By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, August 10, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has approved the nationwide expansion of the Presidential Scholarship Program, extending financial assistance to public high schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions while increasing the number of beneficiaries in five counties.
The expansion will increase scholarship slots in Lofa, Nimba, Grand Kru, Maryland and Margibi counties and extend the program to public educational institutions in other parts of Liberia.
Presidential Scholarship Committee Chairperson Bill McGill Jones announced the decision Friday, August 7, during the Executive Mansion’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.
Jones said the expansion is part of an ongoing restructuring of the Presidential Scholarship Program by the Presidential Scholarship Steering Committee aimed at broadening access to education.
The Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs Scholarship Program was launched in December 2024 as a merit-based initiative to provide financial assistance to qualified Liberian students pursuing higher education.
According to Jones, more than 490 students at 22 colleges and universities in seven counties — Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Margibi, Grand Kru, Maryland and Lofa — have benefited from the program since its establishment. Nearly 100 beneficiaries are expected to graduate this year.
Under the expansion, additional institutions will be covered, including Grand Bassa University, Bong County University, Sinoe County Community College, Grand Gedeh Community College, Bomi County University and the David A. Straz Technical College of the University of Liberia in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County.
The program will also be extended to public TVET institutions and public high schools as part of the government’s effort to expand scholarship opportunities beyond traditional university education.
Jones said the scholarship will remain merit-based, with beneficiaries selected under established academic and financial criteria.
Students with a minimum 3.00 grade point average will be eligible for an Academic Scholarship covering 100 percent of tuition, while students with at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need may qualify for financial aid covering 60 percent of tuition.
An Executive Mansion release issued August 9 said scholarship beneficiaries will also be required to complete 10 hours of community service per semester.
The government currently provides US$200,000 annually through the national budget under the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs to cover tuition costs for scholarship recipients. The program also receives support from corporate institutions.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President is expected to host the first Inter-University Debate for Presidential Scholarship recipients from August 13 to 14 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
According to the Executive Mansion, nearly 500 scholarship beneficiaries are expected to participate in the event, which will focus on critical thinking, public speaking, academic performance and civic engagement.
Winners will receive institutional and individual awards to be presented by President Boakai during the National Flag Day program on August 24.
The Ministry of State identified Orange Liberia, NASSCORP, the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Telecommunications Authority, National Port Authority and Liberia Petroleum Refining Company among institutions providing support to the scholarship program and its activities.
The Executive Mansion said applications for the next intake will open shortly, with eligible students in 10 counties expected to participate in the upcoming application process.
