Fiji citizens now have numerous options for pursuing PhD programs at various esteemed institutions in Australia, thanks to a newly established cost-sharing sponsorship collaboration. This partnership involves the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University.
Under this initiative, the Fijian government, through TSLS, will cover essential expenses for students, including overseas health insurance, airfares, stipends, and other related costs. Monash University will provide full tuition for 15 students, while both Swinburne and Griffith University will support five students each. TSLS has announced that the application period for these scholarships will remain open year-round, providing flexibility for potential candidates.
Additionally, four other Australian universities have joined this cost-sharing PhD program, including the University of Newcastle, which will offer five scholarships, the University of New South Wales with one, Queensland University of Technology with five, and Western Sydney University with three. This brings the total number of scholarships available under the scheme to 39.
Students are required to complete their Master’s degree prior to applying for a PhD, with the possibility of continuing their studies at a local university or in New Zealand under a different initiative. For the upcoming academic year, 49 scholarships will be available through TSLS.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice President at Monash University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to Fijian students, noting that it has become one of the largest hosts for them among Australian universities. Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, expressed optimism about the benefits of this program, stating it will significantly enhance intellectual capital within Fiji’s workforce. He highlighted that taxpayers could save an average of $270,000 per student, leading to a total savings of around $10.5 million from the 39 scholarships.
This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to educational collaboration and investment in the future of Fijian academia, paving the way for enhanced opportunities for students and the potential growth of Fiji’s intellectual resources. It’s an exciting time for prospective scholars in Fiji, as they can now access world-class education and further their careers in an environment that champions international cooperation.
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