The Higher Education Commission of Fiji is set to utilize the country’s overseas missions to enhance the verification process for foreign educational institutions, particularly as a growing number of students opt for non-traditional study destinations such as Japan and China. This initiative aims to combat the prevalence of fraudulent schools that either lack proper facilities or do not exist at all.
Chair Steve Chand highlighted the necessity of this move, stating that the Commission has failed to adequately verify the legitimacy of overseas institutions in the past. He shared concerning anecdotes from students who returned to Fiji claiming they attended classes at institutions that had no physical presence or qualified lecturers.
Chand pointed out that the increasing number of students exploring diverse educational opportunities abroad has revealed deficiencies in monitoring and regulatory oversight. “We have students that are going to Japan, China, and all the other countries. While we cannot resolve every issue globally, strengthening our systems can significantly aid our Fijians by providing a reliable framework,” he explained.
In addition to these efforts, the Ministry of Immigration is reportedly tightening its processes to ensure better scrutiny of student admissions to foreign institutions. This collaborative approach between the education and immigration sectors aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for Fijian students pursuing their studies abroad.
This proactive stance will not only protect the interests of students but also reinforce trust in the education system, ensuring that those who are eager to learn are firmly supported in their academic journeys.
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