The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has recently extended the application period for financial aid provided by the ministry.

According to a report made available to The Jordan Times, the application period was extended until Thursday, November 29.

The ministry’s financial aid — through the form of grants or loans — supports around 40,000 students annually. So far, more than 52,000 students have applied for various aid this year.

Student affairs officers at universities commended the extension, saying that some students were “overwhelmed with midterms” and could not complete the required paperwork for the application in time.

“Some students are applying for the first time, and they need more time to complete their applications. Others are familiar with the process but were in the middle of midterms and did not have a chance to acquire the needed paperwork,” said Saddam Tarawneh, a student councillor at Al Azraq University.

One beneficiary who preferred anonymity said it was crucial that underprivileged students were given the time they needed to complete the application process, as the financial aid they receive was “the only way they could get through university”.

He added that “if it was not for the grant I receive under the ‘unfortunate background’ criteria, it would be impossible for my dad to put me through college. We are six children and his salary is JD400”.

Since its establishment, the Higher Education Ministry has supported students with JD250 million through its financial aid programmes.