Government to sponsor new students only no re-sponsorship
06 Jul 2026
Minister of Higher Education Prince Maele has announced that only new students will be sponsored under the 2026/27 Government Sponsorship Cycle.
He says the sponsorship will be strictly limited to first-time applicants under the new intake category, including top achievers, as part of efforts to manage resources and improve sustainability of the programme.
Furthermore, Mr Maele explained that Ministry of Higher Education targets a total of 12,250 applicants under the 2026/27 Government Sponsorship Cycle.
Minister Prince Maele says 7,906 of the places go to applicants who have attained 36 points and above in the BGCSE, IGCSE or equivalent qualifications.
He further states that 1,200 slots are allocated to applicants from marginalised and special needs communities who have attained 31 points and above or equivalent qualifications.
In addition, 3,000 places are set aside for applicants who upgrade their Advanced level results in the previous year.
Furthermore, Mr Maele explained that the selection criteria for the 2026/27 Government Sponsorship Cycle remain unchanged.
He says prospective applicants must have obtained a minimum of 36 points in the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) or an equivalent qualification to be eligible for consideration. Top achievers are required to have attained at least six A* grades or their equivalent.
Minister Maele says, in line with government's commitment to promoting equitable access to education, applicants qualifying under the Affirmative Action Framework will be considered with a minimum of 31 points or an equivalent qualification.
The Ministry of Higher Education set aside a total of 144 sponsorship places for top achievers under the 2026/27 Government Sponsorship Cycle.
Minister Prince Maele says the allocation forms part of the revised sponsorship structure, with emphasis on sustainability while continuing to support high-performing students. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : BOPA
Location : Gaborone
Event : Sponsorship launch
Date : 06 Jul 2026
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