Fiji Cracks Down on Unregistered Higher-Education Providers

The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) has expressed significant concerns regarding the increasing number of unrecognized educational institutions operating within the country. These institutions lack the necessary approval and oversight from the FHEC, which is the official authority responsible for regulating and verifying the eligibility of all higher education providers in Fiji.

Chairman Steve Chand highlighted that many of these unauthorized institutions are affiliated with foreign entities, whose primary aim is to recruit local students for studies abroad. Unfortunately, students enrolling through such agencies often find themselves without sufficient academic, welfare, or administrative support upon arriving in their host countries, leading to a precarious situation.

Chand elaborated that these practices contravene the mandates set forth by the Higher Education Act 2008 and the Higher Education Amendment Act 2017. Both laws require that education providers and recruiting agents be duly registered and adhere to national standards. He cautioned that unregulated institutions often mislead students with false promises concerning course accreditation, visa arrangements, potential employment, and available support services, which can result in both financial and personal risks.

The FHEC Chairman is encouraging parents, students, and guardians to exercise caution. Thoroughly verifying the legitimacy of any recruitment agency or educational institution before making commitments is vital to prevent falling prey to fraudulent operations. Chand emphasized the importance of confirming whether an institution is officially recognized by the FHEC to avoid being misled.

The FHEC is committed to monitoring the situation and will take necessary action against illegal education providers, aiming to maintain the integrity of Fiji’s higher education system while protecting the interests of students. This proactive approach serves as a protective measure for students and promotes a safer educational environment in Fiji.