KABUL - Higher Education Minister Dr. Obaidullah Obaid on Wednesday said his ministry needed $24 million to admit to higher educational institutes the students flunking the university entrance test.

Obaid told this at a press conference, attended by representatives from donor countries, organizations, the US Embassy and the World Bank (WB), the aid would enable the ministry to help failing students continue higher studies.

Obaid said private universities were ready to give students admissions on remitted fees. There were talented students who could not pursue higher studies due to financial constrains, the minister lamented.

He said they were planning to increase the capacity of existing universities and establish more universities and departments under a new policy, which required $24 million in aid from the international community.

The minister also called on traders and local donors to cooperate with the Ministry of Higher Education in addressing problems confronted by failing students, who could contribute to the country’s future development.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, about 254,000 students will sit this year’s university entrance test

Of them, 60,000 students would be enrolled to public sector universities and another 30,000 in higher educational institutes. 

More than 33,000 students will be granted admission with discount and 400 others free of cost at private universities, according to Obaid. (Pajhwok)