Overview:
Great news for Palauan college students: scholarship awards from the Palau National Scholarship Board are set to increase in 2026 after Congress approved a major budget boost, bringing more financial relief for tuition, books and living expenses.
By: L.N. Reklai
Palauan college students are getting a major boost to help pay for school, as scholarship awards from the Palau National Scholarship Board are set to increase starting in the spring and fall semesters of 2026 following a significant funding increase approved by the Olbiil Era Kelulau.
The PNSB’s budget for fiscal year 2026 was increased by 26%, giving the board the flexibility to raise scholarship award levels above those issued in fall 2025 while still staying within each student’s demonstrated financial need, PNSB Chairman Joseph Anastacio said.
In a letter to Senate President Hokkons, Anastacio called the funding increase welcome news for students and families and said the expanded budget will translate directly into stronger financial support for Palauans pursuing higher education.
“Because of the increase in the FY 2026 budget for PNSB, the Board will be able to increase the level of spring awards, without exceeding the student financial aid need, higher than the fall 2025 awards,” Anastacio wrote.
The scholarship board’s budget for the spring and summer terms of fiscal year 2026 rose to $3.2 million, up from $2,388,810 in fiscal year 2025, marking one of the largest recent funding increases for the program.
Anastacio credited the Olbiil Era Kelulau for strengthening the scholarship fund and emphasized that the investment goes beyond tuition assistance, helping shape Palau’s future workforce and leadership.
“As you know, the Scholarship Fund represents a long-term investment in Palauan students, enabling them to complete advanced degrees and in return, contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development,” he wrote, thanking lawmakers for ensuring the program “not only endures but grows.”
For students balancing tuition, housing, books and rising living costs, the higher awards are expected to ease financial pressure and open more opportunities to stay focused on academic success.
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