Other
PNSB Sponsored Programs 5.1. Scholarship Program for Courses Offered Through Non-Traditional Means 5.1a Description Special scholarship program for students enrolled in a full-time through non-traditional means. 5.1b Eligibility (a) Must reside in the Republic of Palau. (b) Cumulative grade point average must be at least 3.0 if a graduating high school senior, 2.5 if continuing college student, 3.0 if graduate student. 5.1c Limitation Award may not exceed $5,000.00 per academic year for all level and may not be granted for longer than a cumulative period of 30 months. 6. Non-PNSB
Sponsored Programs Palau National Scholarship Board also administers programs that are funded by other sources such as other countries or local private companies. Each scholarship program differs form the next according to the specifications of the donor. Below lists some of the scholarship programs currently being administered or facilitated by PNSB. (This list is subject to change). (a) Minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 if a graduating senior. (b) Minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 if a sophomore. (c) Minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 if a junior or senior in college. (d) Must attend a college/university outside of Palau & major in any of the following: (1) Biological Science – Pre-Med, Medicine or Marine Biology (2) Physical Science – Chemistry (Teaching) (3) Social Science – Economics, Pre-Law/Law, Math (Teaching) Award amount is estimated at $1,000.00 and the deadline is around July 31st of each year. (a) Must be a second-year degree student at PCC majoring in any of the following: Business, Economics, Accounting, Finance (b) Minimum grade point average of at least 3.50 (a) Must be a second-year degree student at PCC majoring in Business or any vocational field such as mechanics, carpentry, etc. (b) Minimum grade point average of at least 3.00 4.
Matson-Kamabara Palau Scholarship (Currently On-Hold)
(a) Must be a junior, senior or graduate student. (b) Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and a grade point average of 3.0 in his/her major field of study. (c) Must major in business, transportation or related fields. 5.
Australia (AUSAID) Scholarships Full Scholarship opportunities available to Palauan students pursuing their undergraduate and post-graduate studies. Deadline is around the beginning of March each year. For more information contact the Scholarship Office. 6.
Japan Government Scholarships Full scholarship opportunities for students pursuing their undergraduate or post-graduate studies in Japan. Deadline is usually in the beginning of July. For more information contact the Scholarship Office. 7.
New Zealand (NZODA) Scholarships Full Scholarship opportunities for students pursuing their undergraduate or post-graduate studies in the country of New Zealand or other South Pacific nation such as Fiji. Scholarships are also available in the form of short-term trainings. For more information contact the Scholarship Office. 8.
Taiwan/ROC Pacific Islands Forum Scholarship Full scholarship opportunities for students pursuing their undergraduate or post-graduate studies or training in the South Pacific or any of the forum member countries. Deadline is around mid November. For more information contact the Scholarship Office. The Kayangel Scholarship is offering one (1) scholarship to a graduating high school senior from the state of Kayangel who has been accepted to an institute of post secondary education. The recipient will receive an award of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for one academic year that will be paid at the beginning of Fall semester. The following criteria and conditions are hereby established for selecting the Kayangel Scholarship recipient: 1. An applicant must be from Kayangel. Provide a copy of birth certificate and passport. 2. At leas one parent must be a registered voter of Kayangel state. 3. An applicant must be accepted to an institute of post secondary education. Provide copy of an acceptance letter. 4. An applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50. Provide an official high school transcript. Palau Grant, Palau Student Loan*, Palau Scholarship Complete & Submit a Financial Assistance Request Form (Form REQ001). Must submit the following documents: 1. Official Transcript 2. Proof of citizenship such as a valid Palau passport 3. Acceptance letter (if new or transfer student) *Palau Student Loan—if declared eligible, PNSB will notify applicant and a promissory note and cosigner note will be required before any loans are paid. Shell Palau Scholarship & Bank of Hawaii Scholarship If interested, complete an application for each of the programs. Refer to each scholarship application for the required documents according to each program. Section IV.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. When is the deadline? July 31st of each year. 2. What are the priority fields? RPPL 6-37 names Medicine, Engineering, and Law as priority fields. 3. What if I was born outside of Palau, can I apply for financial assistance from PNSB? As long as you can prove your Palauan citizenship, you can apply for any of the PNSB programs. 4. Can I use my non-Palauan passport as proof of my Palauan citizenship? No. You must provide a copy of a valid Palau passport. 5. Can I apply for the CSA even though I am graduating from a high school outside of Palau? Yes. 6. Can I just fill one application form for all the programs? Form REQ 001 is a consolidated application for Palau Grant, Palau Scholarship, and Palau Student Loan. Other programs have their own application forms that need to be completed if you wish to be considered for each specific program. 7. Can you accept my online grades and schedule? As long as you have your name and school name on your online grade and schedule, we accept it. Otherwise, you must provide an official transcript to claim the second half of your award. 8. Can you waive the TOEFL & SAT requirement for the Congressional Scholastic Award? No! These two tests are required by Law. 9. What if I don’t return to Palau after I finish school? You must pay back all your student loans and any applicable financial assistance you may have received that require repayment. 10. What is the minimum award? There is no minimum. 11. What is the minimum grade point average required for scholarship and student loan? Palau Student Loan requires at least 2.0 Palau Grant grade point average requirement ranges from 2.5 and higher depending on your class level. Palau Scholarship requires at least 3.0. 12. What if my grade point average falls below the required grade point average during the school year, can I still have may second half of the award? Yes. As long as you don’t completely withdraw from school, you are entitled to receive your second half of the award. 13. Can you accept a faxed copy of an official transcript? Yes, but an original must be received within thirty (30) days after the deadline date. 14. Who is qualified co-signer? Either or both of your parents/guardian. A co-signer must be currently employed and reside in Palau. 15. What is the interest on the Student Loan? Five percent. 16. Am I eligible to receive funds from PNSB if I am on the AUSAID scholarship or NZODA scholarship or other full scholarship? No 17. Do I have to pay back the loan? Yes, it has to be paid back in the form of cash payment OR if eligible, in the form of service credit. 18. Can I apply for student loan to pay off my school debt? In order to qualify for a student loan, you must be currently enrolled full-time or have been accepted into a full-time course. 19. What are my payment options? Your student loan must be paid off as soon as possible but you may work out a plan that ranges from one to five years. 20. What if I don’t pay? Legal action may be filed against you. 21. What is the difference between Palau Scholarship, Palau Student Loan & Palau Grant? (1) Palau Scholarship – for juniors & seniors in college with GPA of 3.0 or higher. (2) Palau Grant – for all undergraduate level with a GPA of 2.5 or above. (3) Palau Student Loan – for all levels with GPA of 2.0 or higher Maximum for undergraduate: $5,000.00 / year. Maximum for graduate/professional: $20,000.00 / year *All applicant must be full-time. 22. Why all the change? From as early as 1999, the board has endeavored to develop a comprehensive set of policies & programs to guide the allocation of future financial assistance, promote sustainability of PNSB Program simplify application & administration of awards, and encourage students to return to Palau and contribute to the economy into the new millennium. |
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