The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has formed a new collaborative cost-sharing sponsorship partnership with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon to include Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens in Australia.
This partnership will enable the TSLS to take care of costs such as health insurance, airfares, stipends, and other necessary expenses, while Monash University is set to cover the full tuition fees for 15 students. Meanwhile, Swinburne and Griffith will each sponsor 5 students.
With this initiative, the total number of cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships has increased to 39 by adding to existing agreements with four Australian universities. Additionally, there are 10 scholarships available for a Masters by Ph.D. program at local and New Zealand universities, leading to a total of 49 scholarships available for the upcoming academic year. Applications for these Ph.D. programs are accepted year-round.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that it positions Monash as one of the largest hosts of Fijian students in Australia. He remarked that the collaboration aims to enhance the development of human capacity in Fiji.
“We are proud to host one of the largest Fijian cohorts among Australian universities. This partnership with TSLS reflects our commitment to developing Fiji’s human resources through our co-funded Ph.D. program, ultimately shaping a brighter future for everyone involved,” he stated.
TSLS CEO Dr. Hasmukh Lal described this initiative as a historic allocation of scholarships that would significantly enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital. He pointed out that the cost-sharing scheme results in an average saving of $270,000 per student, summing up to a remarkable $10.5 million savings for taxpayers over the course of these scholarships.
“In this cost-sharing Ph.D. scheme, taxpayers save approximately $270,000 per student, totaling $10.5 million with the 39 scholarships. This is the result of successful negotiations and a welcoming attitude from Australian universities towards Fiji and the Pacific region,” he explained.
This new partnership signifies a positive step towards strengthening educational opportunities for Fijian students, fostering growth in intellectual expertise, and building a promising future for the nation. The enhanced collaboration with leading Australian universities opens up pathways for many students to achieve their academic goals, which can lead to significant positive impacts on Fiji’s development.
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