Thirteen higher education institutions in Fiji will receive a total government grant of $88.7 million for the financial year 2024-2025. This announcement was made by Steve Chand, chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Fiji, during a recent signing ceremony for the grant agreements.
Chand emphasized that the grants are part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to meeting future labor needs in the country. The funding is intended to enhance the competitiveness of the Fijian workforce in the medium to long term by providing students with access to quality education and professional training. This initiative aims to equip more Fijians with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to address the demands of a rapidly evolving economy and to mitigate the skills shortage in Fiji.
The allocation of funds was determined based on Costed Operational Plans (COPs) submitted by the institutions. Chand noted that the grants are designated primarily for operational costs rather than capital asset purchases. He urged institutions to consult with the HEC for clarifications regarding the utilization of the funds.
To align the grants with labor market needs, all institutions are required to submit Graduate Destination Surveys along with their quarterly financial reports. The HEC will oversee the effectiveness of the grants, and if any institution produces graduates in fields with an oversupply of labor, funding for those programs may be withdrawn.