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 by Steve Chand, the chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Fiji.
Chand stated that this funding reflects the Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing the future labor requirements in the country. He emphasized that the grants aim to enhance the competitiveness of the Fijian workforce over the medium to long term by providing students with access to quality education and professional training.
The initiative is designed to equip more Fijians with the knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibilities necessary to meet employment demands in a dynamic economy and alleviate the skills shortage in Fiji. The distribution of funds is based on assessments of Costed Operational Plans (COPs) submitted by the institutions.
Chand clarified that the grants are allocated primarily for operational expenses and not for purchasing capital assets. Institutions are advised to consult with the HEC for any questions regarding the use of the funds. To ensure that the grants align with labor market needs, all institutions must submit Graduate Destination Surveys along with their quarterly financial reports.
The HEC will monitor how effectively the grants are utilized, with a warning that funding could be retracted from institutions producing graduates in fields where there is an oversupply in the labor market.