The $1 million development grant has greatly assisted university students and several struggling families, with district council offices prioritising the payment of school tuition.

It is believed that the recent school tuition extension from the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) occurred partly because most students were waiting for the district grant.

The district councils are currently prioritizing NUS students in particular because their tuition deadline has been extended for an extra two weeks which is this coming Friday, 22 March.

The notice posted on the NUS Facebook account stated the new deadline for payment of all Tuition Fees for Semester 1, 2024 is 4 pm on Friday 22 March.

Additionally, the note indicated that students who struggle with payment may opt for partial payment choices

The notice also stated that partial payment options were available for students who had difficulties making payments.

“Students who are finding it difficult to pay off their fees are reminded to see the Finance Director to sign a Partial Payment Agreement."

In the end, following the new deadline, students with unpaid tuition fees will be de-registered.

The Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane Tuuau, reported to Parliament this week that numerous district offices have shown their support in the education sector by settling school fees for students.

Seuula acknowledged the district councils for paying school fees not only for the university but also for secondary schools, hoping it will be extended to primary and early childhood education.

In recent weeks, several districts made public their presentations regarding the funds they were allotted from their district grant to help students cover parts of their tuition for this academic year.

The Faleata No2 district council provided a $1,000 SAT scholarship to 23 students from NUS and USP with the hope that it would help lessen the financial burden on parents and guardians.

According to a statement issued by the constituency's board of directors, Aana Alofi No2 has also granted $17,488.SAT to seven university participants in recent weeks.