Thirteen higher education institutions in Fiji are set to receive a substantial government grant amounting to $88.7 million for the 2024-2025 financial year. This announcement was made during a recent signing ceremony for the grant agreements by Steve Chand, chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Chand stated that these grants are part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to meeting future workforce demands in the country. He emphasized that the funding aims 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 is expected to equip more Fijians with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibilities to meet the changing demands of a dynamic economy and to address the current skills shortage in Fiji.
Chand explained that the distribution of funds would be based on the Costed Operational Plans (COPs) submitted by the thirteen institutions, clarifying that the grants are intended solely for operational expenses rather than capital purchases. Institutions are required to consult with the HEC for any questions regarding how the funds should be utilized.
To align with labour market needs, all institutions must submit Graduate Destination Surveys along with their quarterly financial reports. The HEC will oversee the effectiveness of the funding, stating that if an institution is found to be producing graduates in fields experiencing oversupply, future funding for those programs may be reconsidered.