The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) has forged a new partnership with Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University, aimed at funding Ph.D. programs for Fijian students in Australia. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing educational opportunities for Fijian citizens.
Under this collaborative agreement, the TSLS will cover essential expenses including health insurance, airfare, stipends, and other related costs. Monash University has committed to covering full tuition fees for 15 students, while both Swinburne and Griffith will fund an additional five students each.
This latest partnership complements existing agreements with four other Australian universities, increasing the total number of cost-sharing Ph.D. scholarships to 39. In addition, there are 10 scholarships available for a Masters by Ph.D. program at local and New Zealand universities, bringing the overall total of scholarships for the upcoming academic year to 49. Applications for these Ph.D. positions are accepted throughout the year.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Monash University, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating that it positions Monash as one of the key hosts for Fijian students in Australia. He expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, which aims to strengthen human capacity development in Fiji.
Dr. Hasmukh Lal, the CEO of TSLS, described the scholarship allocation as historic, signifying a major boost to Fiji’s intellectual capital. He further noted that the cost-sharing initiative results in substantial savings, estimating an average savings of $270,000 per student, leading to a total savings of approximately $10.5 million for taxpayers.
This collaboration not only opens new avenues for Fijian students to pursue higher education abroad, but it also promises significant economic benefits for the country. By investing in education through these partnerships, Fiji is taking proactive steps to enhance its intellectual and professional resources, ultimately aiming for a brighter and more prosperous future.
In summary, this initiative presents a valuable opportunity for Fijian students to further their education while also contributing to national development, setting a positive precedent for future educational partnerships.
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