Scholarships Dept warns of fraudsters

THE Presidential Scholarships and National Scholarships Department has warned prospective applicants for 2019/ 2020 scholarships that it has not hired any agents to collect and facilitate submission of documents and application fees from the members of the public.

In a statement, the Department also said it does not charge for its services.

Some unscrupulous people have gone around posturing as agents of the department in a bid to cheat prospective students of their money.

“The Presidential and National Scholarships Department would like to advise members of the public, especially prospective applicants for 2019/2020 scholarships, that no agents or third parties have been hired on its behalf to collect and facilitate submission of documents and application fees from members of the public who may be seeking its services,” reads the statement. “The Department charges no fees for its services.” The Department said charges for finger prints, medicals and visa processing fees are paid directly to respective service providers by applicants who would have been selected and qualified, neither to any third party nor the department.

“All prospective applicants are hereby advised to submit or mail their documents directly to the office of the Executive Director for Presidential and National Scholarship housed at Compensation House, 10th floor, Corner 4th Street and 25 Central Avenue in Harare,” read part of the statement.

The Department urged applicants to report anyone who purports to be an agent or employee of the Department to the Executive Director of the Presidential and National Scholarships.

Late last year, President Mnangagwa said he was restructuring the Department of scholarships as his administration sought to give top priority to areas of critical skills in line with the Government’s vision premised on a broad national skills strategy. Government said the country seeks scholarships that build national capabilities in areas of greatest need. — @queentauruszw