Thirteen higher education institutions in Fiji will receive a substantial government grant of $88.7 million for the financial year 2024-2025. This announcement was made during a recent signing ceremony for the grant agreements, led by Steve Chand, chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Fiji.
Chand highlighted that this funding is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to meeting future labor demands in the country. He stated, “This funding aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Fijian workforce in the medium to long term by providing our students with access to high-quality education and professional training.”
He emphasized that the initiative aims to equip more Fijians with the knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibility necessary to fulfill the demands of a rapidly changing economy and to mitigate the skills shortage in Fiji. The distribution of funds was based on the Costed Operational Plans (COPs) submitted by the 13 participating institutions.
Chand clarified that the grants are designated for operational expenses only and are not intended for capital asset purchases. Institutions are encouraged to consult with the HEC for any questions regarding the utilization of these funds.
To align the grants with labor market requirements, all institutions will be required to submit Graduate Destination Surveys alongside their quarterly financial reports. The HEC will oversee the effectiveness of the grants, warning that funding for programs producing graduates in areas with an oversupply of labor may be retracted.