The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has entered into a new cost-sharing sponsorship partnership with Monash University and Swinburne University of Technology, with plans to include Griffith University in the near future. This initiative aims to fund Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens studying in Australia.
As part of this collaboration, the TSLS will cover various expenses including health insurance, airfares, stipends, and other costs associated with students’ studies. Monash University will provide full tuition coverage for 15 students, while Swinburne and Griffith universities will each support five students.
This recent agreement expands upon previous partnerships with four other Australian universities, increasing the total number of cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships now available to 39. Additionally, there are 10 Ph.D. scholarships offered under a Masters by Ph.D. program at local and New Zealand universities, resulting in a total of 49 scholarships available for the upcoming academic year. Ph.D. applications are open year-round.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, 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 expressed excitement about the partnership with TSLS, which aims to enhance capacity building in Fiji.
Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, described this as a historic allocation of scholarships, which will significantly enhance Fiji’s intellectual resources. He added that the cost-sharing scheme allows for significant savings, estimating an average of $270,000 saved per student, totaling approximately $10.5 million for taxpayers.
In summary, this initiative not only provides valuable educational opportunities for Fijian citizens but also promotes economic efficiency. It showcases the commitment of Australian universities to support the development of human capital in Fiji, fostering a brighter future through education and collaboration.
This partnership highlights the importance of investment in education and the development of skilled professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth of Fiji and its global engagement.
Leave a comment