The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has unveiled an exciting cost-sharing sponsorship collaboration with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian citizens in Australia.
Under this partnership, TSLS is set to cover various expenses including health insurance, airfares, stipends, and additional costs. Monash University has committed to provide full tuition fees for 15 students, while Swinburne and Griffith will each support five students.
This initiative builds on existing agreements with four other Australian universities, increasing the total number of available cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships to 39. In addition to these, there are 10 Ph.D. scholarships available through a Masters by Ph.D. program at local and New Zealand universities, making for a total of 49 scholarships available for the upcoming academic year. Ph.D. applications are being accepted throughout the year.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that it positions Monash as a significant host for Fijian students in Australia. He reiterated the collaboration’s objective to enhance human capacity in Fiji, stating, “With the signing of our agreement with TSLS, Monash University proudly hosts one of the largest Fijian cohorts among Australian universities. We are excited to deepen our partnership with TSLS, fostering the development of Fiji’s human capacity through our co-funded Ph.D. programme. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all.”
Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, referred to this as a historic allocation of scholarships that would significantly enhance Fiji’s intellectual capital. He pointed out that this cost-sharing model saves an average of $270,000 per student, totaling savings of $10.5 million for taxpayers. “In cost-sharing Ph.D. scheme, the taxpayers will save an average of $270,000.00 per student and with 39 scholarships in the scheme, the total savings is $10.5 million. This is achieved through successful negotiations and the Australian universities having development optics towards Fiji and the Pacific,” he explained.
This partnership not only underscores a commitment to educational advancement but also signifies a constructive step toward developing the intellectual resources of Fiji, ultimately benefiting both the students and their home country.
In summary, the TSLS’s collaboration with Australian universities is set to foster a brighter future for Fijian students, contributing to both their personal growth and the enhancement of Fiji’s intellectual landscape.
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