The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has forged a significant cost-sharing sponsorship partnership with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon, Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens pursuing education in Australia.
As part of this arrangement, the TSLS will cover various expenses such as health insurance, airfare, stipends, and other essential costs, while Monash University will provide full tuition fees for 15 students. Additionally, both Swinburne and Griffith will cover tuition for 5 students each.
This new collaboration expands upon existing agreements with four other Australian universities, increasing the total number of cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships to 39. Furthermore, there are an additional 10 scholarships available under the Masters by Ph.D. program at universities in Fiji and New Zealand, making a total of 49 scholarships accessible for the upcoming academic year. Applications for Ph.D. programs are open year-round.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, underscored the importance of this agreement, indicating that it would position Monash as one of the leading hosts for Fijian students in Australia. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to enhance the development of human resources in Fiji.
“We are excited to deepen our partnership with TSLS, fostering the development of Fiji’s human capacity through our co-funded Ph.D. program. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all,” stated Professor Jeffrey.
TSLS CEO Dr. Hasmukh Lal described the awarding of these scholarships as a landmark achievement that will significantly enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital. He pointed out that the cost-sharing initiative results in an average savings of $270,000 per student, amounting to a total saving of $10.5 million for taxpayers.
“In the cost-sharing Ph.D. scheme, taxpayers save an average of $270,000 per student. With 39 scholarships available, this translates to substantial savings achieved through successful negotiations and the development-focused approach of Australian universities towards Fiji and the Pacific region,” Dr. Lal noted.
This initiative not only reflects a robust commitment to education by fostering global partnerships but also symbolizes hope for a brighter future for many Fijian students, paving the way for enhanced academic and professional opportunities that can contribute to Fiji’s long-term development.
Overall, the successful execution of this partnership is promising and serves as an example of international cooperation in education, with the potential to yield positive outcomes for Fijian students and their communities.
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